The Growing Need for Mental Health Services in Rural Nebraska
If you or a loved one have ever struggled to find a mental health provider in rural Nebraska, you’re not alone. The demand for mental health care has been increasing, but access remains a major challenge—especially outside of Nebraska’s larger cities.
Did you know?
- 88 out of 93 counties in Nebraska are designated mental health professional shortage areas.
- 29 counties have no mental health provider at all.
- In some rural areas, residents must travel over an hour to see a therapist or psychiatrist.
For those in need of therapy, addiction recovery, or crisis support, these barriers can make it nearly impossible to get the help they deserve. Fortunately, new solutions are emerging to bring mental health care to rural communities, including telehealth therapy, local programs, and provider incentives.
Why Is There a Shortage of Mental Health Providers in Rural Areas?
There are many reasons for the mental health provider gap in Nebraska’s rural areas, including:
1. Fewer Providers Choose to Work in Rural Areas
Many mental health professionals prefer to practice in larger cities where there are more job opportunities, higher salaries, and access to professional support networks. This means that smaller communities often struggle to attract and retain therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists.
2. Long Travel Distances for Clients
If you live in a small town or farming community, you might have to drive an hour or more to reach a mental health clinic. For people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or financial difficulties, traveling long distances for therapy is simply not realistic.
3. Limited Insurance Coverage & Medicaid Access
Many rural Nebraskans rely on Medicaid or other insurance programs that may not be accepted by all providers. This makes it even harder to find affordable mental health services, even if a provider is available nearby.
4. Stigma Around Mental Health in Rural Communities
In smaller communities, mental health stigma can make people hesitant to seek help. Many worry about privacy—if they go to a local therapist’s office, they might run into a neighbor or coworker. This fear of being judged prevents many people from getting care when they need it most.
How Telehealth Is Closing the Gap in Nebraska
One of the biggest game-changers in rural mental health care is telehealth therapy. This allows patients to meet with licensed therapists online, from the privacy and convenience of their own home.
How Telehealth Helps Rural Clients
✅ Eliminates the need for travel – Therapy is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
✅ Greater privacy – No need to worry about who sees you walking into a therapist’s office.
✅ More scheduling flexibility – Evening and weekend appointments are often available.
✅ Expands provider options – Rural residents can see specialists from Lincoln, Omaha, or across the state.
At Alfrey & Pruitt Counseling, we offer telehealth therapy to all Nebraska residents—so whether you’re in Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, or a remote town, you can still access quality care.
Substance Use & Mental Health Support for Rural Teens
In addition to therapy for adults, rural Nebraska also lacks mental health resources for teens and young adults. Many families struggle to find addiction recovery programs designed specifically for youth.
At Alfrey & Pruitt Counseling, we’re working to bridge this gap with our Juvenile Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for teens struggling with substance use.
Why This Matters:
🚨 Few rural addiction programs serve adolescents.
🚨 Many teens are placed in juvenile justice programs instead of receiving early intervention.
🚨 Families often travel hours for youth addiction treatment.
Our Juvenile IOP is one of the only programs of its kind in Central Nebraska, helping teens and their families navigate substance use recovery with therapy, education, and life skills training.
If you’re looking for support for a teen struggling with addiction, our structured outpatient program offers help close to home.
Bringing More Mental Health Providers to Rural Nebraska
Addressing the provider shortage requires long-term investment in mental health care. Nebraska is taking steps to incentivize providers to work in rural areas through:
✔ Loan Repayment Programs – New legislation offers full student loan repayment for mental health providers who commit to working in high-need rural areas.
✔ Grants for Telehealth Expansion – Nebraska is investing in broadband access and virtual therapy networks to bring more services to remote communities.
✔ Community-Based Mental Health Initiatives – Local providers like Alfrey & Pruitt Counseling are expanding services to ensure no one is left behind.
How Alfrey & Pruitt Counseling Is Bridging the Gap
We’re proud to be part of the solution by providing accessible, trauma-informed therapy across Nebraska. Here’s how we’re making a difference:
🖥 Telehealth Therapy – Available for adults, teens, and children anywhere in Nebraska.
🏥 In-Person Therapy in Grand Island – Two locations serving children, families, and individuals.
🚸 Juvenile IOP for Substance Use – Helping teens get the support they need, locally.
🌎 LGBTQ+ and Culturally Inclusive Care – Ensuring that therapy is welcoming for everyone.
Mental health care shouldn’t be out of reach just because of where you live. If you or a loved one needs support, we’re here to help.
📞 Schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Final Thoughts
The mental health provider shortage in rural Nebraska is a real challenge—but solutions are emerging. Through telehealth, community programs, and provider incentives, more people are gaining access to the care they need.
If you’re in a rural area and struggling to find therapy or addiction support, know that help is available. At Alfrey & Pruitt Counseling, we’re committed to serving all Nebraskans, no matter where they live.
Looking for support? Contact us today to learn more about our therapy services!
