COR Therapeutic Services Adds Staff, Locations To Meet Increasing Need for Mental Health Services

Omaha – COR Therapeutic Services, LLC, which opened its first clinic in Norfolk in 2021, is continuing to add professional staff and locations to deliver mental health services to a wider region.

“There is such a high demand, especially in rural areas,” says Beth Larson, Child and Family Services Program Director. “It has surprised us a bit that we have grown as quickly as we have. One factor is that we’ve found our business practices work very well.”

COR Therapeutic Services, which in Latin, “cor” translates to “heart,” began as a partnership between Larson, Business Manager Nicky Kettler; Amanda Milander-Mace, Judicial Services Program Director; Rebecca Stahlecker, Substance Services Director; Abbie Rowley, Home Based Services Supervisor; and Stephanie Wragge, Support Services Coordinator. The same six women are still with the business.

“We have definitely come to work as a team and appreciate each other for our individual strengths,” Larson says. “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and part of what we all do is act together as decision makers. It creates a good atmosphere and a synergy.”

The six were previously employed at a local counseling and support service. They started COR to carry out a new vision and mission in the mental health field.

Since 2021, the company has opened clinics in Columbus, Hartington, O’Neill, Neligh and Albion, and is in the process of adding a satellite clinic in Central City. They serve counties throughout northeast Nebraska.

In that same period, the staff has grown from 30 people to now include 29 licensed mental health providers, 14 family services specialists, nine interns drawn from several Nebraska colleges, four administrative assistants and an office manager.

Opening the first year after the Covid pandemic was announced immediately revealed a need, Larson says. “The issues then were chiefly centered around depression and isolation,” she says. “Now, we are seeing a lot of stress over the economy and world events.”

There is somewhat of a stigma associated with seeking mental health services, especially in small communities where privacy can be difficult to maintain. Larson says providing those communities with Telehealth services enabled some people who would otherwise be reluctant to seek help to be able to receive care in the comfort of their home. “And, after they do walk through our doors,” she says, “we work very hard to create a welcoming, safe and confidential environment to ensure a positive experience.”

Even before they opened those doors in Norfolk, the women sought the assistance of the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and Loren Kucera, NBDC Center Director at Wayne State College, who helped them prepare a business plan, projections and a formal loan proposal.

“I worked with Beth, with input from the other five partners, in finalizing the projections and preparing the applications, including one for the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) revolving loan fund,” Kucera recalls.

The positive impact of COR Therapeutic Services was recognized when the company was named the 2024 Norfolk Area Emerging Business of the Year. The award is sponsored by the Norfolk Daily News and FNBO.

There are monthly team meetings that also strengthen the company’s culture, says Business Manager Nicky Kettler. “We discuss a variety of topics and share success stories,” she says. “We also have quarterly outings and other team bonding activities that celebrate goals we have reached. It really has created a level of support for each other that we think is unmatched.”

Because positive mental health isn’t only for the people they serve.