Behavioral Health Services
The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) provides behavioral health service coordination by:
- Supporting communication access through interpreting services, auxiliary aids, and accommodation consultation
- Providing training and education for mental health, alcoholism, and drug abuse professionals
- Offering consultation and coordination to improve access to behavioral health services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nebraskans
NCDHH does not provide mental health or substance use treatment services. Instead, we help individuals, families, and providers access available programs, resources, and communication accommodations.
Why Behavioral Health Access Matters
People who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing often face significant barriers when seeking behavioral health services. Limited communication access, a shortage of ASL-fluent providers, and a lack of provider training in Deaf culture can make it difficult to receive effective care.
In Nebraska, there are only a small number of known mental health providers who are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). As a result, interpreters often play an important role in service delivery. While interpreters can provide a critical communication bridge between consumers and clinicians, direct communication with an ASL-fluent provider is generally the most effective option. When interpreters are used, it is important that clinicians understand how to work with them appropriately.
Providers should understand the communication needs of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing consumers and be prepared to provide services that are both accessible and culturally responsive.
Resources
Explore behavioral health and communication access resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, families, providers, and community members.
Need Immediate Help?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for individuals experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, substance use concerns, or thoughts of suicide.
Accessible options for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened individuals include:
- ASL videophone services
- Texting 988
- Online chat
- TTY through relay services
Get immediate support with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Meet Our Behavioral Health Liaison
The Behavioral Health Liaison monitors and advises mental health, alcoholism, and drug abuse professionals on best practices for serving people who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing.
Sakura Yodogawa-Campbell
Behavioral Health Liaison
Phone: 402-613-3869
Video Phone: 402-682-7129
Email: sakura.yodogawa@nebraska.gov
Legislative Authority
In 1995, LB25 created the NCDHH Mental Health Specialist position and granted the Commission authority to engage in mental health coordination services. This authority is now codified in Neb. Rev. Stat. ยงยง 71-4728(13), 71-4728.01, 71-4728.02, and 71-4728.04.
NCDHH continues to serve as a resource for consumers, providers, and community partners by promoting accessible behavioral health services for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Nebraskans.
