Counseling Services

I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner dedicated to working with college students navigating the unique challenges of academic life, personal growth and emotional well-being. As a compassionate client-centered, trauma informed counselor I believe in creating a safe, supportive space where students can explore challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths. I recognize the impact life experiences can have on emotional well-being and work collaboratively with students to foster healing, empowerment, and lasting growth.

Drawing from integrative modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy for PTSD, mindfulness practices, attachment-based work, and strengths-based interventions, I tailor each counseling experience to meet the unique needs and goals of every student. My approach emphasizes authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of honoring each student’s story at their own pace.

Most of my work is grounded in helping students transition into college, balance academic/athletic life, perfectionism, eating disorders, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress management, ADHD, mood disorders and self-esteem challenges. I believe meaningful change happens through connection, trust, and a therapeutic relationship grounded in empathy and respect.

I am licensed to practice in multiple states, including Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. I offer both in-person and telehealth counseling services. 

I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) and Certified Professional Counselor (CPC) dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care grounded in a holistic understanding of unique experiences, strengths, and goals. My therapeutic approach is primarily Person-Centered and informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while integrating techniques from other evidence-based modalities to best support individual needs. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field ranging from behavioral health case management, sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy, crisis intervention and stabilization, and providing individual therapy.

I am a Certified Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) provider specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. I have extensive training and experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, ADHD, and other serious and persistent mental health conditions (SPMI). Some additional areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, perfectionism, burnout, suicidality, and non-suicidal self-injury. I also work closely with athletes experiencing struggles with perfectionism or performance difficulties. In addition to therapy services, I can provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments to support accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning.

I believe effective therapy begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, collaboration, and respect. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel safe and empowered to explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful and lasting change. Through a holistic and client-centered lens, I strive to address the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence overall well-being.

Diagnostic Expertise: 

I have diagnostic experience in all common mental health disorders as well as the ability to clinically administer, score, and interpret an individual's potential for a substance use disorder using the SASSI screener.  

About me: 

Mental health matters, and I believe we need to normalize conversations about brain health. While I have always been passionate about helping others, my ability to connect with and support people on a deeper level was profoundly shaped by the loss of a loved one to suicide. 

As a therapist at Chadron State College, I value the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. As a non-traditional student myself, I earned my bachelor’s degree in health and human services from Chadron State College before spending five years serving communities across the Nebraska Panhandle as a case manager. In that role, I worked alongside individuals living with mental health conditions who were striving to improve their lives and reach their goals. 

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, I chose to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. During graduate school, I served as a Graduate Assistant with the Eagle Mentors Program and later in the Health Services Department within Student Affairs. These experiences ultimately led to my role as a full-time Licensed Student Counselor at Chadron State. 

Outside of work, I stay busy chasing after my two boys and giving back to causes that are meaningful to me. I am especially passionate about suicide prevention and postvention efforts and regularly collaborate with organizations that support veterans and first responders throughout our region. 

I am honored to be part of the Eagle family and look forward to supporting students as they grow, succeed, and thrive during their time at Chadron State College. 

I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern who is dedicated to supporting students to build resilience, develop coping strategies, and achieve meaningful personal growth. My therapeutic approach is primarily Person-Centered and Solution- Focused, while also incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

I am currently enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program at Chadron State College and am on track to graduate in December 2026. I am certified in Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), and I have experience working with concerns such as generalized anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.  

I believe counseling is not about “fixing” people, but is about helping individuals reconnect with their strengths, values, and sense of purpose. I aim to foster a space where clients can explore their experiences without judgement, gain new perspectives, and feel encouraged to take meaningful steps towards the life they want to live.

Jessaca Denke is a Licensed Practical Nurse with 25 years of nursing experience, currently specializing in college triage nursing and Medicare transition-of-care coordination. Her background also includes labor and delivery, level III nursery care, and clinical pediatrics, providing her with a strong foundation in compassionate, patient-centered care.

Known for her calm and compassionate approach, Jessaca has spent her career supporting patients through important and vulnerable moments — from helping college students navigate healthcare while away from home to assisting patients through safe transitions after hospitalization. She believes the best care combines clinical knowledge with kindness, listening, and genuine human connection.