Speak to Hope
An Impactful Conversation Between Katie McLeese Stephenson and Nathan Lake
For 75 years, HopeSpoke has been dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral and mental health services to children and families. We sat down with Katie McLeese Stephenson, HopeSpoke’s Executive Director, to chat about the changing landscape of mental health and the profound effect of trauma on kids and families. With a steadfast focus on empowerment and support, HopeSpoke illuminates the path toward resilience, helping families to move forward.
How does HopeSpoke meet the community’s mental health needs?
Katie: HopeSpoke, formerly Child Guidance Center, opened 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 health with better understanding through brain science and psychiatric help.
What conditions are more relevant among kids?
Katie: Depression and anxiety. When we talk with parents, we stress how important it is to listen to your kid, and you know as a parent when something has changed. Behavior has meaning, and there’s something behind it. HopeSpoke’s role is to get to the root of those things and help.
“A big part of helping those facing mental health concerns is just being open-minded.”
There’s still a perception that having a mental health condition 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 their symptoms.
What services are available at HopeSpoke?
Katie: Our team understands the importance of early intervention and treatment for children and families. HopeSpoke’s services include Crisis and Residential Programs, Extended Day Treatment, Outpatient, and
School-based Programs.
Why is HopeSpoke special?
Katie: 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, Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Joining HopeSpoke has been the most rewarding. I love our mission, and our staff has tremendous dedication and expertise. HopeSpoke is a leader in mental health.
How You Can Help
HopeSpoke’s mission is to inspire healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. As an organization, HopeSpoke continues to invest in its people and programs. Your support is needed to ensure that it can continue to provide services so all children and families in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska can be healthy and hopeful.
Visit HopeSpoke.org to learn more about its services and how your support can make a difference in the lives of kids.
