‘Shrink Rap’ celebrates second anniversary

UNMC’s James Sorrell, M.D., left, and Damian Montez have hosted “Sunday Night Shrink Rap” on KQCH-FM (94.1) for the past two years. On the show, “Dr. Jim” and “Your Boy Montez” take calls from teens and young adults concerning their concerns and problems.

On Sunday nights when many Omahans are settled in for the evening, Jim Sorrell, M.D., and co-host Damian Montez, are gearing up for their live, weekly radio show on KQCH-FM (94.1).

Two years ago, “Sunday Night Shrink Rap,” was launched to provide a forum for adolescents and young adults to anonymously discuss their problems. The show airs from 8 to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“It’s a place to go with concerns and share them,” said Dr. Sorrell, assistant professor, UNMC Department of Psychiatry. Known as “Dr. Jim” on the show, he provides advice on emotional and social difficulties.

The show is part of the Journal Broadcast Group’s ongoing effort to develop local programming that makes a difference in the community.

More about “Shrink Rap” Click here to see video, hear sounds bites and view more information about Dr. Sorrell and “Sunday Night Shrink Rap.”

“I think it helps primarily by allowing those calling and those listening who have similar difficulties to get a sense that they’re not alone,” said Dr. Sorrell, who also is medical director of consult and liaison services for The Nebraska Medical Center. “Despite their concerns, fears and apprehensions, their difficulties don’t mean there’s something intrinsically wrong with them. It’s a crazy, complex world and having difficulties is just part of it.”

Each show receives an average of six callers with topics ranging from unplanned pregnancy, eating disorders, problems with step parents, suicide, depression, being stalked and jealous friends. From the time the show goes on the air, the phone never stops ringing.

There’s a big void in mental health services, Dr. Sorrell said, especially for adolescents and young adults who may not be insured.

“One of the problems is they’re not enough resources and our society doesn’t value people’s mental health and emotional well-being enough to really invest a lot in it,” he said. “So a lot of young adults fall through the cracks. Many are uninsured. It’s a huge problem.”

Dr. Sorrell said he is pleased with how the show has been received.

“It’s gone pretty well,” he said. “Though it’s hard to know how much impact the show makes on its audience, I think the best way of knowing is we’re into our third year and people are still calling.”

The Journal Broadcast Group touts the program as a model way to provide outreach to the local community, said Erik Johnson, KQCH program director.

“It’s a feather in our cap,” Johnson said. “We are happy that KQCH is able to give the community a show like Shrink Rap that really helps young adults through such rough times in their lives.”

Journal Broadcast Group, which is part of Journal Communications Inc., is based in Milwaukee and owns and operates 36 radio stations and nine television stations in 12 states.

For its service to the community, Shrink Rap has received awards from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association for the past two years.

The show is available via podcast at http://www.unmc.edu/podcast/shrinkrap.htm where there also is an exhaustive list of community resources.