Professionals
Cynthia Paul, MD, JD, Psychiatrist in Omaha
Dr. Paul graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Social Work before obtaining a law degree from the University of Utah college of Law in 1997. Dr. Paul attended Creighton University School of Medicine, and completed her residency training in Psychiatry in the joint Creighton/UNMC residency program in 2013. During her residency, Dr. Paul completed specialized training in women’s mental health issues. Dr. Paul was Board Certified in Psychiatry in 2013. Dr. Paul is a DEA licensed Suboxone provider. In addition to her clinical care, Dr. Paul has a significant forensic psychiatry practice in both the civil and criminal arenas. Dr. Paul is on the clinical faculty at Creighton University Medical School.
Becky Hood-Kjeldgaard
I have worked as a therapist since 2007, helping individuals with addictions and mental health concerns. I have specialized training in EMDR, Multidimensional Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Substance Use Disorders, Domestic Violence and Trauma. I have worked with individuals at an inpatient level all the way to outpatient/after care level. I have a good understanding on how conflict in the family system can affect the whole environment and work with individuals to have balance and conflict resolution. I work with the client to have individual success and identify those successes so they can be sustainable long term.
As stated above I work with mental health and substance use disorders that may be co-occurring with clients. I believe that all of our experiences (including those in childhood) affect how we respond and shape who we are; however this does not have to be how we respond or define who we can be. With some of the experience I have we can work together to heal these past wounds and create long term healing and success so you can move forward with a sense of purpose.
Professional Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Counseling, Grace University
- Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) – Nebraska
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – Iowa
- International Alcohol and Drug Counselor (IADC) – Iowa
Brandon Jerred
I have been a therapist since 2008, helping individuals, couples, and families overcome the obstacle they are facing in their lives. My therapy approach is client centered and systemic in nature, meaning I look at obstacle from the stance of how it effects the whole family. I work with the client to utilize the resource they current have and to build upon these resources to cope better with the obstacles affecting them. I enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing mental health or substance use problems and I believe it is best to treat these problems at the same time utilizing the same therapist.
My other passion it working with couples and families to strengthen their relationship. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (in Iowa) and have extensive experience assisting couples and families, identify areas to improve their relationships. I look forward to working with you and helping you to overcome the obstacles you are experiencing.
Professional Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Sioux Falls Seminary
- Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) – Nebraska
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) – Iowa
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – Nebraska
Dr Michael Coy
Dr. Michael Coy graduated from Creighton Medical school in 1986. Dr. Coy has a long history of treating patients in Council Bluffs and Omaha.
Jessica Smeal
I have been a Therapist since 2008 and have specialized training in EMDR, DBT Skills, CBT, REBT, substance abuse, and Life Coaching. I have experience working with various populations in co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders including corrections, inpatient, and outpatient levels of care. Using my training and education, I use an eclectic approach to individualized client care.
Fundamentally, I believe in a client’s ability to change, increase their well-being, and overall functioning. I’ve had an opportunity to work in various environments and have had the opportunity to learn from many professionals who have taught me not only about theory and treatment models, but also about how to best apply these in my practice. My experiences have instilled a passion for my work and helping clients heal.
I have spent my career working with people and helping them reach their goals. I value education, not only for the client, but for myself as well in learning and providing the best evidence-based practices available. I believe in a holistic approach as I believe it is important to care for the body, mind, and soul. As a treatment provider, it is my personal mission to provide trauma informed, individualized, and client focused care. To my client, it is my commitment to help each achieve their personal goals and improve the quality of their life.
Professional Qualifications
- Master’s of Science in Community Counseling, Bellevue University
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, Nebraska
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Nebraska
Brandy Soto, LICSW, LISW
TJ Gorman
I have worked as a therapist, helping persons overcome addictions and personal issues since 2001. I have specialized training in EMDR, substance abuse, gambling and trauma therapies. I have also presented on trauma and addictions locally and at regional conferences. As an adoptive parent, I also understand the unique challenges that can come with family disruption. My goal is to help a person achieve individual success.
I specialize in working with addictions (substance abuse and gambling) along with co-occurring mental health issues. I work well with clients who have experienced trauma in childhood and disruptive family environments. I believe that it is our childhood that shapes who we are; however it does not have to define who can be. Healing these past wounds help to support long term success and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
Professional Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Drake University
- Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) – Nebraska
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – Iowa
- Certified Disordered Gambling Counselor (CDGC) – Nebraska
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – Nebraska
Dr. Ryan Schwer
Dr. Schwer is an Omaha native who graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelors of Science degree in Nutrition Science. Upon matriculation into medical school at Kansas City University he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. He underwent internship and residency training in psychiatry at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. After residency, Dr. Schwer served as an active duty psychiatrist at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point in North Carolina, where he provided psychiatric care to marines and sailors suffering from a diverse spectrum of mental health disorders.
Upon completion of his military service, Dr. Schwer returned home to Omaha to begin psychiatric practice outside of the military setting. As a result of his military service, he is skilled at guiding high-functioning patients through adversity and challenging stressors in their life. He is passionate about treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. When you work with Dr. Schwer, you can expect a patient-centered experience with individualized treatment plans. Dr. Schwer is thoughtful about incorporating medication where necessary as well as implementing additional treatment modalities including psychotherapy and lifestyle interventions.