

Bipolar disorder involves mood swings, mania, and depressive episodes that benefit from evidence-based approaches like CBT and medication management. Headway's Nebraska providers offer flexible virtual and in-person sessions to help with mood stability and routine building.
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. I want to help you achieve whatever solutions and life changes you are looking for and enjoy the process along the way. It does not have to be all bad. There are reasons why you think a certain way, do not have control over emotions or repeat mistakes. Let us get to the bottom of those reasons.
I want you to find meaning/purpose in school, work, family and friendships. Give yourself the opportunity to feel confident living life; knowing you have the awareness and skills to adjust. As a parent, I want you to be free from the pain of worrying, knowing that someone is there to help your child work through their depression/anger and anxiety/stress.
During the 15+ years, I have helped children, adolescents and young adults find healing and understanding in distressed times; a good deal of my career has focused on the needs of this unique age group specifically specializing in mood disorders, depression, anxiety-related issues, and social skill difficulties.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner who is passionate about helping people feel more balanced, supported, and understood.I have experience working with adults facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use, and I believe mental health care should be compassionate, collaborative, and judgment free. My goal is to create a safe space where we can work together to find the right treatment plan for you. I offer medication management and supportive care tailored to your individual needs.
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, depression, trauma, or health challenges start to take over. You may feel stuck, exhausted, or unsure how to move forward, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with adults and older adults who are navigating emotional stress, life transitions, and complex medical conditions. Together, we’ll untangle what’s weighing on you, build practical tools, and help you feel more grounded, in control, and hopeful again.
I believe mental health care works best when people feel truly known, respected, and safe. My approach combines evidence-based psychiatric care and medication management with compassionate, whole-person support. I work with children, teens, and adults, and I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable being honest without fear of judgment.
For clients who desire it, I also offer Catholic-integrated care that honors the role faith can play in healing, identity, relationships, suffering, purpose, and hope. My goal is never to pressure or preach, but to thoughtfully integrate Catholic values, spirituality, prayer, or faith-based perspectives into treatment in a clinically appropriate and supportive way. I especially enjoy helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, postpartum mental health, motherhood transitions, trauma, relationship stress, life changes, and struggles related to self-worth or burnout.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide medication management while also taking time to understand the deeper emotional, relational, lifestyle, and spiritual factors affecting mental health. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I am warm, approachable, thorough, and collaborative rather than rushed or impersonal.
Whether you are looking for practical symptom relief, deeper healing, or a provider who understands and respects your faith, my hope is that you feel supported, heard, and encouraged throughout the process.
Hello — I am Marlene Knerl and I look forward to meeting you. I moved to Nebraska from the west coast in the 1990s as a single mother with a desire to go to college and better our lives. I thought that Nebraska would allow for me to raise my two sons in a small town while simultaneously attending a University. First, I achieved a comprehensive degree in Psychology, then a MSed in Community Counseling.
Since becoming licensed as a counselor I have been working with individuals and families. Life can be difficult and helping people navigate the struggles is at times a challenge but nothing is more rewarding. I have always desired to help people and this profession has allowed for me to enact those intrinsic desires.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve what you desire.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) providing psychiatric care and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults through secure telehealth. My approach to care is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice.
I bring a diverse clinical background that includes over 12 years of experience across medical, surgical, and behavioral health settings, as well as over 10 years of service in the United States Navy. My background has influenced my approach to care by emphasizing professionalism, adaptability, and thoughtful decision-making, particularly in complex or high-stress situations.
I am Stanley Okeyemi, the founder of Brighter Light Behavioral Health Services. I am currently licensed as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) in Texas, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Washington, North Carolina, Nebraska, Virginia and New York. I have been working in the mental health industry for 16 years, but licensed as a PMHNP for four years, with a vast amount of experience and affiliations with over 40 hospitals/clinics combined across the USA


Headway helps you find expert-guided support for mood management — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.