About Us

Executive Director

Dana Ritterbush, LIMHP, LADC, CEAP

Education: MS in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Experience: Dana has over 15 years of experiencing working with children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. She has provided mental health and substance abuse services for an outpatient counseling agency, a domestic violence women’s shelter, schools, and a corporate Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Expertise: Dana is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Nebraska. She is also a Certified Employee Assistance Professional. She completed her internship in a domestic violence program providing services to children and women who lived in a shelter setting. Dana worked in an EAP for 8 years where she provided services to employees and employers to help address personal and work-related concerns that impact productivity and performance. Other areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, anger management, stress management, substance use, marital/couples counseling and family therapy.

Insurance Panels: Aetna, BCBS, UHC Optum, Molina, Midlands Choice

Administrative Manager

Alexa Bock

Alexa is the Administrative Manager at A Better Way Therapy. She has held previous positions similar to this one at former jobs. She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology. Alexa is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Counseling to become a therapist herself.

Therapist

Carole Nelson LIMHP

Experience: Carole has over 20 years’ experience working with adolescents in school settings and in foster care. She also has 10 years’ experience with providing in-home therapy services to families in crisis.

Expertise areas: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety/ Depression, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills for Borderline Personality Disorder, Mood Disorders, works with Developmental Disabilities, Christian counselor

Insurance panels: Self-Pay, BCBS, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Molina, Medicaid, Well Care, Nebraska Total Care, UHC Optum and others.

Therapist

Travis Brock, LMHP, LPC, PLADC

Education: MS from Bellevue University in Human Services and Clinical Counseling.

Experience: Travis has over 20 years of experience working in the human services field assisting individuals of all ages, genders, races, and cultural backgrounds with cognitive disabilities and criminal backgrounds. He has over 8 years of experience working with individuals with addiction and severe mental health issues. Travis worked for 2 years as the Director of a long-term residential treatment program.

Expertise: Philosophy of CBT and DBT and working with individuals with addiction and severe mental health issues. Working with adolescents dealing with anger management and family issues. Couple’s and Marriage Counseling: improving communication and quality of relationships

Insurance Panels: Aetna, BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Nebraska Total Care, United Behavioral Health, Molina

Therapist

Paula Kohrt, LMHP, CCMHC

Education: M.Ed. in Agency Counseling from the University of Virginia.

Experience: Paula has worked in the human services/child welfare field for 37 years. Her experience includes working with special needs in a group home setting, working with adolescents in a group home setting, working with children ages 2-7 in a day treatment center, and conducting therapy in office and in-home settings. Paula has extensive experience working with young children, adolescents, and their families.

Expertise: Working with young children, adolescents, and families with behavioral and relational issues.

Insurance Panels: Optum UHC, BCBS, Midlands Choice, Molina

Telehealth Therapist

Nicole Nixon, PLMHP

Education: MS in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University.

Experience: Nicole is a provisionally licensed mental health practitioner (PLMHP). She graduated from Bellevue University’s Clinical Counseling program and received her provisional license in March 2023. Nicole has experience working with clients who have co-occurring mental health disorders, stress and anxiety, depression, domestic and sexual violence/abuse and human trafficking. She was an advocate and case manager with the Women’s Center for Advancement for 1.5 years, working closely with clients who have experienced trauma and crisis. Nicole’s internship experience was at Stephen Center, working with clients who struggle with addiction, as well as co-occurring mental health. She has experience utilizing CBT and person-centered approaches to therapy. She is currently under supervision by a provider at A Better Way Therapy.

Expertise: Working with adolescents, teens and adults on issues such as: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, domestic and sexual abuse, addiction, trauma and self-discovery.

Insurance: Nebraska Total Care, Molina, BCBS, Aetna and self-pay.

Therapist

Jessica Petersen, MSW, LIMHP

Education: Bachelors and a Masters in Social Work with a specialty in Health and Mental Health from Saint Louis University.

Experience: Jessica is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) and a Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW). Jessica has experience working in the mental health field for over 15 years to include working inpatient acute mental health, child protective services, residential treatment, foster care, and doing case management services in the outpatient setting. Jessica is experienced working with all ages from children to the geriatric population and enjoys individual and group settings.

Expertise: Jessica is trained in Strength Based Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care to Crisis Intervention. Jessica has worked will all ages from children to the geriatric population.

Insurance: Aetna, BCBS, Medica, Meritain Health, Midlands Choice, Molina, Nebraska Total Care, UHC, UHC Medicare and UMR

Therapist

Shae Frederick, PLMHP, PLMSW

Education: Master’s of Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Experience: Shae is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) and a Provisionally Licensed Master Social Worker (PLMSW).

Passionate about promoting acceptance, healing, and resilience, Shae believes in the power of therapy to facilitate growth and transformation. She is dedicated to creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, gain insight into their experiences, and cultivate a sense of empowerment and self-worth. Throughout her career, Shae has worked to advocate for and empower survivors of domestic violence, LGBTQ+ teens and adults, youth involved in the juvenile justice system, parents seeking resources for their child with challenging behaviors, and children within the child welfare system.

Expertise: Shae specializes in trauma-informed therapy, utilizing evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Common Sense Parenting, and crisis intervention skills to support clients in processing their experiences and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Shae understands the complex interplay of trauma, mental health, and social factors, and tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Shae has worked with all ages but prefers working with adolescents ages 13-18 years old and young adults.

To inquire about scheduling with Shae, please contact our main line at 402-356-3332

Therapist

Sepehr (Sep) Khalili-Tari, LIMHP

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Experience: Sep is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP). Sep has over 10 years of experiences working in the mental health field including: residential treatment, group homes, and providing outpatient therapy services at multiple clinics. Sep provides great professionalism, compassion, and authenticity working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. He also has experience facilitating group therapy and psycho-educational groups for children, adolescents, and adults.

Expertise: Sep has training and expertise in the following treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and RCET (treating youth with problematic sexual behaviors). Sep has expertise in treating anxiety, depression, anger, oppositional defiance, trauma, child problematic sexual behaviors/boundary issues, adjustment issues, and more.

Insurance Panels: Currently self-pay, UHC, UHC Medicaid, BCBS and Aetna. In pending status with several other payers.

Therapist

Lauren Michalewicz, PLMHP

Education: Masters in Healthcare Administration and MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.

Experience: Lauren is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP). Lauren believes in positive shifts and growth that are cultivated through kindness and listening to yourself. With a strong commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental environment, Lauren will strive to support clients in building resilience, improving emotional well-being, and achieving personal growth. She emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine connection to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients. She also believes in empowering individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace while providing guidance and support tailored to their unique experiences. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations, addressing a range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges.

Expertise (or preferred client population): Lauren specializes in person-centered therapy, while also utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and other strength-based approaches. She is there to help clients build self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth in a way that aligns with their values and lived experiences. She makes sure that no matter what approach needs to be used that clients get the best experience and care that each individual deserves. Lauren has worked with all ages, but does prefer adolescents (16+), adults, and older adults.

Insurance Panels: UHC, UHC Medicaid, Aetna, Multiplan and self-pay.