Walter J. Duffy, MD
Dr. D

Dr. Duffy is the CEO/Owner/Founder of Premier Psychiatric Group, LLC (PPG) and Premier Psychiatric Research Institute, LLC (PPRI), and Premier Psych TMS.  He is Board Certified in Child/Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry.  He graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN and then completed his residency training at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center  (DDEAM) in Georgia and his Child Fellowship in a combined program with DDEAM and the University of Georgia. Originally from Shenandoah, IA,  Dr. Duffy and his wife have been married for 26 years and have three sons.

Dr. Duffy performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management.  He is committed to bringing patients the best, most up-to-date and comprehensive services available.  In 2011 he began offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TR-MDD) and other illnesses. TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment procedure for TR-MDD.  Dr. Duffy and PPG have quickly become national leaders in this treatment having already treated over 170 patients while performing over 5000 treatment sessions with close to 80% of patients having successful outcomes. (Read more under the "TMS" tab on the Home page.)  Also offered now at PPG is Pharmacogenetics, the testing of a patient’s DNA to help find the most effective medication.  This new test involves nothing more than using a q-tip to take a swab of the inside of the patient’s cheek.  (Read more about Pharmacogenetics under the "Services" tab on the Home page.)

Dr. Duffy's clinical interests include the majority of diagnoses across the child, adolescent and adult spectrum of disorders. He has extensive experience with ADHD; Asperger's, Autism and other pervasive developmental disorders; behavioral problems; Depression; Bipolar disorder; OCD, PTSD and other anxiety disorders; Eating disorders; Traumatic brain injury, Sleep problems; Tourette's and other tic disorders; Alzheimer's; Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders; Alcohol abuse; Substance abuse; and others.  Dr. Duffy especially enjoys challenges in regard to correct diagnosing and medication management. 

Dr. Duffy also enjoys clinical research and thus established PPRI in 2003, again making available to patients the fullest range of treatments.  His institute has completed numerous stage 2, 3 and 4 pharmaceutical studies involving children, adolescents and adults.  PPRI works with central IRBs and has been sought out for the excellent enrollment and cleanliness of data it delivers.  Dr. Duffy’s interest in research began during residency when he was awarded the Lilly Research Award in Psychiatry.  Please check out the "Research" tab on the home page.  

Dr. Duffy has invested PPG’s resources to make behavioral healthcare services accessible to all Nebraskans and beyond.  Toward that end PPG has worked to create a large telehealth network and now provides access to our services via on-site or telehealth clinics reaching across Nebraska and into surrounding states.  PPG also has providers working in the VA and bids on military and VA contracts.

Dr. Duffy engages in forensic work as well as consultation work with a number of companies.  Dr. Duffy and PPG excel in partnering to determinine if services/products are ready for patient use and then making sure they are made accessible to patients.  He has given numerous local and regional talks in regard to diagnoses and medication management to a variety of professional and lay audiences.  To arrange a talk, forensic work or consultation with Dr. Duffy please call PPG at 402-476-6060 or email Dr. Duffy at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Michael Coy, MD

Dr. Coy performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management.  He is Board Certified in both general Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry.  Born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, he attended undergarduate and medical school at Creighton University.  He also completed his general Psychiatry Residency and Child/Adolescent Fellowship programs at Creighton/UNMC.

In practicing psychiatry for 20 years, Dr. Coy has worked at St. Joseph’s Center for Mental Health and Alegent Health, both in Omaha, Nebraska.  He enjoys consultation services at a variety of agencies in Nebraska and Iowa. This allows for diversity and enriches his experience in working with multidisciplinary teams in the psychiatric treatment of children and adults.

In his free time Dr. Coy enjoys being with family, friends and travelling.

Sarit Hovav, MD

Dr. Hovav is the Director of Neuromodulation Research for the Premier Psychiatric Research Institute and does not see patients outside of research.

She graduated with Honors from Ross University School of Medicine and completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.   She completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at The Semel Institute for Neuroscience at the University of California Los Angeles. 

Dr. Hovav is a native of Israel and is multi-lingual, speaking English, Hebrew, Spanish and Russian.

She loves to spend time with her two children and husband, cooking healthy and delicious ethnic foods, ballroom and latin dancing, and exercising to maintain her over 90 pound weight loss.

 

Michelle Lemon, APRN-NP

Michelle performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management.  She is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has worked in the area of mental illness and substance abuse for over 25 years and is the Director of Clinical Services supervising all clinical staff at Premier Psychiatric Group.  A Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse who also has a Masters Degree. They have extensive psychiatric and pharmacological education.  Nurse Practitioners are considered mid-level, independent practitioners in the State of Nebraska. They prescribe medicine and work collaboratively with physicians.  Michelle specializes in working with adults who have chronic mental illness, substance abuse problems, post traumatic stress disorders, developmental disabilities, and geriatric issues.  Additional areas of expertise include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and mental health issues unique to women. 

Michelle graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is originally from Montana.  She is married to Carl Chrisman, and together they have a son Aidan and four grandchildren. Michelle enjoys master gardening, canning, cooking, water sports, and time with her children and grandchildren.

Annette Marget, APRN-NP

Annette performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management.  She is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has worked in the area of mental illness and substance abuse since 2001.  A Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse who also has a Masters Degree.  They have extensive psychiatric and pharmacological education.  Nurse Practitioners are considered mid-level, independent practitioners in the State of Nebraska.  They prescribe medicine and work collaboratively with physicians.  Annette specializes in working with adults and children who have chronic mental illness, substance abuse problems, geriatric issues, post traumatic stress disorders, and developmental disabilities.  Annette graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. 

A Nebraska native, she is married to Jim Marget and they have 3 daughters, two sons-in-law and several grandchildren.  Annette enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling with her husband, gardening and playing with her dogs.  Annette is also an online instructor for the University of Phoenix and is a member in the Nebraska Nurse Practitioners organization.

Melissa Quick, APRN-NP
Melissa Quick

Melissa performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management. She is a Board Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.  Nurse Practitioners are considered mid-level, independent practitioners in the State of Nebraska and have extensive psychiatric and pharmacological education. They prescribe medication and work collaboratively with physicians.  Melissa earned her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.  She enjoys working with patients of all ages providing diagnostic evaluation and medication management.  She is experienced in working with patients who have Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Schizoaffective Disorder, Autism, ADHD, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse, Conduct Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  Melissa has clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. 

Melissa is a native of Lincoln and enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and three rescue greyhounds.  She also loves to travel and garden.

Nick Guenzel, APRN-NP

Nick performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management.  He obtained a Masters degree in psychiatric nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2010.   While working on his Masters degree, Nick participated in various clinic research studies and presented findings at the October, 2010 national American Psychiatric Nurses Association conference and Research Day 2010, Methodist Hospital, Omaha, NE.   Nick received a Bachelor of Science degree in the Accelerated Nursing Program at Virginia Commonwealth University where he graduated Cum Laude in December 2007.  Nurse Practitioners are considered mid-level, independent practitioners in the State of Nebraska and have extensive psychiatric and pharmacological education. They prescribe medication and work collaboratively with physicians.  Nick worked for 3 years as a nurse in inpatient psychiatry.  He also has a Bachelors degree in psychology.

He and his wife Ameera started the non-profit organization Global Mental Health Partnership to contribute to psychiatric treatment in a variety of settings. Nick is from Lincoln and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Robert Lundholm, APRN-NP
Bob performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management.  He is a Board Certified Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.  As a nurse practitioner, Bob is a registered nurse with a master’s degree and extensive psychiatric and pharmacological education.  In the state of Nebraska, nurse practitioners are considered mid-level, independent practitioners and are able to prescribe medicine and work with physicians on a collaborative basis.  Bob earned both his bachelors and his masters degrees in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.


Bob works with patients of all ages, including children and adolescents, and has experience in the areas of ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder,  anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, autism, substance abuse, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and  impulse control disorder. In addition to providing patients with diagnostic evaluation and medication management, Bob also has experience conducting individual and group psychotherapy, utilizing different approaches based on the patient’s need and cognitive level.

Bob is a member of a number of professional associations including the American Nurses Association, the Nebraska Nurses Association, the Nebraska Nurse Practitioner Association, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and nursing honors society, Sigma Theta Tau International. 

Bob lives in Papillion, Nebraska with his wife Lori and their boston terriers Raegan and Jethro.  He enjoys fishing, hunting and spending time outdoors. 

Kathryn Batson APRN-NP
Kathy performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management.  She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1991, her Masters in Psychiatric Nursing from UNMC in 1995 and her Post-Masters Certificate (Family Nurse Practitioner) in 2002.  She has worked at the Lincoln Regional Center,  Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital/Lanning Center,  Richard Young Center,  and Physicians Clinic Behavioral Health Services in Omaha.    In the state of Nebraska  nurse practitioners are considered mid-level, independent practitioners and are able to prescribe medicine and work with physicians on a collaborative basis. 

Kathy treats conditions including depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, impulse control disorders, dementia, and frequent co-morbid medical conditions.  

 In her free time Kathy enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her grandchildren.

 

 

Deanne Isaacson, PA-C
Deanne performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management.  She is a Board Certified Physician Assistant.  A Physician Assistant has a Masters Degree.  They have extensive medical, psychiatric, and pharmacological education.  Physician Assistants are considered mid-level, dependent practitioners in the State of Nebraska.  They prescribe medicine and work collaboratively with physicians.  Deanne received an Associate Degree in Mechanical Technology from Iowa Western Community College.  She worked in the field of Engineering for 12 years as a technician and then as an Engineer.  Deanne has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Doane College.  She is currently a Board Certified Physician Assistant, having obtained a degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Union College.  Deanne has worked as a Physician Assistant for PPG since 2000.  Deanne’s specialties include medication management, working with anxiety and depression in adults, and working with women’s issues.  Deanne also teaches Pathophysiology as an Adjunct Faculty member at Union College.

D. Sue Shade, PA-C

Sue performs diagnostic evaluations and provides medication management.  She is a Board Certified Physician Assistant who worked in the area of internal medicine for 12 years.  Sue has seven years of experience in mental health prior to becoming a Physician Assistant.  A Physician Assistant has a Masters Degree.  They have extensive medical, psychiatric, and pharmacological education.  Physician Assistants are considered mid-level, dependent practitioners in the State of Nebraska.  They prescribe medicine and work collaboratively with physicians.  Sue has specialized in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and developmental disabilities. 

Originally from Ohio, Sue graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and has spent most of her adult life in Nebraska.   She is married to Jim who is retired from 20 years in the Air Force.   She has four children and nine grandchildren.  Sue enjoys gardening, boating, crafts, and oil painting.

Rebecca Braymen, PhD
Dr. Braymen is the Training Director of the Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program and Supervisor of the Psychology Department.  Dr. Braymen conducts a variety of psychological assessments and testing for children, adolescents, and adults.  She also provides individual therapy, family therapy, and neurofeedback.  She received her Masters and Doctoral degrees from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.  She completed her internship at Nebraska Center for Children and Youth (N.C.C.Y) as part of the Nebraska Consortium for Professional Psychology, Lincoln, NE in December 1987.  Her Bachelors degree was obtained at Nebraska Wesleyan University.  She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Nebraska Psychological Association, Phi Gamma Mu (National Social Science Honorary Fraternity), Outstanding Young Women of America 1982, 1985-1989, Who’s Who 1988-present, and is on the National Register of Mental Health Service Providers.  She has worked in a variety of settings including children’s psychiatric residential facilites, the Nebraska Penitentiary, Social Security Disability Determinations,  a Managed Care Company, has served on the Board of Mental Health and has been in private practice. 

Vickie Bulling, PsyD
Dr. Bulling is a licensed psychologist in both Nebraska and Colorado.  She conducts a variety of psychological assessments and testing for children, adolescents, and adults.  She also provides individual therapy, and family therapy.  She received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Colorado School of Professional Psychology in Colorado Springs, CO and completed her internship at the Colorado Mental Health Institute, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry in Pueblo, CO.  She earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Webster University in Albuquerque, N.M.  Dr. Bulling is a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology and the Golden Key National Honor Society. Dr. Bulling began her career working in partnership with a psychiatrist in Albuquerque, NM, who specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She worked for the Albuquerque Public Schools as a school counselor and as a member of the Student Support Team, who referred students for special education services.  In addition, Dr. Bulling worked as a subcontractor with the Department of Health in New Mexico, evaluating mentally ill individuals charged with a crime regarding specific intent, treatment amenability, and competency to stand trial.  Just prior to being employed by Premier Psychiatric Group, she was employed by the State of Colorado as a forensic psychologist.

Leslie Crawford-Pieper, LMHP, LCSW

Leslie provides individual and family counseling.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner who has worked in the area of social work, advocacy and mental health therapy for many years. Her broad scope of experience allows her to consider not just the individual, but also how environmental factors influence well-being.  Therapy techniques include cognitive and behavioral therapy, insight-oriented, solution-focused brief therapy, problem-solving and supportive maintenance.  Areas of expertise include working with adults who are experiencing stressful life events that have contributed to depression or anxiety, adults who have chronic mental illness, geriatric issues, post traumatic stress disorders and those with medical concerns.  Both individual and relationship therapy is available. 

Leslie received her Masters degree at Florida State and returned to Lincoln with her family in 1994.  She enjoys fishing, a good book, good food and good friends.

Alicia Behrens, LMHP

Alicia Behrens provides individual and family counseling.  She received a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Doane College.  She completed her internship at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2006.  At this time Alicia is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) and Provisionally Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (PLADC).   Throughout Alicia’s career she has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and their families.  She has experience working with a wide variety of behavioral and mental health disorders as well as working with victims of trauma.  Alicia enjoys working with clients of all ages.  Her therapeutic techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Insight Building, and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.  

Alicia lives in Lincoln with her two cats, two dogs, and horse.  She is passionate about the sport of Equestrian and enjoys volunteering with a local 4H group.

Teresa Campbell, LMHP

Teresa provides individual and family counseling.  She attended the University of South Dakota where she studied Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling and Psychology.  She completed her Undergraduate internship at CenterPointe in Lincoln Nebraska.  Teresa graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with her Masters in Counseling Psychology and then completed her graduate internship at Creighton University’s Counseling Center in Omaha, Nebraska.  She is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and a Provisional Alcohol and Drug Counselor.  Teresa has worked extensively with teenagers who struggle with both mental health and substance misuse issues, and has worked in both residential and outpatient levels of care.  She has also worked in managed care and within the Nebraska child welfare system.  Teresa has done statewide trainings on subjects including the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Levels of Care (specific to Nebraska) and how to navigate managed care in Nebraska.  Teresa enjoys working with all ages, especially teenagers.  Therapy techniques include cognitive and behavioral therapy, insight oriented, and solution focused brief therapy. 

Teresa lives with her husband, two children, and her cat named Todd.  On the weekends you will find Teresa watching Nebraska football, cross-stitching, or reading a mystery novel.

Dave Gershan, PLMHP

David Gershan provides individual and family counseling.  He is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is currently enrolled at the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology for his PsyD.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Psychology, and received his MA in Community/Clinical psychology from Norfolk State University.  For his dissertation he studied implicit and explicit stigma of mental illness among mental healthcare employees.  He has a wide range of clinical interests, including individual psychotherapy with adolescents and adults, psychodiagnostic assessment, and neurofeedback.

Jason Schmid, LMHP

Jason provides individual and family counseling and is currently enrolled in the PsyD program in Clinical Psychology from Capella University.   He received both his Bachelors degree and his Masters in Counseling degree from Doane College.  Jason has worked in Lincoln as a Mental Health Therapist at Personal Growth Counseling, LLC since 2007.  He is experienced in psychotherapy with children, preadolescents, adolescents and adults who have a variety of diagnoses, including major mental illness. He conducts both individual and family therapy.

 

Kayla Davidson, PLMHP
Kayla Davidson provides individual and family counseling.  She grew up in Iowa and is currently enrolled at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA for her PsyD.  She is excited to be back in the Midwest.  Kayla earned her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA and her Master’s from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology.  Her dissertation is entitled: "Exposure to Violence and Grades: Does Adult Support Matter?"  Kayla has a broad range of clinical interests and experiences.  Her clinical experiences include, but are not limited to, children, adolescents, older adults, and developmental disabilities.  Her clinical interests include Autism Spectrum Disorders, relational concerns, and religious issues.  Kayla conducts a variety of psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. She also provides individual psychotherapy and neurofeedback.