KEARNEY, Neb. — Maggie Berglund, a Ravenna resident, has triumphed over self-doubt to earn a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). After completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology in December 2020, Berglund initially questioned her ability to pursue further education. “I was like, I don’t know if I can do more school. I don’t know if it’s for me,” she said. “My internal self told me that I would fail. That I would not succeed in the program.”
Despite these doubts, Berglund took a year off and gradually built the courage to enroll in graduate school. “I dipped my toe in. I started with one course, then I went for two, and then I went back full time,” she said. “Once I started the program, I realized this was the right path for me. This is what I really wanted to do.”
Berglund is now set to begin her career as a provisional licensed mental health practitioner at Live Well Counseling Center in Kearney. “I’m very excited and I am ready, but I also know there is still a lot to learn,” she said. “Counselors have to continue learning. That’s the only way they can be competent in their field.”
Her journey into psychology began in middle school and was further fueled by high school biology classes. At UNK, she discovered her passion for mental health counseling. “You kind of build a little bit of a community within your program. And it was a great experience. I loved being part of it,” she said. “I’ve built so many connections and made friendships that I’m sure I’ll keep for a long, long time.”
UNK’s flexible program, which combines online, in-person, and blended courses, allowed Berglund to gain real-world experience through her practicum, advanced practicum, and internship. “The professors were so understanding and so open in the program. And very helpful,” she said. “They’re willing to work with you so you can be successful.”
Berglund completed a dual internship with Live Well Counseling Center and Brittany Sulu from Elevate Counseling and Consulting. “It’s an extremely valuable learning experience,” she said. “I can honestly say that I would not feel prepared to do what I’m about to do if I didn’t have an internship. It teaches you so much.”
The demand for mental health professionals is growing, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 19% increase in employment for counselors from 2023 to 2033. In Nebraska, 88 of the 93 counties are designated as mental health professions shortage areas. “I’ve heard so many people say that we need more people in this field. That was always preached in undergrad and it was preached in grad school,” said Berglund. “Mental health is a growing concern for people.”
Professor David Hof, graduate program chair for clinical mental health counseling at UNK, praised Berglund’s dedication. “Maggie is an outstanding student who works hard in her program of study and is a great fit for the counseling field,” he said. “She has the personality and demeanor to not only connect with clients but to also work with systems to advocate for clients’ needs. She works hard and cares about the people she helps.”
Berglund’s connection to UNK began through her sister, Katie, a 2013 graduate. “It’s close to home and I really liked that it was a university experience and it wasn’t as big as UNL or UNO,” she said. “I liked that it was a little bit smaller and the classes were smaller. I don’t like the large lecture halls where the professor might not know who I am.”
Her work at UNK’s Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center from 2018 to 2024 further solidified her career path. “The Plambeck Center is where I really began working with children and their families. I was able to integrate things I learned from my undergraduate degree, such as knowledge about human development and relationships,” she said. “Now, I hope to continue working with children and families because of that experience.”
Reflecting on her journey, Berglund said, “I think UNK has helped me understand the opportunities that people have. UNK helped me recognize what I can achieve and provided the resources to help me get there. It’s been really impactful, just knowing there’s so much more out there.”