Explore the Data

Behavioral Health Admissions

Substance abuse disorders are the most common diagnosis for persons entering behavioral health services

The state of Nebraska and local communities are responsible for delivering services to persons with severe and persistent behavioral health needs who are unable to pay for them. In Lincoln, Nebraska-funded services are paid for by the State of Nebraska, Lancaster County, behavioral health providers’ charitable donations or other underwriting, and donors. Persons receiving Nebraska-funded care are only a subset of all individuals receiving services. For example, some persons pay for services through other public programs, such as Medicaid. Others may pay for services through other public or private insurance programs, or may self-fund care. In Lincoln, many persons with severe and persistent behavioral health needs cycle between Nebraska-funded and Medicaid-funded care.

When persons enter into any type of service, they are admitted. People may be admitted to multiple services simultaneously. Persons admitted may have a primary diagnosis of mental health disorder, substance abuse disorder, or co-occurring disorder. A co-occurring disorder is one that involves both mental health and substance abuse. When individuals have a co-occurring disorder, treatments that address both are associated with lower costs and better outcomes.¹¹

• Among persons receiving Nebraska-funded services in 2018:
• 41% had a substance abuse disorder
• 33% had a mental health disorder
• 26% had a co-occurring disorder

Footnotes

11. Minkoff, K. (2001). Developing standards of care for individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. Psychiatric Services, 52(5), 597-599.