Methodist Community Counseling Program celebrates 30 years of accessible, affordable services

A Q&A with Ellen McElderry, LIMHP, LADC, LPC, program manager for the Methodist Community Counseling Program

What began as a Methodist Hospital chaplain’s dream 30 years ago has evolved into a trusted operation that provides accessible and affordable behavioral health services throughout Omaha.

The Methodist Community Counseling Program (CCP), which is celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year, allows families to receive professional, confidential behavioral health services in over 35 strategic sites across the city.

Here’s a look at the CCP’s rich past and bright future.

 

What’s the history of the CCP?

In 1996, Dr. Alva Clark, a chaplain at Methodist Hospital, discovered an increasing need for behavioral health services. But barriers to those services, such as cost, transportation and social stigma, limited the number of people who actually received help. A new approach was needed. 

Rather than building a traditional central clinic, Dr. Clark and Methodist Hospital Foundation built partnerships with local philanthropists and neighborhood stakeholders. 

The program started in donated office spaces in neighborhood churches. These sites were chosen because they were:

• Within walking distance for many families
• Located directly on major bus routes
• Familiar landmarks that helped lessen the fear and stigma often associated with clinical behavioral health settings

The locations’ early success caught the attention of other people in the community. Soon after, in a landmark agreement with Omaha Public Schools, the CCP expanded into schools.

By placing licensed mental health practitioners in the schools, the program eliminated transportation hurdles for working parents and allowed therapists to partner directly with school staff. This approach also provided a safety net for vulnerable populations that might never have stepped foot in a medical office.

The mission was simple: Meet the youths and families where they already were. Being physically present in schools meant supporting student’s journeys toward healing in real time.

While the program has grown, the heart of Dr. Clark and Methodist Hospital’s mission remains unchanged. By embedding care into the fabric of daily life – neighborhoods, schools and community locations – the CCP continues to prove that the best way to make an impact on a community is to stay rooted within it.

What has made the program successful for 30 years?

The CCP has been successful for multiple decades because of a combination of deep-rooted community ties and the ability to adapt to the changing landscape of behavioral health. We don't just provide generic care. We provide care that meets our neighbors’ needs.

Our willingness to grow and change to meet the needs of families is evident in everything we do. Whether it’s adopting new therapeutic techniques or expanding services to reach underserved populations, we’ve shown a remarkable ability to evolve without losing our core identity.

At the end of the day, our program is only as strong as its staff. I can confidently say that our staff genuinely cares – not just about the clinical outcomes, but about the human experience of receiving care.

Where is CCP currently serving?

We’re on-site in every middle and high school in Omaha Public Schools while also offering care for anyone, starting at age 12, at eight community locations:

• Benson High School Community Health Center (5120 Maple St., Omaha, NE 68104)
• Center Pointe Professional Plaza (9239 West Center Road, Suite 201, Omaha, NE 68124)
• First United Methodist Church (7020 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68132)
• Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church (2650 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68131)
• Lord of Love Lutheran Church (10405 Fort St., Omaha, NE 68134)
• Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center (8303 Dodge. St, Omaha, NE 68114)
• St. Luke United Methodist Church (11810 Burke St., Omaha, NE 68154)
• St. Paul United Methodist Church (5410 Corby St., Omaha, NE 68104)

Sessions can also be held via telehealth.

How can people access these services?

We want access to care to be simple. Visit bestcare.org/CCP or call our office at (402) 354-6891.   

Why is counseling so important? 

By using evidence-based coping strategies and emotional regulation tools, counseling can be highly effective in reducing the severity of symptoms associated with anxiety, depression and trauma. 

As these emotional burdens lift, clients often experience a significant shift in quality of life. They often see improvements in sleep patterns, workplace productivity, their personal relationships and overall well-being. A healthy mind bolsters the immune system and reduces the risk of chronic physical conditions, proving that good overall health requires a holistic approach. 

How does CCP partner with Methodist Hospital Foundation? 

Part of our mission is to ensure that finances are not a barrier to care. We accept most major private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and self-pay.  We’re also extremely fortunate to have the support of generous donors through Methodist Hospital Foundation. Assistance from the Foundation is available for those who qualify, ensuring that no one is turned away for an inability to pay.  

Visit bestcare.org/CCP to learn more about the Methodist Community Counseling Program, schedule an appointment or learn more about the program’s licensed mental health practitioners.