A Conversation with Clinical Director Denise Ingenito
By Alissa Striano
Over the past few years, AI has made its way into almost every part of our lives—including mental health. With feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression on the rise, especially among teens, many young people are turning to AI-powered apps like Wysa and Youper to talk things out. These apps offer everything from mood tracking to mindfulness tips to conversations modeled after cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They’re free, available 24/7, and sometimes feel more private than a traditional therapy session.
Let’s be real, teens are already glued to their phones, and talking to an app might feel less intimidating than opening up to a human. But can AI replace therapy?
As a volunteer with a personal interest in the future of AI, I sat down with Denise Ingenito, Clinical Director at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, to talk about it. Denise oversees mental health programs in the agency’s Roslyn Heights and Westbury locations, manages intern training programs, and plays a role in the Guidance Center’s services for kids and families dealing with co-occurring disorders.
Real People, Real Healing
At the Guidance Center, Denise and her team offer way more than just talk therapy.
“We have two girls’ groups for self-esteem, two boys’ groups, an LGBTQ+ group, an anti-bullying group, and parent groups,” she told me. “There’s also our Wilderness Respite Program where teens hike every other week, a Latina girls’ group, and our Community and Home-Based Services team that goes directly into homes to work with both kids and parents.” These programs are built on relationships, empathy, and human connection—everything AI can’t replicate.
Initial Reactions to AI Therapy
When the topic of AI therapy came up in their monthly clinical meeting, Denise said the room was split. “Some clinicians were really concerned about where AI is headed. Others saw it as a useful tool, but only in certain areas, like helping with notetaking or organizing treatment plans.”
Her personal take? “I think AI is potentially dangerous when used for therapy. It’s not really challenging clients or helping them examine distorted thinking. It’s just validating everything they say, and that’s not always helpful.” She added that while AI might be great for tasks like scheduling or documentation, therapists have to be careful not to let technology create cookie-cutter treatment plans.
What About Teens Using AI for Support?
Some teens do use AI tools late at night to vent or journal, Denise explained. And while it might be nice to get something off your chest, there’s no processing involved—just one-way communication.
“A robot doesn’t have empathy. It’s not going to gently challenge you or say, ‘Hey, that doesn’t sound quite right.’”
She also brought up a real example: A student at Bellmore High School texted a live counselor during class, saying she was thinking about hurting herself. Because a human was on the other end, they were able to intervene and get her help immediately. “That would never happen with AI,” Denise said. “There’s nothing better than a human response.”
Can AI Fill the Gaps in Underserved Communities?
When I asked Denise if AI could help kids in underserved areas throughout Long Island, she was skeptical. “A lot of them don’t even have access to technology’s mental health tools. And many kids can’t tell the difference between credible resources and harmful advice on TikTok.”
At Westbury High School, the Guidance Center actually has a clinician on-site to work with teens that are dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues—something Denise hopes to see more of in Nassau County. The New York State Office of Mental Health is pushing for mental health services to be implemented in schools, and the Guidance Center is fully on board with that.
Blending Tech with Therapy (The Right Way)
Still, the Guidance Center isn’t totally anti-tech. Denise mentioned a clinician who uses handheld devices to help kids express emotions through short games. “We’ll play a five-minute game and then have a conversation about how they felt. It opens the door.”
She also brought up storytelling in trauma work—an area where technology could one day play a bigger role. But she emphasized that AI should be a tool, not a replacement. “We need to educate both clinicians and the public about the pros and cons of AI. It’s already shaping our decision-making, even in the simplest ways. I mean, we’re asking apps what to have for breakfast.”
So… Where Does AI Really Belong?
At the end of the day, AI therapy isn’t black and white. It can offer comfort in the moment, help fill small gaps, and even assist therapists behind the scenes—but it can’t truly replace human connection, empathy, or judgment.
As we look toward the future of mental health care, especially for teens, the real question isn’t if we should use AI, but how we use it. Will we treat it as a quick fix, or will we stay focused on building real relationships, one conversation at a time?
This fall, schools across Nassau County and throughout New York State will look a little different. In April, lawmakers passed a law requiring schools to keep phones away from students during the entire school day. To meet this requirement, districts are rolling out what is being called the Bell-to-Bell cell phone ban, meaning no phone use from the first bell to the last. The goal is to cut down on distractions, reduce cyberbullying, and support students’ mental health.
Local Control and Transparency
While the law is statewide, each district is responsible for creating its own policy. As part of the state funding that supports the Bell-to-Bell initiative, districts must also communicate their plans clearly, posting them on the New York State government website so families can easily access information.
The exact enforcement depends on the district’s policy, but the state law requires that students cannot use personal devices during the school day. For example, in Manhasset, both internet-enabled devices and other personal electronic devices are included in their restrictions.
Manhasset Example
The Manhasset Union Free School District recently outlined its policy. The district’s approach addresses internet-enabled devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets, as well as non-internet devices like earbuds, music players, and fitness trackers. Officials emphasize that these devices can create distractions, interfere with learning, and even disrupt emergency response protocols. The policy also reminds families that the school will not be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
What It Means for Students
For students, the change may not be easy. Many will say a school day without phones feels boring. But boredom is not always bad. Ali Lo Re, Director of Clinical Services for the Intensive Support Program at BOCES, explained, “When students are bored, that is often where creativity begins. Without constant stimulation from their phones, they have to imagine, create, and connect in new ways.”
Dr. Fiana Klein, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, agreed. She said, “Taking phones out of the picture gives students a chance to sit with discomfort. Those moments are where real growth happens, where kids develop resilience, social skills, and confidence in themselves.”
Administrators also hope less screen time will mean fewer incidents of cyberbullying and social drama.
Mental Health and Safety
Research shows that constant access to devices can fuel anxiety, sleep issues, and peer drama. Districts also emphasize safety: in emergencies, phones may spread misinformation or distract students from following staff directions. The Bell-to-Bell ban aims to create calmer, more focused, and safer school environments.
Parents Will Feel It Too
Parents will feel the shift too. For years, many have been in frequent contact with their kids during the school day, answering texts about forgotten items, small problems, or just checking in. That kind of real-time back-and-forth will not be possible anymore. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, both experts say this change could be healthy for families.
Lo Re noted that without the constant lifeline to parents, students will have more chances to solve problems on their own and build independence. It is about giving kids the space to figure things out instead of always stepping in right away.
Dr. Klein echoed that thought, adding, “This is really about stress tolerance, allowing kids to manage discomfort and realize that they can get through it. Parents may feel uneasy at first, but in the long run, it helps create more independent, autonomous young adults.”
Parent Contact
During the school day, parents are encouraged to call the main office or use their child’s district email address if they need to get in touch. Schools will provide clear communication protocols at the start of the year, so families know exactly how to reach their children when needed.
Expert Guidance
For parents looking for additional guidance, Dr. Klein recommends Jonathan Haidt’s bestselling book The Anxious Generation. “It is an important read for parents,” she said. “It explains how these devices interfere with the developmental milestones kids need, and it offers practical strategies for supporting them.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, schools will not just roll out the ban and walk away. As part of the state grant supporting this initiative, districts are required to track how the change is impacting students. Dr. Klein explained, “Schools will be looking closely at trends in bullying, mental health referrals, and overall school climate. The ban is not just about removing phones, it is about making sure we see meaningful improvements in focus, connection, and mental health.”
Next Steps
Each district will handle the details differently, so parents should check their school’s specific policies at ny.gov/phonefree. If questions come up, the best step is to reach out directly to your local district. Families can also prepare by talking about the ban in advance and practicing device-free hours at home. Even something as simple as making dinner phone-free can help kids and parents get used to unplugging.
The Bell-to-Bell law is more than just a restriction; it is a call to action. As Dr. Klein reminded, many kids later admit their favorite part of sleepaway camp was not having their phones. “When they look back, life often feels fuller without them,” she said.
Support for Families
If your family is struggling with this transition or you would like support in helping your child adjust, the team at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is here to help. Call (516) 626-1971 to learn more about the programs and services offered.
By Denise Ingenito, LCSW, Director of Clinical Services at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center
Originally Published in Schneps Media on July 25
Summer brings endless possibilities, whether it’s basking at the beach, riding roller coasters… or fighting with family. Vacations introduce stressors that might not come up at home, making it difficult to manage a packed itinerary and tired children alike.
Though many aspects of a trip are out of your control, parents do have a say in how they plan for and confront conflict that arises. A realistic outlook and openness to improvisation can help to ensure that your summer outing brings the family closer together, not further apart.
Traveling with Kids of Different Ages
Planning a vacation that accommodates children of all ages can prove to be quite a feat. Teenagers often desire freedom and time on their own, which might not always mesh with the rest of the family’s plans. Find activities that allow them to explore independently while still being safely supervised. Encourage them to take on leadership roles in group activities, but avoid putting too much responsibility on their shoulders.
For younger children, the disruption to their routines can lead to stressful moments. Be prepared for some flexibility in their schedules; if nap times or mealtimes get thrown off, don’t sweat it—just build some extra downtime into the itinerary. Keep an eye on their energy levels and emotional cues to gauge when they might need a break.
Set Expectations
Everyone has a vision of what a great vacation looks like, and these ideas can vary widely. Are you headed for a calming lakeside retreat or an action-packed adventure? By discussing and aligning on what each person hopes to get out of the trip, you can set realistic expectations and ensure that everyone is excited and prepared for the days ahead.
Encourage your children to express their interests and preferences. While not everything can be tailored to their exact wishes, giving them a voice in the planning process can help them feel more invested and willing to compromise. It’s all about finding a balance where everyone’s needs are considered, even if they’re not fully met.
Set Boundaries
Traveling brings a whirlwind of activity, and there will come a point when everyone needs a breather. Setting boundaries is key to managing feelings of overstimulation and irritation. Designate some downtime for the adults to relax and for the kids to enjoy some independent play. If teenagers have been taking on extra responsibilities, make sure they get time to themselves, too.
Create space for individual needs and moments of respite. This can mean independent play for the kids or periods where everyone can unwind individually. Respecting these boundaries helps prevent conflicts and ensures that everyone returns to the planned activities feeling refreshed.
Dealing with Disappointment
Even with the best-laid plans, no vacation is perfect. Conflicts and disappointments are inevitable, but how you handle them can make a big difference. If things don’t go as planned, take the time to acknowledge and discuss the feelings of disappointment. Reflect on what could have been better and what you can do differently next time.
Be sure to focus on the positives as well! What went smoothly? What was everyone’s favorite part? What made you laugh? Sharing these reflections with your family can help to shift the focus from disappointments to memorable moments. Opening the door to these conversations fosters a positive outlook and helps everyone appreciate the trip more fully.
After the Vacation
Once the vacation is over, take some time to review and savor the highlights. Break out the photo album and discuss your favorite moments from the trip. These discussions can create lasting memories that bring you closer together, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
To learn about our lifesaving programs, call the Guidance Center at (516) 626-1971 or visit www.northshorechildguidance.org. In case of an emergency after hours, contact our partners at Long Island Crisis Center, (516) 679-1111.
Originally Published in Schneps Media on July 18, 2025
In this monthly column, therapists from North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center answer your questions on issues related to parenting, mental health, and children’s well-being. To submit a question, email communications@northshorechildguidance.org.
Question: My teenage daughter has become increasingly distraught over the growing ICE raids on Long Island. At first, we tried to reassure her by explaining that those without a criminal record would not be targeted. But as recent reports have shown otherwise, she’s grown more anxious and fearful, especially for our family members who have lived in the U.S. for decades. She’s been struggling with sleepless nights and a level of nervousness we’ve never seen before. She’s even been apprehensive about going to school. How can we help her manage this very real fear and regain a sense of safety and stability?
Answer: Your daughter’s fear is both personal and entirely rational. The threat of family separation has a profound psychological impact on young people, especially those with loved ones who may be undocumented.
According to the American Immigration Council, more than 4 million children in the U.S. live with at least one undocumented parent. The fear your daughter is experiencing is unfortunately not uncommon. One of the most helpful things you can do is talk openly with her about what your family is doing to stay safe and prepared. Reassure her that there are steps in place, and remind her that she is not alone. Discuss news events as a family to help to manage her uncertainty and allow you to ensure she has accurate information about the situation at hand. When symptoms of distress and anxiety emerge, encourage her to express her emotions freely, and consider seeking support from a counselor familiar with trauma and immigration-related anxiety.
At North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, we’ve seen how news of intensified immigration enforcement has created waves of anxiety across our community. In response, we took swift and compassionate action to support the vulnerable children and families we serve.
Working in consultation with legal experts, we’ve implemented trauma-informed protocols across all our sites. While we do not provide legal advice, our staff has been trained to respond in ways that prioritize safety, ethics, and emotional support. Most importantly, our clinicians work closely with families to create emergency action plans that can provide a sense of control and stability during uncertain times. These plans often include identifying trusted adults who can care for children, securing written permissions for school pickups, and ensuring there’s a network of supports in place if a caregiver is detained or deported.
Knowing there’s a plan and a team of caring adults looking out for her and your family can go a long way toward easing her fears. Though the world may feel unpredictable, a stable support system will allow her to begin rebuilding a sense of security in the face of uncertainty.
To learn about our lifesaving programs, call the Guidance Center at (516) 626-1971 or visit www.northshorechildguidance.org. In case of an emergency after hours, contact our partners at Long Island Crisis Center, (516) 679-1111.
