Omaha Teens Help Design New Behavioral Health Center

Nearly 40 high school students contributed to the interior design of Children's Nebraska's new facility.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Nearly 40 high school students from Bryan High School in Omaha, Nebraska helped design the interior of Children's Nebraska's new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, choosing furniture, colors, art, and lighting to create a comfortable and calming environment for young patients. The students' design choices were based on understanding the needs of vulnerable patients and what would make them feel safe and relaxed.

Why it matters

With one in five kids struggling with anxiety or depression, the new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center aims to provide a personalized treatment environment for young patients. Involving local high school students in the design process not only gave them real-world experience, but also ensured the space was tailored to the needs of the intended users.

The details

The students visited the unfinished center and selected interior design elements like a particular chair that they felt would make patients "feel like they got a hug." They considered factors like calming colors, soothing lighting, and comforting artwork to create an environment that would help reduce stress and anxiety for young people seeking treatment.

  • The Behavioral Health and Wellness Center opened nearly a month ago.
  • The design project took place before the center's construction was complete.

The players

Cristian Carrillo

A senior at Bryan High School who participated in the design project as he prepares to study civil engineering at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Jacqueline Cipriano

A senior at Bryan High School who worked on the design project, understanding the need to create a calming and comfortable environment for vulnerable young patients.

Jeanee Weiss

The Behavioral Health and Wellness Center's community health and strategy leader, who oversaw the student design project.

Children's Nebraska

The healthcare organization that commissioned the new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and involved local high school students in the interior design process.

Bryan High School

The Omaha high school that sent nearly 40 students to participate in the design project, providing them with real-world experience.

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What they’re saying

“When I was choosing the designs I was thinking of what I would feel comfortable in - a place or an area where I would, like if I were ever having some sort of mental crisis, what I would feel comfortable in.”

— Cristian Carrillo, Bryan High School Senior (WOWT)

“You're already entering and you're in a very vulnerable matter. You feel really tense. So, it's just to calm people down and make them feel safer.”

— Jacqueline Cipriano, Bryan High School Senior (WOWT)

“All of them understood that their choices were going to help make another child feel better, another child feel calm, and another child feel comfortable.”

— Jeanee Weiss, Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Community Health and Strategy Leader (WOWT)

What’s next

The new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center is now open and serving young patients in the Omaha area.

The takeaway

By involving local high school students in the design process, Children's Nebraska was able to create a personalized treatment environment that caters to the specific needs of young patients struggling with mental health challenges. This collaborative approach not only gave students valuable real-world experience, but also ensured the center would provide a calming and comfortable space for vulnerable youth.