The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

75. A Conversation on Nebraska Mental Health with Annette Dubas

Renee Schulte

In this episode, we sit down with Annette Dubas, Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations (NABHO), to explore the challenges and opportunities facing mental and behavioral health in Nebraska. Annette shares insights into NABHO’s mission to build alliances and advocate for improved access and capacity across the state. We discuss the impact of state provider rates, regulatory changes, and managed care on behavioral health services, as well as the critical role of storytelling in educating newly elected Senators. From workforce development to telehealth advancements and updates on Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), this episode dives deep into the intersection of public policy and mental health. Don't miss this engaging conversation on how mental health connects the dots with corrections, education, and beyond.


In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Understand the key challenges in the behavioral health system and how to address them effectively.
  • Learn effective advocacy strategies to drive positive change in the Nebraska mental health system.
  • Explore the impact of term limits on mental health policy and potential solutions to mitigate their effects.
  • Discover actionable implementation strategies for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) in Nebraska.
  • Gain insights into effective management strategies for behavioral health organizations to enhance their impact and sustainability.


The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to Behavioral Health Advocacy
00:03:07 - Meeting Annette and NAVHO
00:08:33 - Advocacy and Issues Faced by NAVHO
00:11:26 - Challenges of Term Limits
00:12:51 - Specialization in Legislation
00:13:51 - Crisis Management and Legislation
00:15:04 - Navigating Legislative Challenges
00:17:10 - Membership and Advocacy
00:19:03 - Addressing Statewide Behavioral Health Needs
00:20:50 - Legislative Priorities and Advocacy Efforts
00:26:55 - Building Alliances in Behavioral Health Community
00:28:57 - Redesigning Mental Health System
00:29:35 - Impact of Legislative Work
00:30:31 - Recovering Politician Self-Care Policy
00:31:51 - Conclusion and Call to Action 


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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GYpqiyRoPx4