As Craig said, “I did a lot of stupid stuff.”

There were outbursts and altercations, antisocial and antagonistic behavior.

But also, depression and panic attacks, family and personal trauma and jail.

He was good at hiding what he was feeling, until he wasn’t. It all became too much for him to handle. He lost his job as a nurse, he lost his home, and eventually he lost his freedom.

“I wasn’t functioning well,” he said. “I was in pretty bad shape psychologically.”

But as Craig has discovered: help is available. He graduated from the Douglas County Behavioral Health Court in January.

Craig was arrested in May 2023 for eluding law enforcement and battery on a law enforcement officer. As part of a diversion program, he was eventually accepted into the Behavioral Health Court (BHC). The goal of the BHC program is to improve participants’ lives through mental health treatment and coordinated support services that address issues such as lack of housing, substance abuse and unemployment.

“I’ve been working to repair relationships,” Craig, 46, said.

Craig said he learned a lot going through Behavioral Health Court, which included court-ordered group and individual therapy at the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. He participated in the Center’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy program for a year.

“That was really helpful, to know what your emotions are and how to define them and regulate them better,” he said. “One of the things I admittedly lacked in my life was emotional intelligence. I’ve learned how to deal with things in an emotional context.”

Behavioral Health Court provides accountability and weekly check-ins. Craig said he appreciated all the support he received.

“I felt supported from people all over the continuum of care, from case managers to substance abuse and peer support,” Craig said. “And homeless outreach gave me a lead on an apartment.”

The Honorable Sally Pokorny presides over Behavioral Health Court, which is funded by Douglas County. The program is a collaboration among the District Court, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, Douglas County Criminal Justice Services, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Bert Nash Center, DCCCA and select defense attorneys.

Jolene Cullen, Behavioral Health Court Officer for Douglas County Criminal Justice Services, works closely with clients to help them achieve the program's goals. Cullen expressed her admiration for Craig's dedication to self-improvement.

"Participants in Behavioral Health Court often find themselves in a very vulnerable position, but Craig fully embraced the program. He recognized that committing wholeheartedly was essential, and he did just that. His warm and positive energy significantly contributed to his success throughout the program," Cullen said.

Craig is among 81 individuals who have graduated from the Behavioral Health Court program since it began in 2017.

Before entering the program, Craig said he pushed people away, alienated friends and lost contact with his family.

“I’m figuring out a lot of things in therapy,” he said. “You have to take the time and do the work. Things are better now.”

Craig is in the process of rebuilding his life. He is learning the tools to deal with his trauma and emotions. He has begun working part time. He has a place to live. He is rebuilding relationships.

“I’m in a better place,” he said.