LINCOLN, Neb. — A former Lincoln-area therapist has been sentenced after admitting to submitting false claims to Nebraska Medicaid.
Sheree Burney was sentenced Monday to three years of probation and ordered to pay more than $47,000 in restitution, according to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office. In October 2025, Burney pleaded no contest and was found guilty of five misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking.
Burney operated Brighter Side Behavioral Health in Lincoln. Her husband, Angelo Stabler, ran a nonprofit organization called Guidance to Success, which was intended to serve at-risk youth.
An investigation conducted by the Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit of the Attorney General’s Office determined that Burney submitted 226 claims to Nebraska Medicaid for mental health services allegedly provided to children enrolled in the Guidance to Success program.
Authorities said Burney received more than $47,000 for services that were never rendered. The criminal charges focused on therapy claims involving 10 children from five families.
Investigators found that, instead of receiving therapy, the children were engaged in activities such as homework assistance, basketball and other games. The investigation also revealed that Burney documented mental health diagnoses without conducting proper diagnostic examinations. Parents were reportedly unaware that therapy services were being billed on their children’s behalf.
At the time of her plea, Burney deposited $47,137.16 in restitution with the Clerk of the District Court. The funds will now be returned to the Nebraska Medicaid program.
