The Board of Regents is pleased to present a KUDOS award to Tricia Besett-Alesch, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
For six years, Tricia has led a 20-person team of clinicians and staff providing mental health support through individual, partner, and group therapy offering crisis services, workshops, and specialized resources for suicide prevention, disordered eating, and substance abuse issues.
CAPS conducted nearly 10,000 sessions last year meeting an increasing mental health need of students. The staff carry a higher load of clients than peers in private practice and see more intense cases. This can lead to higher levels of burnout and have led to positions being difficult to fill.
Diligently and creatively increasing staff retention while meeting student needs, Tricia implemented a career ladder that provides progressive advancement opportunities for staff when they meet established markers. Recent hires have identified the career ladder as a motivating factor for wanting to work at CAPS.
To meet student needs, reduce barriers, and aid in their success, Tricia has diversified the delivery of services. In addition to in-person sessions with a counselor, students can have telehealth appointments via a national provider or community referrals. Crises arise at any time, a 24/7 crisis line was established so that help is not limited to business hours.
These innovations have had positive and demonstrable impacts on students. In a national survey by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, UNL students report nearly identical levels of mental health issues as their peers in the pre-survey. However, in the post-treatment survey CAPS students report significantly improved outcomes, less depression, stress, and anxiety, compared to the national average.
Tricia and her team exemplify our campus core tenet that Every Person and Every Interaction Matters.
Joining Tricia today are her husband, Shane Alesch; her father, Thomas Besett and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life, Josh Overocker. Please join me in thanking Tricia for her dedication to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.