Mental Health Therapists

Hi, I’m Nikki Bauer, a therapist specializing in supporting children, teens, and young adults as they navigate the challenges that impact their emotions, behavior, and relationships. My passion is helping young people feel understood, empowered, and capable of thriving—both within themselves and within the environments they grow up in.

I work with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, anger and aggression, trauma-related symptoms, attention and behavioral difficulties, family conflict, school struggles, and challenges with emotional regulation. Many of the children and teens I support are coping with big transitions—such as changes in caregivers, custody arrangements, loss, or developmental milestones that feel overwhelming.

My approach is grounded in empathy, rapport, and evidence-based practices tailored to each developmental stage. I incorporate cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness tools, and family involvement when needed. I focus on helping young people identify their emotions, build effective coping skills, communicate more clearly, and strengthen their relationships with caregivers and peers.

I believe that therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and grounded in trust. Whether I’m helping a young child manage anger, guiding a teen through anxiety, depression, trauma, or supporting a young adult in developing identity and confidence, my goal is always the same—to create a space where clients can be themselves and grow at their own pace.

If you’re looking for compassionate support for your child or teen, or if you’re a young adult wanting to better understand yourself, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on that journey.

Fran attended Chadron State College, majoring in Psychology. After earning a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health, Fran completed an internship at the Munroe Meyer Institute with the  University of Nebraska Medical Center. Frans rotation was with Dr. Cate in the Nebraska Panhandle, serving rural communities, with a specialty in pediatric care. In addition to Dr. Cate’s expertise Fran also received training from Dr. Josh Turek and Dr. Nancy Foster.  After completing the internship, Fran received a job offer at Great Plains Health-Pediatrics in North Platte, Nebraska." After eight wonderful years serving Lincoln County and the western side of the state, Fran returned to her hometown to continue her passion of providing behavioral healthcare. 

I provide evidence-based behavioral health services for children and adolescents experiencing a broad range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns. My areas of experience include academic and school-related behavior difficulties; anxiety and depression; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); fears, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors; oppositional, defiant, aggressive, and destructive behaviors; sleep challenges such as bedtime resistance, night-time awakenings, and sleep–wake schedule difficulties; feeding concerns; tic and habit disorders; toileting challenges including enuresis and encopresis; developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability; and psychosomatic or pain-related concerns, including migraines and abdominal pain.