75 Years of Hope & Healing
WITH KATIE MCLEESE STEPHENSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOPESPOKE
Tell us a little about your journey and what led you to HopeSpoke.
Katie: I knew I wanted to be a social worker at age 15, and I’ve spent my entire career focusing on the mental health of children and families. I’ve had the opportunity to work at Nebraska’s Office of the Supreme Court and Juvenile Justice, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services and a large nonprofit. And while my prior jobs were all great experiences, joining HopeSpoke has been the most rewarding. I love our mission, and our staff has tremendous dedication and expertise. HopeSpoke has great therapists and leaders in mental health.
HopeSpoke is celebrating its 75th anniversary. How has it evolved to meet the community’s mental health and wellness needs?
Katie: HopeSpoke, formerly Child Guidance Center, was formed back in 1949 in response to a national movement recognizing that children’s mental health services were dramatically different than those of adults. We’ve come a long way, evolving the treatment of mental illness with better understanding through brain science and psychiatric help. And while we’ve always focused on kids and families, we now serve many adults.
The pandemic introduced telehealth, which has been transformational – those in need don’t need to drive across town. Telehealth allows us to reach children and families outside of the Lincoln area, too. Our partnership with Lincoln Public Schools also lets us have sessions at school, providing valuable services to families who might otherwise not walk through our doors.
How common would you say it is that kids require mental health services, and what kinds of issues have become more relevant recently?
Before the pandemic, the thought was that one in five people were living with some type of mental health issue. The need for mental health rose, possibly to more like three in five, during the pandemic. There’s a silver lining, though, because people became more aware and helped destigmatize mental health.
The rise in mental health awareness has been helpful for parents because they now have more resources. You know as a parent when something has changed with your children. Depression and anxiety are what we see the most, and there are other issues that we might not address until kids are older. It’s really about listening to your kid. Let them be open with how they are feeling. Behavior has meaning, and there’s something behind it. HopeSpoke’s role is to get to the root of those things and help the family.
What services are available to kids and families?
Katie: Our team understands the importance of early intervention and treatment. HopeSpoke offers:
Crisis & Residential Services
Extended Day Treatment
Outpatient Services
School-based Programs
Do you think Lincoln is a great place to raise kids?
Katie: Certainly! Not only does our community have a tremendous sense of caring, we’re kind of a big small town so our problems seem more solvable. We have great schools with dedicated teachers and staff who go above and beyond — especially in terms of social support.
“A big part of helping those facing mental health issues is just being open-minded. There’s still a perception that having a mental health issue signifies you’re weak or you have some sort of moral failing. With a diagnosis and treatment, people can learn coping strategies and how to manage the symptoms they have. As a parent, be supportive and listen. HopeSpoke can help if your kids need support now.”
- KATIE MCLEESE STEPHENSON
To learn more about HopeSpoke’s services, visit hopespoke.org.