by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Apr 23, 2020 | Anton Media, COVID-19, In The Media
As the Coronavirus pandemic has come to dominate a good deal of our daily lives, are we, as Dr. Suzan Song suggests in U.S. News and World Report, “on the brink of a mental health pandemic that our current system is not equipped to handle?”
Recent polling by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that almost half of U.S. adults said the pandemic has affected their mental health, while more than half believed that they would be exposed to COVID-19 because they could not afford to stay at home financially.
At North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, where we work with children, teens and their families, we’ve made the transition from face-to-face office, home and school-based visits to remote video conferencing sessions. Although we didn’t formally poll the families we work with, judging by feedback from our therapists, the mental health impacts of COVID-19 are pervasive.
Most of the children we see haven’t come to us because of COVID-19 fears, although we are starting to get referrals specifically related to the pandemic. Nevertheless, everyone we see is impacted by it. The problems that they came to us for in the first place—most often depression and anxiety—are exacerbated by the fear and uncertainty that the Coronavirus brings.
Many of our recent referrals come to us from urgent care or as the result of hospital discharges. Along with depression and anxiety, some are also experiencing panic attacks, crying spells, passive suicidal thoughts and urges to self-harm.
As one of our therapists reported: “Using Zoom video conferencing sessions to navigate family therapy has given me the opportunity to remain connected with the family while working with them virtually to discuss ways they can practice and implement better communication skills. Zoom sessions have also allowed me to work with my client individually to review and practice coping skills she can utilize when experiencing low moods.”
The challenges brought on by the pandemic are significant. Kids don’t know when they will return to school and, for many, when their moms and dads will return to work. Being in close quarters with their family 24/7 can feel like a pressure cooker, particularly when the stress of isolation from friends, economic worries at home and terror about the possibility of a loved one becoming ill and dying are constantly at play.
It’s fairly common knowledge that as many as one in five Americans experiences some form of mental illness, and the pandemic has greatly escalated their symptoms. As Dr. Song stated, “In my psychiatry practice, some of my college-aged patients who were previously able to manage their depression and anxiety are crippled in paralyzing fear of going outside, or depressed about the loss of their year and uncertain of their future.”
The Guidance Center’s seamless transition from in-person to virtual practice has made a significant difference for our families. When all feels like it is being lost with the limits that the shutdown has exacted, being able to maintain the routine of mental health counseling was a great relief. Parents have expressed gratitude for the continuity and for knowing that we have not abandoned them.
Of course, we can only do what we are doing because we have the technology to do so. And, as Dr. Song affirmed, “Prior to the pandemic, telehealth was not always covered by insurance; restrictions have temporarily been lifted for many, but need to continue post-pandemic.”
At the same time the nation’s mental health is declining due to the pandemic, the number of mental health professionals accepting insurance—and particularly psychiatrists—remains low due to the substandard rates of reimbursement that health insurers pay.
Federal mental health parity law demands universal access to care, yet health insurers rarely comply by providing adequate networks of providers, and government does not adequately enforce this law.
During this uncertain time, now more than ever we need to ensure universal access to care in order to flatten the mental health curve for our children and families.
Andrew Malekoff is the executive director of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the leading children’s mental health agency on Long Island. The Guidance Center is seeing new and existing clients via telephone and video during the COVID-19 crisis. To make an appointment, call (516) 626-1971. Visit www.northshorechildguidance.org for more information.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Apr 22, 2020 | COVID-19, In The Media, Long Island Business News
One of COVID-19’s worst complications for nonprofits is the decimated events calendar. Galas and luncheons – nonprofits’ biggest fundraising vehicles – simply don’t exist in the age of social distancing.
Take North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center in Roslyn Heights. The organization looks to three events each year to bring people together, and collectively raise about $700,000.
There’s a lot that may ride on timing going forward.
“Our gala in October is our biggest fundraiser, but in addition to safety, would this be the right time to have that kind of celebration?” said Andrew Malekoff, executive director of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center in Roslyn Heights.
For organizations like North Shore Child & Family Guidance that means regrouping in order to reach donors and to continue to provide services to communities, many of which are in crisis, and may need them now more than ever.
“It’s a tricky balance because we’re all headed into a lot of uncertainty,” said Jeff Reynolds, president and CEO of Family & Children’s Association in Mineola.
At the same time, there’s a “spike in client demand and needs in the community” and with loss of tax revenue caused by the “New York Pause,” there are “signs that the county is heading into a rough time,” he said.
Now, resiliency matters.
FCA, which has been around for 135 years, has weathered plenty of storms – among them, two world wars, a depression, devastating hurricanes, 9/11 and several recessions. In all that time “we never closed – we’re still responding and answering the call today,” Reynolds said.
And a dose of ingenuity helps.
Persevering through COVID-19 and its shock to the economy requires a host of strategies. Communications skills, solid relationships and a tight team all come into play, experts say. And the powers of video conferencing and social media may forever change the fundraising and awareness-raising landscape.
Perhaps most powerful are the one-to-one relationships.
Reynolds likes to reach out to donors and say “How’re you doing? Here’s what we’re doing, just so you’re up to date.”
In these conversations, speak honestly and openly, and state what your needs are, whether it’s a $25 donor or a $25,000 donor, Reynolds said.
The conversations should be extended to the organization’s full board, budget committees, steering committees and other key stakeholders. These dialogs are essential, especially for organizations awaiting funding at the county, state or federal level.
Since COVID-19, board and committee members all had to be accessed to inform “what we were looking at – real concerns about the viability of going forward and being able to meet payroll because of reduced cash flow,” Malekoff said.
“For not-for-profits struggling at the moment, the board is their asset,” said Kerry Gillick Goldberg, a public relations and non-profit expert. She recently launched Baby Essentials of Long Island, with Docs for Tots as a fiscal sponsor, to help families in need. “The executive director has to be in constant contact with the board. It’s the board’s responsibility to assist at that moment.”
That assistance can be financial, but also in-kind services in the form of expertise, goods and even introductions, experts say.
Internal matters
Take a close look within your own organization, which may also be in need of repair. Some are coping with the stresses around employees and board members who contracted the virus. Others are rebounding in a new work-from-home environment where there may be additional pressures. Many have staff cuts, layoffs and furloughs even if there are more people now need their services. Still others are expending energy differently thanks to technology.
Organizations in need of funds should look immediately to available resources. These include programs through the CARES Act, including the Paycheck Protection Program, employee retention credit and other opportunities.North Shore Child & Family Guidance, for example, now relies on telehealth to provide services and meet growing demand, at a time when there are fewer appointment cancellations; the bright spot here is a boost to billing. And while there are challenges to make sure everyone can access the technology, an important component was reaching out “to all of the families we work with” to let them know “we are not abandoning them” and that there’s “another way to be in touch with them and continue the work that we do,” Malekoff said.
The tools you have
Make use of the tools you have, experts say. Seeing program cuts, along with supply shortages, as well as knowing people had lost jobs, Gillick Goldberg took to social media to address the need for diapers, baby food and more to help those who could no longer provide for their young families. That got the attention of local media, helping to prompt donations, including diapers, wipes and formula from Long Island Cares, she said.
But while Gillick Goldberg’s circle of media connections can help get donations, “everybody has the ability” to locate the assistance needed, she said. “I’m not embarrassed to ask for help and say please.”
That determination came in handy when Gillick Goldberg was trying to score hard-to-find size-5 diapers.
Finally, “I got lucky when this new store, Warehouse Liquidation Center, in Plainview, heard what I was doing, and took pity and donated boxes of diapers,” she said.
Looking to the expertise of a larger organization can help. For instance, Island Harvest Food Bank is partnering with 288 community-based non-profit organizations, 32 school districts, the Suffolk County Executive’s Office, the Nassau County Department of Health, and Nassau and Suffolk County veterans organizations. The organization said it is working with local, state, and federal government officials, community-based organizations and others to offer guidance and provide food across Long Island.
A new era
How nonprofits raise funds and build community may be changed at least temporarily.
Some are considering virtual galas, where donors view a streaming performance of a musical performance or comedian. Others include a fundraising challenge, or even a virtual mahjong fundraiser.
“I don’t know that this will catch on the way people think it might,” Reynolds said.
Still, a virtual event might not ever replace a golf outing. But produced thoughtfully, complete with thoughtful videos, a virtual event might fill in the gap for a scholarship event. Reynolds said it might be compelling to tell donors “I’m not asking you to come to a breakfast where you spend $100 on eggs. Instead, take that $100 to help a kid get an iPad and go to Nassau Community College.”
In a landscape that has long been dotted with charitable events, “maybe it’s time for a reset button,” he said.
By Adina Genn. Adina covers law and government for Long Island Business News. She can be reached via email at agenn@libn.comor at (631) 913-4241.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Apr 14, 2020 | Blog, COVID-19
Do you feel like your world has been turned upside down?
The COVID-19 pandemic is creating an escalation in anxiety, fear and depression for the entire population, both young and old. It’s a traumatic experience for everyone, regardless of whether they were experiencing mental health challenges prior to the crisis.
The highly trained therapists at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center are dedicated to serving their clients during this enormously difficult time. While our buildings are closed, we’re conducting therapy sessions via phone and video conferencing.
Here’s just one story of how this new process is working to support the children and families in our local communities.
One of our therapists was concerned because her client, 16-year-old Heather*, had left her grandmother on Long Island to be with her mother in a Midwestern state when the crisis first took hold. Heather normally lives with her grandmother, but since the elder woman was home recovering from COVID-19, the entire family felt it was best for Heather to stay with her mom.
The Guidance Center therapist contacted Heather on the phone and set up a video session.
Heather has pre-existing anxiety and depression issues, and the pandemic was making her symptoms even worse. She was understandably afraid about the health of her grandmother, whom she had lived with since she was a young girl. Although she was relieved to be spending time with her mother, she felt guilty about leaving her grandmother behind.
During the video session, Heather told her therapist that she had been having trouble getting out of bed in the morning because she felt so sad and exhausted. The therapist worked with Heather to develop a plan of action so that she could use her coping skills. They talked about setting up a healthy routine – getting up at a reasonable hour, showering, eating, taking walks and writing in her journal.
Heather was able to realize that, despite the many things that are not in her control, she did have the power to make wise choices to support her mental health. The therapist also scheduled a video session with Heather and her mother, so they both will learn how to communicate and support each other during this very stressful time.
All of the therapists at the Guidance Center have reached out to their clients, setting up appointments so they can continue their paths to healing. They have also taken on new clients who are struggling with COVID-related fears.
If your children or teens are experiencing anxiety, depression or other challenges, whether or not they are related to the pandemic, we are here to help. Call (516) 626-1971 or email info@northshorechildguidance.org.
*Not her real name.
Strategies on Reassuring Your Family
- You are the best role model for your children, so when speaking about the epidemic, remain calm and reassuring.
- Remind them that scientists, doctors and other experts are working every day to come up with treatments for the disease, and that we can trust they will find the best solutions.
- Ask them what they have heard about the virus, so you can correct any misconceptions.
- Establish a daily routine that includes time for schoolwork, exercise, screen time, play and creative pursuits.
- Use this time together to establish some new family traditions, such as game night or movie night.
- Expect your kids (and teens too) to need extra attention and love during this trying time.
- Be sure to incorporate self-care practices. You cannot take care of others if you are not in good health, both mentally and physically.
by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Apr 9, 2020 | Blog, COVID-19, In The Media
One of my favorite phone apps is the Weather Channel. I check it every day, sometimes several times a day, to track the temperature, wind and precipitation in my zip code.
If I want to, I can search any zip code anywhere. It helps me to prepare for when I plan to walk or go bike riding. It is also helpful to see how the weather conditions might affect my commute to and from my office at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center or when I plan to travel anywhere in New York or beyond.
On the bottom of the opening page of the app there are icons that lead you to a quick view of hourly and daily weather conditions, as well as radar. I usually stick with hourly and daily views. I have looked at the radar page, but I haven’t figured it out yet.
The hourly and daily icons are presented in a gray outline and the radar icon in blue. I’m writing this on a cloudy and foggy morning, with light rain all day. I just checked the hourly icon to see if the rain is going to stop so I can take a walk. Sometimes I like to walk in the rain. But not today.
Tomorrow’s forecast is nice. I think I’ll wait until tomorrow morning to walk: no rain, temperature 50 degrees and wind ESE only 4 MPH. Perfect!
As I clicked back to the homepage, my eyes caught an icon I hadn’t noticed before. The new icon is all red and it reads “COVID-19” with a solid red image that represents the virus. I clicked it and came to a page associated with my zip code.
When I opened to the COVID-19 page it displayed confirmed cases and deaths associated with the coronavirus in Nassau County and the percentage increase of deaths since last week. Like the weather, it indicates the date and time of day for the report.
And then just below the Nassau County information, it provides the confirmed cases and deaths in all of New York State.
It took my breath away to see this little red icon on the Weather Channel. After all, checking the weather has always provided me with a momentary respite, a chance to look forward to a nice day or to prepare for a crummy one.
But the little red icon put a lump in my throat.
We are encouraged on social media every day with uplifting memes and inspirational quotations to count our blessings. We are advised to use telecommunications to interact with family, friends and colleagues.
Depending on the circumstance, technology enables us to reach out to students, clients, doctors, patients and customers.
At the same time, anxiety and fear is a constant companion. For some, more so than others. Particularly if you have loved ones with pre-existing health-compromising conditions or if you don’t know how you are going to pay the bills if this lasts much longer.
We can distract ourselves only so long. And, then we check the weather.
Andrew Malekoff is the executive director of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the leading children’s mental health agency on Long Island. The Guidance Center is seeing new and existing clients via telephone and video during the COVID-19 crisis. To make an appointment, call (516) 626-1971. Visit www.northshorechildguidance.org for more information.
