CAPS Professional Staff

M.S. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Ph.D. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Specializes in: College Health and Well-Being •  Multiculturalism and Diversity Issues •  International Students •  Eating Disorders and Body Image •  Anxiety •  Depression •  Assessment and Feedback (Personality and LD/ADD) •  Women's Issues •  Process Variables in Therapy

Dr. Allen-Portsche joined CAPS in August of 2008, and she coordinates services for international students. In her spare time, Summer enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, athletics, reading, and watching movies.

Ph.D. Andrews University (1999)

Specializes in: Depression •  Anxiety •  Relationship Issues •  Multi-Cultural Diversity Issues •  Crisis Intervention •  Spirituality •  Eating Disorders •  Self-esteem

Sonya joined CAPS in September 2011. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, watching movies, and exercising.

M.A. University of Northern Iowa
Ph.D. University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Specializes in: Women's Issues •  Eating Disorders/ Body Image •  Assessment •  ADD Assessment •  Depression •  Projective Assessment •  Grief •  Relationship Issues

Dr. Besett-Alesch joined Counseling and Psychological Services in 2000. In her spare time, she enjoys her time with her family, playing the piano, singing, vacationing (especially Estes, CO), and reading.

M.A., University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Ph.D. University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Specializes in: Family of Origin Issues •  Relationship Concerns and Couples Counseling •  Depression •  Anxiety •  Eating Disorders •  Gender/ Sexual Identity

Amy graduated in August 2010 with her Ph.D. Amy’s research interest is rural women and she is particularly interested in rural mental health. In her spare time, Amy enjoys being with her family, watching movies and cooking.

M.A., University of Alabama

Specializes in: Eating Disorders •  Multi-Cultural Diversity •  Affective Disorders •  Relationship Issues •  Stress Management •  Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues •  Spirituality

Charlie joined CAPS in 2001 after working at Brewer-Porch Children’s Center for eight years.  Currently she is the Coordinator of the CAPS Eating Disorder Treatment Team.  Charlie serves as advisor for the Afrikan People’s Union (the Black Student Government at UNL) and sits on the Governor’s Commission for the Protection of Children.  In her spare time, Charlie enjoys baking, singing, and watching her sons participate in sports. As a transplanted southerner, she can oft times be heard saying “Roll Tide” as well.

B.G.A. University of Kansas
M.S.W. University of Kansas

Specializes in: Depression •  Relationship Issues •  Couples Therapy •  Trauma •  Anger Management •  Intercollegiate Athletics

John joined CAPS in 1994. John has a dual appointment, working half-time providing counseling services to students at the UNL Athletic Department, and half-time providing counseling services to the general student population. Additionally, John works as the Clinical Director for the Cedars organization in Lincoln. He is also a consultant with the NFL for mental health concerns.

M.S.W. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Ph.D. University of Nebraska Lincoln

Specializes in: Couples Therapy •  Depression •  Anxiety •  Attention Deficit Disorder •  Women's Issues •  Myers-Briggs Type Indicator •  Trauma •  Dreams •  Spiritual Issues •  Rural Issues/ Concerns

Gail joined CAPS in 1993.  Gail enjoys reading, playing the piano, gardening, and is a partner in an organic farming operation.

M.S. (Psychology) New Mexico Highlands University
Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology) University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Specializes in: Psychodynamic Therapy •  Hypnosis •  Dreams •  Trauma/ Abuse •  Crisis Intervention •  Characterological Disorders •  Depression •  On-line Screenings for Mental Health •  Projective Assessment •  Psychotherapy Outcome

Dr. Portnoy joined CAPS in 1991.

M.S.W., University of Nebraska–Omaha

Specializes in: Assertiveness Training •  Stress Management/ Biofeedback •  Relationship Issues •  Affective Disorders •  Mindfulness Skills •  Diversity Issues

In her spare time, Mary enjoys a variety of activities including: Yoga, hiking, other outdoor activities, knitting, and sewing. A couple of fun outliers include Scottish dancing and apiculture (beekeeping).

M.A., University of Missouri–Kansas City
Ph.D., University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Specializes in: Eating Disorders/Body Image Concerns • Multicultural Diversity • LGBTQ Issues • Relationship Concerns • Interpersonal Violence • Grief • Depression • Anxiety • Adjustment Issues

Casey joined CAPS in 2012. Casey’s primary research interest is in collaborative mental health care. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, athletics, baking, and watching movies.

M.S. Northwest Missouri State University
Ph.D. University of North Dakota

Specializes in: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues •  Coming Out Issues •  Native American Issues •  Diversity Issues •  Self-Esteem •  Test Anxiety •  ADD/LD Assessment

Scott joined CAPS in 2002. In his spare time, Scott enjoys reading, watching movies, and antiquing.

M.D. University of Southern California, School of Medicine
Internship/ Residency, University of California, San Francisco

Specializes in: Medication Consultation

Dr. Fromm joined the staff of Counseling and Psychological Services in 2001, after relocating from Berkeley, California to Lincoln. Dr. Fromm is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as well as the American Board of Pain Medicine. She is available for medication consultation and ongoing medication management. Dr. Fromm enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, traveling to any warm place with a beach, as well as boating and swimming.

M.S. Wayne State College
MSN (Nurse Practitioner) UNMC

Ms. Gerrard is available for medication prescribing and management.

Nancy’s personal interests include: her family, running, and reading.

M.D. DMCH, India (1965)

Specializes in: Psychiatrist Medication/ Hospitalization •  Consultation Stress Management •  Couples Therapy

Dr. Roy completed his residency in psychiatry from Creighton University Medical College in 1988. He was Board Certified and Licensed to practice medicine in Nebraska in 1988 and he joined CAPS that same year. In his spare time he enjoys soccer, football, golf, cricket, tennis, and watching movies.

M.A., University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Clinical Interests: Multicultural processes in counseling • International Students • Assessment • Strengths-building

Ted joined CAPS as a Field Placement Student in August 2012. He is a fourth year Ph.D. student in Counseling Psychology at UNL and also teaches online introductory psychology. Ted also enjoys traveling, reading, baseball, and cooking.

M.S., University of Kansas

Specializes in: Latino Mental Health • Multicultural and Diversity • Gender Issues • Family of Origin Issues • Relationship Concerns • Trauma

Belinda is an intern at CAPS this year and is finishing her doctoral program from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research and clinical interests include areas of multiculturalism and diversity, especially around Latino mental health. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, dancing and cooking.

M.A., University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Clinical interests: Relationship Issues • Couples Counseling • Identity Development • Depression • Trauma • LGBTQ • Women’s Issues

Nicole is a student in the Counseling Psychology PhD program, seeing clients at CAPS for her field placement. In addition to being at CAPS, Nicole works as the Mentor Program Coordinator for the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy. In her spare time, Nicole likes to read, garden, and explore Lincoln.

M.A., Roosevelt University, Chicago

Specializes in: Anxiety • Stress • Health and Well-Being • Gender Issues • Relationship Concerns • Family of Origin Issues

Katie joined CAPS staff in 2012. She is currently completing her doctoral internship here at CAPS. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, listening to music, reading, and watching television.