Mentoring Program

A man and woman sit at a desk in conversation with a laptop and papers before them

Our mentoring program is designed to support undergraduate and graduate students in Nebraska who are pursuing licensed behavioral health careers. Through this program, students will be paired with experienced, licensed mental health professionals who will provide guidance, career insights, and real-world perspectives. Participants will engage in monthly activities and mentoring opportunities from September to May, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing career readiness. The program aims to empower the next generation of mental health professionals by offering mentorship that prepares them for success in the field.

Mentors

BHECN is looking for licensed mental behavioral health practitioners to serve as mentors in Nebraska. Mentors will span across Nebraska cities, towns, private and public entities, and varied behavioral health professions at the licensure level (e.g. LHMP, LIMHP, psychiatrist, counselors).

Target Student Demographic

Mentees will be undergraduate and graduate level students pursuing behavioral health degrees with the goal of licensure in Nebraska. Students seeking to be paired with a mentor may come from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on behavioral health.

Applications

Applications will only be accepted through the official application webpage and must be submitted by June 30. Late submissions will not be considered.

All applicants will receive an email by September 1 with information about their match status.

Match/Mentoring Activities

Mentors and mentees are expected to meet or interact once a month between September to May. This could be through Zoom, phone, or in-person. Activities can include meeting for coffee, lunch, or a mentoring phone call or Zoom. Activities should remain professional with a continued focus on the mentor and mentee dynamic. Opportunities for job and work shadowing may also be arranged when appropriate and possible. BHECN will also provide nominal payments to all mentors to support their monthly gatherings with their mentee and the occasional associated costs (e.g. lunch, coffee, mileage). These payments will be processed at the end of the Fall and Spring semester.

Access the application and FAQs

Click here to access the application.

Read answers to some frequently asked questions about the Mentoring Program below.

Will all applicants be matched?

No. In some cycles, we receive more mentee applications than mentor applications, or we are unable to identify an appropriate match. As a result, not all applicants can be placed in the program.

How does mentor payment work?

Mentors are paid twice per year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Payments are based on the number of meetings completed with their mentee(s).

I am already part of the program. Do I need to reapply each year?

Yes. All mentors and mentees are required to reapply each year. This allows the BHECN team to confirm continued interest and availability. Returning participants may use the same application link and will only need to answer a limited number of questions.

What should I do if I don't feel comfortable with my match?

If you feel your match is not a good fit, please notify your mentor or mentee and inform the BHECN team at bhecnprograms@unmc.edu. When possible, we will attempt to make a new match; however, a rematch cannot be guaranteed.