Gothenburg Health has expanded its behavioral health services, which aligns with Mental Health Awareness Month. Lacy Dye, LIMHP, LPC, joins current therapist Kristen Hagin at Gothenburg Health, expanding outpatient counseling services just as May shines a spotlight on mental wellness and the importance of ending stigma around mental health care.

Dye will see patients at Gothenburg Health on Mondays and Tuesdays while continuing to offer therapy at her private practice in downtown Gothenburg. 

“Everyone should be in counseling at some point in their life,” Dye said. “It provides a new perspective, a neutral party, and better ways to manage the stressors in life. It’s helpful to have someone to listen to what’s going on and offer support.”

Dye provides both individual and family counseling and has a particular passion for working with youth and individuals struggling with substance abuse. She also emphasized the importance of making therapy accessible and approachable for all, including men who may initially be reluctant to seek mental health care.

With two licensed therapists now on staff, the hospital is increasing access to mental health care and offering integrated support in close coordination with primary care providers. Patients can be referred for brief support therapy or more comprehensive services based on their individual needs and goals. 

In addition, Hagin’s & Dye’s work complements of the therapy offered by Jamie Slonecker, LIMHP in Gothenburg Health’s Senior Life Solutions program, which supports individuals, typically 65 and older, who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and other mental health challenges often associated with aging. The program was recently recognized as the 2024 One Track Program of the Year by Psychiatric Medical Care, which manages the service. 

Having behavioral health therapists onsite creates a unique opportunity to connect mental and physical health at Gothenburg Health. It’s a great step forward for whole-person care for all ages in our community.

Originally from Grand Island, Dye moved to Gothenburg with her partner, Josh France, who farms with his family. The couple have a two-year-old son.

She began practicing in 2021 after earning her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She previously earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UNK in 2016 with plans to pursue law enforcement. While interning with a domestic violence agency as a criminal justice advocate, Dye discovered her passion for mental health.

Dye said beginning her career in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic helped shape her practice and gave her valuable experience in both telehealth and in-person care. For the past two years, she has worked in the inpatient behavioral health unit in North Platte.

“Working inpatient was fast-paced and demanding,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to slow down and focus more deeply on my patients in a clinical setting.”

Dye is also currently learning Spanish to better serve more members of the community, noting the shortage of Spanish-speaking therapists in the region.

Behavioral health services at Gothenburg Health are often covered by insurance plans, though coverage varies depending on the provider and policy. For more information, contact the Rural Health Clinic at 308-537-4066 or Senior Life Solutions at 308-537-1030.