By Abby Schiff, Volunteer at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center
College and stress are two words that go together hand in hand. No matter what, it is virtually impossible to go through the college experience without feeling an ounce of stress. The thing is, a little bit of stress in your life is normal and manageable. Where it becomes an issue is when that little bit turns into an abundance.
As a rising junior in college, every passing year seems to bring an increasingly heavy work load. With the advancement of technology, teachers across the globe are expecting more of students. They assign more work with the assumption that it can be completed because of all these new “resources,” while often forgetting the stress and pressure these expectations can have on students.
The syllabus is one of the clearest cut ways to receive your expectations for a semester or year. Sometimes, you get lucky. Other times, you get caught in a mountain of work. A teacher will assign a textbook reading, plus a couple of articles which can span anywhere from 20-100 pages, as well as a written assignment all to be completed within a couple of days. They then slap a grade on it and give you another one, and another.
Many times, teachers pile on the readings because they think that all of their students are using artificial intelligence to scan and read for them. Somehow, this translates to giving more work. While there are plenty of students who use AI, there are just as many who don’t.
This is where the stress comes in. This can look like: sleepless nights, bad eating habits, procrastination, persistent worry, and even skipping class. For the students who do all the work without the help of AI, they are getting piled on with more to do than they can handle.
On top of studious stressors, students also deal with social pressures. Peer pressure and social anxiety are two of the most popular forms of stress I’ve seen in my fellow college students. Especially when it comes to “taking a load off,” students can easily get carried away or pressured to get carried away with drinking. This can cause them to lose control over their workload and their social lives, which leaves many struggling in need of resources.
Because of these concerns, mental health resources on campus are incredibly important. They can help students manage their stress and anxiety that they find from classes with difficult workloads or anything going on in their personal lives. Resources are vital for the health of students, and a lack of access can be detrimental for student mental health.
In this respect, school resources are very important and helpful, but also difficult to find time for. While it is highly beneficial to have mental health resources on campus that help students experiencing stress and anxiety, most students cannot find the time to utilize these resources, or their only time is when these offices close. For students who are also part-time workers, finding time to get help is nearly impossible.
This is why it is important to have more resources open at night or early mornings and available to more students. When mental health offices are only open during the school day, it makes it pretty difficult for students to find time between classes to go in for long enough to get the help they need.
Another factor that is important to recognize is age. While college students are adults, and thus, treated as such, between a person’s 20s and 30s, the frontal lobe is still developing. This doesn’t mean that college students should be thought of as children or treated like it, but it is important to have the necessary resources for people who are still in development to have access to the correct care.
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center provides quality mental health care to people from birth to age 24 regardless of ability to pay, serving as a beacon of hope for students throughout Nassau County. Services are offered both in-person at three locations or via telehealth, with appointments as late as 9:00pm. There is no wait list, as they know that access delayed is access denied.
More colleges should run by this example. Care should be included in the college experience, especially if the school is one of the stressors responsible for mental health challenges. It should not be expected of students to have an impossible workload that only a computer can handle. It defeats the purpose of telling students not to use AI if that is the only thing that can complete the assignment in time. Instead, a manageable workload that doesn’t need to be scanned should be the norm, and free care early morning to late at night should be installed everywhere.
Many schools are getting better at having resources available, but a big issue is the ratio of students to care providers. A school may have 15 therapists available, and that seems like a great number, but when you have a school with over 40,000 students, 15 doesn’t seem so great anymore. Fixing these ratios so that students don’t have to wait to get care should be a top priority because access delayed is access denied.
School is supposed to be challenging, but it was never meant to be impossible.
If you are having a hard time dealing with school or other challenges, call the Guidance Center at (516) 626-1971 to get connected with the help you need.
Summer is a prime time for stress and anxiety levels to skyrocket. Having kids home running around mixed with the blazing heat is not always the best combo. It is important to have ways to lighten your load and recognize when you need a moment to step away.
Write out your schedule
The summer months can get very booked very fast, and it can be daunting to remember every detail of every day. Having a clear cut schedule is one of the most efficient ways to see and understand everything you have going on without becoming overwhelmed.
Whether it’s in a planner or on a full-fledged calendar, writing things down boosts memory retention and reduces your cognitive load, helping you avoid scrambling to remember every miniscule detail. This also gives way to enhanced focus; if you were to draft a digital version, you might be more susceptible to distractions online. Writing everything makes for better time management, and a significantly lower chance of overscheduling yourself.
Put away time for yourself
Make sure that you are leaving at least a little bit of free time on the calendar for yourself. Whether your schedule is jam packed or on the lighter side, self-care time is encouraged and incredibly helpful, especially for those who get overwhelmed by the summer craze.
Alone time is incredibly important for mental health and well-being. Slowing down and taking a break allows for your nervous system to calm down and lower cortisol levels. Time with yourself creates a space for personal growth, and the ability to explore what you are interested in. Believe it or not, time spent away from others actually strengthens relationships! Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, and spending some time alone gives you new perspectives and experiences to share with others when you step back into your normal routine.
Practice patience
Kids are bright, full of energy and, of course, you love them. That being said, sometimes their energy and yours don’t line up, and it can be easy to get frustrated.
If you physically feel yourself getting overwhelmed, step away for ten seconds and take a deep breath or two. This lowers your impulse to yell. It is easy to get annoyed when your children don’t listen or are simply bouncing off the walls with energy. When this happens, you have to remind yourself that they are still mentally developing just as they are physically. They are adopting skills for emotional regulation, but they haven’t fully figured it out just yet. You need to remember that they aren’t adults, they are kids, so you can’t expect them to act as if they are fully grown. You can also use grounding techniques to distract and calm your mind from the feelings bubbling up, such as naming five things you see, four things you touch, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste.
I got angry. What should I do?
It’s important to give yourself grace when you lose control. It is a perfectly normal thing to happen, and sometimes you aren’t able to recognize when you get too overwhelmed. That being said, it is important to take steps to ensure that you are less likely to get angry in the future.
Use this as a teaching moment. Take a few seconds to yourself to calm down first. Make sure that you regulate your emotions before going to help your child with theirs. Then, get to eye level and apologize to your child, letting them know you made a mistake. Be sure to validate their feelings and tell them that it is okay to feel how they are feeling. Take accountability for your actions and ensure your child that you should have spoken in a more calm way. It is normal to get angry sometimes, so remember to practice self-compassion
This is an incredibly powerful teaching moment not only for your child but for yourself too. It is a good step in the child learning about regulating emotions and how to deal with conflict. For yourself, it is good to learn what your triggers are and how you can take the necessary steps to recognize and redirect your frustration so that you can be better about it in the future.
If you are having trouble or need support, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center provides many helpful services. For more information, please call (516) 626-1971.
Tags: summer parenting, parenting tips, summer stress, parental stress, stress management, self-care for parents, family mental health, emotional regulation, parenting strategies, mindful parenting, coping skills, anxiety management, work-life balance, healthy routines, grounding techniques, patience with children, child development, positive parenting, family wellness, mental health support, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center
An acoustic guitar duo sings “When Will I Be Loved,” the music covering the sounds of children playing indoors at the Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore while parents enjoy a beer and a Giants game on the big screens one recent Sunday afternoon.
Michael Fusco, 38, of Ronkonkoma, who works in sales, has brought his son, Anthony, 3, and daughter, Melody, 4 months old. Anthony tosses a miniature football to Fusco’s co-worker Josh Dellett, 24, of Hauppauge. “Not so hard. Throw it soft,” says Fusco while holding Melody. “He loves anywhere he can run around a bit.”
Some breweries on Long Island embrace families as a target market, welcoming them into cavernous indoor beer halls with long picnic-style tables, offering games like Uno or cornhole and special events such as contests in which kids compete to eat a doughnut hanging from a string without using their hands.
While some breweries across the country have banned children, that’s not the case on Long Island, brewery managers and owners say. “We’re always going to be a kid-friendly, family-friendly place,” says Luke Heneghan, who co-owns Bright Eye Beer Co. in Long Beach. “We’ve read articles about kids being an issue, but we haven’t had a major issue with parents not being in control of their kids. It’s not a free-for-all. It’s not ‘Lord of the Flies’ in here.” That classic novel often read in high schools is about a group of boys stranded on a deserted island who devolve into violence.
Some breweries reserve the right to limit families during certain times. At Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore, a sign next to a children’s arcade machine with stuffed animal prizes reminds: “No kids or dogs after 6 p.m. on Saturdays. After 6 p.m. we become a 21+ establishment.”
A COMMUNITY SPACE
Danielle Sharaby-Glasser, 40, a nurse practitioner from Long Beach, spends a recent Sunday at Bright Eye with her husband, Joseph Glasser, 45, who works in sales, and their children, Ryan, 11, Jolie, 8, and Everett, 3. She calls breweries community spaces. “We like to play Uno as a family when we come here,” Sharaby-Glasser says.
Ryan plays cornhole outside in front of the brewery with Everett. “I like their Shirley Temples, and I like to play pool upstairs,” Ryan says. “It’s a place where you can just chill.”
People typically don’t visit a brewery with the goal of getting drunk, says Brendan Maxim, the brewer at Bright Eye. Breweries usually only sell beer, not other types of alcohol, he says.
Dan LaManna, 39, a teacher from Long Beach, calls Bright Eye “a fun meeting place. I’m not going to bring my kids to a regular bar. It’s definitely a different vibe here.” LaManna brought his children Greyson, 7, and Dahlia, 5.
One patron describes the brewery as a middle ground between gathering at home and visiting a more intense partying venue. Others say it allows parents to socialize and be with their children at the same time. And kids aren’t the only family members people can bring — families even bring along their dogs.
The upstairs room at the two-story Bright Eye has open space and couches and chairs, and children are running and playing during the brewery’s annual fall festival. A mother and son play cards at one table; at another, children color while their parents relax.
ANY COMPLAINTS?
Lorenz Zaragoza, 38, who lives in Long Beach and works in sales, passes a recent Sunday afternoon at Bright Eye with his six children, ages 8, 6, 5, 3, 2 and 1. It allows him and his wife, Katie, 36, a stay-at-home mother, to enjoy some time out without having to hire a babysitter, he says.
Fusco says he likes that he can bring his toddler and baby to the Great South Bay Brewery and give his wife, Ashley, 35, who works in purchasing, a needed break. “My wife has time to herself,” Fusco says. “Hopefully taking a nap.”
Luke Mason, 29, who works in marketing, and Sara Frank, 29, a data analyst, don’t have children. They stop at Great South Bay Brewery for a meal on their way home to New Jersey after a friend’s wedding. They say sharing space with kids doesn’t bother them.
“As long as they’re well-behaved, it really doesn’t make a difference,” Mason says.
Do other patrons ever complain about children being in the brewery?
“We do,” says Christopher Chiarelli, who works as a bartender at Great South Bay. It’s frustrating when people don’t supervise their children and they’re running around where they shouldn’t be, he says. “This isn’t a day care,” he says.
“At the end of the day, it’s an adult space,” Torres says. “We don’t care if kids get up and move about. They just have to be supervised at all times. It’s when it’s getting a little unruly it’s difficult.”
As for whether there’s a concern about exposing young children to a setting where alcohol is served, Laura Siddons, who runs The Nesting Place family wellness center in Farmingdale, Yaphank and Merrick, says so long as parents are being safe and choosing a designated driver, she doesn’t see an issue. She has gone to breweries occasionally with her 7- year-old twins and 9-year-old.
“It’s a very personal decision. As a mother myself, I don’t think a child in a brewery is the issue per se. It’s what we’re doing while we’re there,” she says. She points out that parents take children to restaurants where adults order drinks. “You go to a fall festival, they’re serving alcohol there, too. We live in a culture where kids are around parents drinking all the time,” she says.
Kathleen Rivera, a licensed social worker and executive director and chief executive officer of the Roslyn Heights-based North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center, encourages parents to make sure they ask themselves why they are choosing a brewery for a family outing when there are so many other choices on Long Island. If they have a family history of substance abuse or trauma involving alcohol, for instance, a better choice would be other places that have a different type of focus, she says.
The Kuster and Bass families bring their children to Great South Bay Brewery after picking pumpkins at the nearby Brightwaters Farms. They monitor the children, Kuster siblings Sophia, 4, and Aidan, 2, and Bass siblings Jacob, 4, and Olivia, 2, as they play near the table. “They can make a mess and no one cares. It’s loud, so you can make noise. They can take up as much space as they want,” says Alex Bass, 34, a project manager from Massapequa Park.
Aidan had just spilled his water under the table. But the reaction of the brewery sums up why families like it.
Says Patrick Kuster, 38, a wealth adviser from Massapequa: “Nobody cares about spilled water. Get the pun?”
Event celebrated North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s transformative work
Originally published in Schneps Media on November 6, 2025
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s Bright Futures Gala was a night to remember, celebrating the transformative work of the Long Island’s premiere nonprofit children’s mental health organization. Held on October 25, 2025, at Engineers Country Club, the event brought together community leaders, supporters, and friends to raise over $375,000 in support of the organization’s vital programs and services.
The evening honored Tommy Shevlin, President of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, for his dedication to the Guidance Center’s mission. Shevlin, who himself struggled with mental health, is a passionate advocate for expanding access to mental health resources for first responders and their families.
“As a police officer, I’ve seen firsthand the toll that mental health challenges can take on children, families, and our community,” said Shevlin. “These issues are often misunderstood and can cause lifelong struggles, but the Guidance Center confronts them head on and truly makes a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
The gala featured a dazzling Candlelight Concert performance, with a string quartet performing hits throughout the decades surrounded by the light of over 3,000 candles.
“Though the world is filled with uncertainty, there is one thing we will always be sure of: our commitment to providing quality, compassionate mental health care to everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Alexis Siegel, President of the Guidance Center’s Board of Directors. “This important work is thanks to you. Today, you chose to show up for the most vulnerable members of our community. Everyone in this room has given a child the chance to not only survive but thrive.”
Kathy Rivera, the Guidance Center’s Executive Director/CEO, thanked the evening’s Emcee, Stacey Sager of Channel 7 Eyewitness News, and the sponsors of the event: The Kupferberg Foundation; Andrea & Michael Leeds; Americana Manhasset; Ruth Fortunoff Cooper & Brian Cooper; Nancy & Lew Lane; The Bahnik Foundation; Davis & Ferber, LLP; Douglas Elliman Real Estate, LLC; NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery; Jane & Martin Schwartz; WABC-TV; John Beyer Music/Amy & John Beyer; Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C.; Mary Margiotta & Vasu Krishnamurther; Lisa & Sean McCarthy; Miller & Caggiano, LLP; Nassau County Detectives Charitable Foundation; National Grid; Lauren & Jonathan Schiff; and Alexis & Howard Siegel.
The center’s highly trained staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors and other mental health professionals lead the way in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, training, parent education, research and advocacy.
The Guidance Center helps children and families address issues such as depression and anxiety; developmental delays; bullying; teen pregnancy; sexual abuse; teen drug and alcohol abuse; trauma; and family crises stemming from illness, death and divorce.
For over 70 years, the Guidance Center has been a place of hope and healing, providing innovative and compassionate treatment to all who enter our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center will honor Nassau County Police Benevolent Association President Tommy Shevlin at its Bright Futures Gala on Oct. 25, at Engineers Country Club.
The gala, the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, will feature the internationally acclaimed Candlelight Concert, with a string quartet performing pop classics reimagined in a classical style.
Mary Margiotta and Vasu Krishnamurthy, along with Tracey & Seth Kupferberg, are serving as event co-chairs. Andrea & Michael Leeds are honorary co-chairs, while Lauren & Jonathan Schiff will serve as journal co-chairs. Stacey Sager, a reporter for WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News will emcee the evening.
“The Guidance Center offers vital services that benefit so many local families in need,” said Margiotta. “With rates of suicide and mental health challenges in young people on the rise, we are proud that Tommy Shevlin is lending his support and leadership to shine a light on these issues. We are honored to celebrate his dedication to our mission at this year’s Bright Futures Gala.”
“As a longtime board member, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the Guidance Center transforms lives by providing hope, healing, and vital mental health care for children and families,” said Kupferberg. “The Bright Futures Gala is not just a celebration—it’s a powerful way for our community to come together to ensure that every child has access to the support they need to thrive.”
Executive Director Kathy Rivera said proceeds from the event will ensure the Guidance Center can continue offering mental health services to children and families regardless of their ability to pay.
The gala will feature delicious food, live music on a stage decorated with over 2,000 candles, and fabulous auction and raffle prizes.
To learn more about becoming a sponsor or an underwriter or purchasing tickets, please visit www.northshorechildguidance.org/gala2025, call (516) 626-1971 ext. 378 or email mlalonde@northshorechildguidance.org.
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.
Event raises over $175,000 to support children’s mental health
Published in the Long Island Press
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, hosted the Jonathan Krevat Memorial Golf Classic on June 2, 2025, at the outstanding Sands Point Golf Club. The event raised over $175,000 to support the Guidance Center’s work to bring hope and healing to children and families dealing with mental health challenges.
“With suicide serving as the second leading cause of death among children ages 10-14, the mission of the Guidance Center is more important than ever before,” said Troy Slade, Board Member and Co-Chair of the event. “Children and teens are facing unprecedented challenges that contribute to rising rates of depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation. We are all so grateful to our many friends, colleagues, and family members who came out to support this vital organization that makes a real difference for the children in our community.”
This year’s guest speaker was 13-year-old Fernanda Rivera, who began therapy at the Guidance Center in the 2nd grade when her mother noticed that she had lost interest in school, hobbies, and friends. She was eventually diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and through therapy, gained the tools to express herself and manage overwhelming emotions. “The Guidance Center paved the way for me to heal and discover who I am,” said Fernanda. “I’m so grateful to all the people who have helped me along the way, from my clinical team to my family, who never gave up on me and made sure I never gave up on myself.”
Fernanda was joined by her mother, Amanda Pena, who shared her perspective as a parent. “When my daughter was 8, I knew something wasn’t right,” she reflected. “She used to love going to school and being active, but that had all changed. She was no longer motivated, and she was so anxious about things she used to look forward to. The Guidance Center has been a miracle for my family. Us parents always want to do what is best for our kids, but we can’t do it alone. I am so grateful for the work of this organization, who gave my daughter the ability to take control of her own life.”
The co-chairs for this year’s Krevat Cup were Board Members Michael Mondiello, Dan Oliver, Michael Schnepper and Troy Slade.
The Guidance Center is grateful to the Krevat Cup’s sponsors: Aon, Susan & Jeff Krevat, NFP, Canon Solutions America, SkyBridge Capital, and the Bahnik Foundation. Special thanks to our corporate foursomes: City National Rochdale, the Levine Group, Newmark, PSEG Long Island, Rivkin Radler, and RT Specialty.
Kathy Rivera is executive director and chief executive officer of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, Long Island’s premier children’s mental health organization that focuses on bringing hope and healing to young people struggling with a wide range of emotional challenges. Since taking on the leadership role in 2021, Rivera has successfully managed operations of the renowned agency amid a mental health crisis that continues to be marked by alarming rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation among children and teens.
Rivera, who earned her Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College of the City University of New York and her Master of Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work, has 30 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, along with an expertise in management. Her deep knowledge of clinical treatment, mental health policy and government facilitates profound insights and perspective on the ever-changing landscape of mental health. Rivera uses her sharp wit and commitment to team spirit and professional development to help the agency thrive. She is dedicated to making positive impacts on the lives of children, young people and families. She is a recognized expert in children and family mental health, depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, trauma and self-injurious behaviors.
Rivera was previously honored by LIBN among the 2024 Most Dynamic Women Leaders. She serves as a board member for the St. Anne Institute and on UnitedHealthcare’s behavioral health quality management advisory subcommittee.
As the Director of Clinical Services at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, I’ve been following the rise of AI in mental health with interest and caution. Apps like Wysa and Youper are getting more popular, especially with teens. They offer things like mood tracking and mindfulness tips, and since they’re free and available anytime, they can feel easier to use than talking to a real person.
But the question on everyone’s mind is:
Can AI take the place of therapy?
At the Guidance Center, we offer a wide range of services to support kids and families. We have a variety of therapy groups for children, teens, and caregivers that promote socialization; a Wilderness Respite Program that brings youth together to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature; and home-based services that foster healing directly in the home. All these services are grounded in real, personal connection that no app or AI can truly replace.
When AI therapy came up during a clinical team meeting, some staff were concerned about its role in mental health, while other clinicians saw limited value and simply used it for administrative tasks. The team’s biggest concern is that AI can’t challenge someone’s thinking or help them work through patterns in a meaningful way. That’s a critical part of therapy; it’s not just about being heard, but being understood and challenged.
While some teens do use AI tools to journal or vent privately, there’s no real conversation or empathy. One-sided communication might offer a moment of relief, but it doesn’t create real change.
I am reminded of a student who texted a counselor during class, saying she was thinking of hurting herself. Because a trained professional was there, we were able to respond immediately and get her the help she needed. That kind of support can’t come from AI.
Some people wonder if AI could help communities that don’t have easy access to care. In theory, this is possible. But in practice, many of the families we work with don’t even have access to reliable devices or Wi-Fi, and many young people struggle to tell the difference between helpful tools and harmful content online. That’s why we’ve placed licensed clinicians directly in schools like Westbury High School, removing barriers to care and increasing the accessibility of our services.
This is not a case against technology. Some of our clinicians use simple digital games with kids to help them express emotions, and that can open the door to meaningful conversations. There may be a role for tech in storytelling or trauma work down the line, but it should be used as a support, not a replacement.
So, can AI be a therapist? No, not really. It might help fill an immediate need or administrative task, but it can’t replace the empathy and human insight that real therapy offers.
The more important question is how we can use AI responsibly, without losing what matters most in mental health care: relationships, trust, and real conversations.
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, hosted the Jonathan Krevat Memorial Golf Classic on June 2, 2025, at the outstanding Sands Point Golf Club. The event raised over $175,000 to support the Guidance Center’s work to bring hope and healing to children and families dealing with mental health challenges.
“With suicide serving as the second leading cause of death among children ages 10-14, the mission of the Guidance Center is more important than ever before,” said Troy Slade, Board Member and Co-Chair of the event. “Children and teens are facing unprecedented challenges that contribute to rising rates of depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation. We are all so grateful to our many friends, colleagues, and family members who came out to support this vital organization that makes a real difference for the children in our community.”
This year’s guest speaker was 13-year-old Fernanda Rivera, who began therapy at the Guidance Center in the 2nd grade when her mother noticed that she had lost interest in school, hobbies, and friends. She was eventually diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and through therapy, gained the tools to express herself and manage overwhelming emotions. “The Guidance Center paved the way for me to heal and discover who I am,” said Fernanda. “I’m so grateful to all the people who have helped me along the way, from my clinical team to my family, who never gave up on me and made sure I never gave up on myself.”
Fernanda was joined by her mother, Amanda Pena, who shared her perspective as a parent. “When my daughter was 8, I knew something wasn’t right,” she reflected. “She used to love going to school and being active, but that had all changed. She was no longer motivated, and she was so anxious about things she used to look forward to. The Guidance Center has been a miracle for my family. Us parents always want to do what is best for our kids, but we can’t do it alone. I am so grateful for the work of this organization, who gave my daughter the ability to take control of her own life.”
The co-chairs for this year’s Krevat Cup were Board Members Michael Mondiello, Dan Oliver, Michael Schnepper and Troy Slade.
The Guidance Center is grateful to the Krevat Cup’s sponsors: Aon, Susan & Jeff Krevat, NFP, Canon Solutions America, SkyBridge Capital, and the Bahnik Foundation. Special thanks to our corporate foursomes: City National Rochdale, the Levine Group, Newmark, PSEG Long Island, Rivkin Radler, and RT Specialty.
Published in Long Island Business News, Schneps Media, Long Island Press
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, a sold out crowd of close to 250 guests came together for North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s annual Spring Luncheon. This year’s event, which supports the Guidance Center’s mission to restore and strengthen the emotional well-being of children and their families, garnered over $100,000!
Due to the overwhelming support at last year’s luncheon, the Guidance Center expanded its line of signature jewelry featuring the calendula flower, known for its healing properties against anxiety and depression at the event. This symbol appeared on an elegant assortment of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, representing the Guidance Center’s mission of providing hope and healing.
The keynote speaker was Katie Fogarty, career coach and podcaster who hosts the top-ranked podcast A Certain Age, a show that spotlights women reinventing midlife.
“When we hit a certain age, we start to experience life’s curveballs, speedbumps, setbacks, and challenges,” said Katie. “Women are the frontline mental health workers for their families. We need to take care of our mental health, to put our oxygen masks on first, so we in turn can help our families, our children, our aging parents, and our communities. We can reach out to friends, we can work with trained therapists, and we can rely on organizations like North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center.”
“Katie inspired us all with her journey toward thriving mentally, physically, and socially at every stage of life,” remarked Board President Alexis Siegel. “I am so proud to represent an agency and an event that opens the doors for this conversation to take place.”
The luncheon wouldn’t have been such a triumph without the hard work of the co-chairs, Jan Ashley, Ruth Fortunoff Cooper, and Alexis Siegel. “This event is so vital to our organization because it truly starts a conversation about the mental health challenges that our children face today,” said Kathy Rivera, Executive Director/CEO of the Guidance Center. “While society has come a long way in normalizing discussions around mental health, we know there’s still work to be done. The stigma hasn’t disappeared, and many families still struggle in silence.”
The Guidance Center is also grateful for the support of its sponsors. They are: The Jack and Dorothy Kupferberg Foundation, Amy Cantor, Joan Grant, Marilyn Albanese, Americana Manhasset, Ruth Fortunoff Cooper, Linda Cronin, Klipper Family Foundation, Nancy Lane, Alexis Siegel, Jan Ashley, Tracy Brown, Adina Eigen, Flagstar Bank, United Healthcare, Sheryl Albanese, Stephanie Ginsberg, Andrea Leeds, National Grid, Michele Silverman, South Oaks Hospital and Zucker Hillside Hospital – Northwell Health, and Debbie Klein.
By Denise Ingenito, Director of Clinical Services at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center
Originally Published in Schneps Media on May 8, 2025
A tragic reality that has become all too common has left parents and children grappling with fear on a daily basis. Data tracked by Everytown for Gun Safety shows that, in the first five months of 2025 alone, there have been 47 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 13 deaths, 41 injuries, and a widespread environment of anxiety and uncertainty for our most vulnerable population.
According to Pew Research Center, 57% of teens expressed worry about the possibility of a shooting happening at their school, while nearly 70% of parents worry for their children’s safety while receiving their education.
This deeply rooted concern challenges the sense of security that is so important for children’s mental and emotional development, impacting their ability to thrive both academically and socially. It’s more important than ever for parents to instill a sense of safety and security in their children, strengthening the emotional well-being that allows children to learn, grow, and connect.
Open Communication
When a child brings up safety concerns, listen and turn the conversation into a teachable moment. Starting an open dialogue by asking questions about their experiences in school helps children articulate their emotions and empowers them to think through plans that can better their safety.
Though you don’t want to shelter children from current events, overexposing them to distressing media can heighten their worry and make them feel that the world is a dangerous place. Discussing news events as a family in a calm manner will help to manage their uncertainty and allow you to ensure they have accurate information about the situation at hand.
When symptoms of distress and anxiety emerge, create a safe and supportive space for your child. By validating their feelings, you are letting them know that it’s okay to feel worried or anxious, which helps to reduce any shame or guilt they might feel about being afraid.
Preparing Children Without Creating Fear
Balancing the need to prepare children for emergencies without creating more fear can be a challenge. Lockdown drills are scary for kids of all ages and should be presented as part of a broader safety plan. Walking children through what will happen step-by-step and explaining that these measures are there to keep them safe will alleviate some of the nervousness this type of exercise can cause.
Encouraging situational awareness and teaching children what they can do to keep themselves safe in different scenarios will help them feel in control. Emphasize that these measures are in place to prevent something bad from happening, rather than because a threat is inevitable.
Remind your children to look for the good in the world; there are always people willing to help in times of struggle.
The Relationships Between Parents, Teachers, and Students
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a safe school environment. Since children are perceptive and often pick up on the anxieties of the adults around them, parents and teachers should be mindful of how they talk about safety concerns, displaying a calm, confident demeanor and providing reassurance when needed. When adults work together, they ensure that children receive a consistent message about their safety.
While the stories seen on the evening news often feel entirely out of our control, we do have a say in how we respond. Parents play a major role in helping their children develop resilience and confidence, forming the tools they need to navigate a world full of uncertainty.
For more information about the Guidance Center’s lifesaving programs, visit www.northshorechildguidance.org or call (516) 626-1971.
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: Our 16-year-old daughter has been severely depressed since breaking up with her boyfriend, who has been harassing and cyberbullying her. He is posting cruel messages about her online, sharing private details of their relationship to embarrass her, and encouraging others to exclude her at school. We were shocked to learn that he had treated her poorly even before the breakup, though she hasn’t been open about what transpired. Now, she’s saying she just wants to disappear, and we’re terrified she might hurt herself. How can we support her emotionally, protect her from further harm, and help her heal from this toxic situation?
– Helpless Parent
Dear Helpless Parent: Finding out that your child has been a victim of teen dating violence is heartbreaking and difficult to navigate for the entire family. When a teen is experiencing interpersonal abuse, whether psychological, sexual, or physical, it can take a severe toll on their mental health, leading to depression, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts.
It’s important to help your daughter recognize that her ex-boyfriend’s actions of spreading false rumors, name-calling, and threats are tactics of control. Abusive partners often manipulate their victims by making them feel unworthy, isolating them from loved ones, and using technology to harass and intimidate. Unfortunately, this behavior is not uncommon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among high school students who dated, about 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence, and 1 in 10 experienced sexual dating violence, with females experiencing higher rates of both forms of violence than males.
By creating a safe space for open conversation, you let your daughter know that you are there to listen without judgment. Encourage her to share her feelings and thoughts by asking open-ended questions about what she is going through and what she needs, but understand that it may be difficult for her to talk about the trauma she has experienced. It’s important to reassure her that what happened is not her fault and that she is not alone.
Social media has made it more difficult to step away from harassment that might otherwise be confined to school. Enforcing healthy boundaries and digital safety with your daughter will allow her to feel safe at home again, away from the abuse of her ex-boyfriend. Help her adjust her social media privacy settings to protect herself from further harassment, and ensure that she blocks her ex-boyfriend. Reach out to school officials, who may have protocols in place to keep your daughter safe during the school day.
Recognizing the signs of trauma is vital in helping your daughter heal. If she becomes withdrawn, anxious, or irritable, these may be indicators of further emotional distress brought on by her experience. Signs of depression and suicidal thoughts are immediate cause for bringing her to a professional so that she can begin to work through her distress.
Teens recovering from dating abuse need mental health support to rebuild self-esteem and regain a sense of safety. Individual and group therapy can help your daughter recognize what a healthy relationship looks like and develop the tools she needs to move forward.
At North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, we provide urgent mental health services for children and families facing dire situations like this. Our Triage and Emergency Services team is here to help your daughter develop the strength to overcome this trauma and the tools to learn what a loving, respectful relationship is like.
February 6, 2025, Published in Long Island Business News
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center unveiled its sensory room at the Marks Family Right from the Start 0-3+ Center in Manhasset. This new initiative enhances the guidance center’s comprehensive range of programs, providing new therapeutic interventions for every child and family seeking care. The room is designed to help clients regulate their emotions, behaviors and sensory responses in a secure and supportive environment.
The space is also equipped with various tools, including tactile walls, interactive projections and calming agents. It caters to both sensory-seeking and sensory-averse clients, allowing each child to explore and interact in a way that feels natural and empowering.
Published on November 19, 2024, Long Island Press, Long Island Business News
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s Hope and Healing Gala was a night to remember, celebrating the transformative work of the Long Island’s premiere nonprofit children’s mental health organization. Held on November 13, 2024 at North Hempstead Country Club, the event brought together community leaders, supporters, and friends to raise nearly a quarter million dollars in support of vital programs and services.
“When you’ve been around for as long as we have, you know that the only way to keep going is by moving forward,” said Alexis Siegel, President of the Board of Directors. “By listening and responding to the changing needs of the community, we have kept a finger on the pulse of what is most needed by the children and families on Long Island.”
The evening honored Dr. Ramin Rak, neurosurgeon at NSPC Brain and Spine Surgery and Founder/CEO of iMind Brain Food. Dr. Rak consistently amplifies the connection between the health of the mind and body and is a valued supporter of the Guidance Center.
“The strides we are making in medicine are extraordinary, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible and giving patients hope where there was once none,” noted Dr. Rak. “But for all the progress we make in the operating room, it is organizations like the Guidance Center that create the environments where healing and transformation can continue beyond the operating room walls.”
Justine Hofsiss, a client of the Diane Goldberg Maternal Health & Wellness Program, shared a moving account of her journey with postpartum depression and anxiety. “I’m not exaggerating when I say that the Guidance Center saved my life,” she said, joined at the podium with the support of her husband. “They helped me see a future that I couldn’t imagine for myself in my darkest days. My children have a happy and healthy mom, and I can be there for my family just like they were there for me. I’m grateful beyond words to this incredible organization that gave me back hope and joy in my life.”
The evening’s music was provided by Peat Moss and the Fertilizers, who got guests out of their seats and onto the dancefloor. Holly Marcell, the 10th grade daughter of Board Members Andrew and Carol Marcell, captivated the audience with a touching performance of “She Used to Be Mine” from the musical Waitress, a song that emphasizes the importance of self-love.
Kathy Rivera, the Guidance Center’s Executive Director/CEO, thanked the evening’s Emcee, Stacey Sager of Channel 7 Eyewitness News, and the sponsors and underwriters of the event: Maureen & John Ferrari; Klipper Family Foundation; The Schott Foundation; WABC-TV; Marilyn & Russell Albanese; Americana Manhasset; SompoRe; Mary Margiotta & Vasu Krishnamurthy; Susan Isaacs & Elkan Abramowitz; and Lauren & Jonathan Schiff.
On Sept. 20, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center welcomed a team of National Grid volunteers to the Marks Family Right From the Start 0-3+ Center as part of the company’s statewide day of service, known as Project C.
For the third year in a row, National Grid volunteers dedicated their time to various projects throughout the Guidance Center by painting, cleaning and transforming rooms into beautiful, functional facilities that are now ready to serve the community.
“We are so grateful for the amazing work of the National Grid volunteers,” Sue Cohen, director of early childhood and psychological services at the Right from the Start Center, said. The Guidance Center serves its youngest clients and their families.
“The group was enthusiastic in taking on every project that we suggested, no matter how big or small, and some that they identified on their own,” she continued. “Their efforts resulted in a brand-new group therapy room, which will be put to immediate use with our fall programs, and a calming lactation room that was transformed from an old office space. This tranquil setting is now ready for postpartum clients and staff members alike.”
When materials for the sensory room, a major initiative at the Guidance Center, didn’t arrive in time for the Day of Service, National Grid generously arranged for a second team of volunteers to return the following Friday to assemble the wide range of sensory equipment.
“National Grid volunteers went above and beyond to perfect the space and set up the state-of-the-art equipment for our use,” Cohen said. “We are so grateful for all of their hard work and continued support of our mission.”
“We are proud to support the communities where we live and work,” said Brian Sapp, regional director of external affairs at National Grid.
“Giving back is important to us, and it’s extremely rewarding to see the impact we can make. Volunteering at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center was rewarding and we are proud to have the opportunity to contribute by offering our resources and support,” he continued. “Nonprofits like the Guidance Center play a crucial role in improving the lives of young people on Long Island, and we’re honored to work alongside them.”
If your company would like to discuss opportunities to volunteer at the Guidance Center or support our mission in other ways, contact Lauren McGowan at LMcGowan@northshorechildguidance.org.
On a Wednesday evening in a university classroom in Patchogue, about a dozen Long Island teachers were learning a lesson that could alter the course of their students’ lives.
From choosing appropriate books in classrooms to handling off-the-cuff remarks, the class at St. Joseph’s University, New York, talked about how racism can sometimes creep into learning environments and adversely impact the mental health of their students.
One teacher discussed an instance where one child called another one racist. Another teacher with Spanish-speaking students learning English said she introduced books with both languages to calm concerns about speaking the new tongue.
At that point, the professor, Renee White, responded, saying: “That’s the whole reason why we need diverse books in the classroom, because it has an impact on the children’s mental health.”
WHAT NEWSDAY FOUND
A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that high schoolers who experienced racism at school were more likely to turn to substance abuse as well as to develop mental distress.
The survey found that nearly a third of high schoolers said in 2023 that they experienced racism in school.
Experts said the research points to the need for schools to offer more staff training to counter racism and to offer more support for youth.
“It builds their self-esteem,” said White, who holds a doctorate in education. “It gives them a positive self-confidence.”
These weekly evening classes are aimed at giving teachers the cultural sensitivity to confront racism in schools, which can have grave consequences for the mental health of youth, researchers said.
Link with mental health
A recent study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that high schoolers who experienced racism at school were more likely to turn to substance abuse and/or develop mental distress.
The survey, drawn from more than 20,000 student questionnaires in 155 schools nationally, found that nearly a third of all high schoolers said in 2023 that they experienced racism in school. The survey covered a nationally representative group of ninth- to 12th-graders, the CDC said.
Yet there were crucial differences when the survey was stratified for race. Black and Hispanic students who said they’ve dealt with racism tended to report a higher frequency of mental health distress and/or substance use, compared with people in those groups who hadn’t experienced racism, the report said.
For instance, roughly 57% of Asian American students reported experiencing racism in school — the highest rate among all racial/ethnic groups included in the survey. Of those teens, 43% reported having “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.” The rate was about 19% for those who had not had contact with racism.
About 20% of Asian American students who reported being exposed to racism in school also said they seriously considered attempting suicide, the report found. For Asian American students without that exposure, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was about 6%.
The study reported that roughly 50% of multiracial students and about 46% of Black students experienced racism in school.
About 50% of Black students who encountered racism reported having “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness,” compared with around 30% of those who did not deal with prejudice.
Among mixed-raced students, the numbers were similar: Nearly 53% of those who experienced racism expressed the same sentiment, compared with roughly 31% of those who had not dealt with racism.
Mental health experts say students’ experiences with racism can vary, ranging from statements from other students or school staff to possible disparities in how the administration disciplines students.
Developing cultural sensitivity
Even when discrimination is not expressed overtly, experts say, subtle statements, such as those telling a student they should or shouldn’t achieve a certain level of success because of their racial background, can have a negative impact.
Wilfred Farquharson IV, a licensed psychologist and clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral health at Stony Brook Medicine, said those subtler forms of racism can amount to “a death of 1,000 cuts.”
“That additional stress, either of ‘you should be doing this,’ or ‘you should not be doing that,’ or ‘you belong here’ versus ‘you do not belong here’ — those things impact young people’s mental health as they’re trying to achieve and are trying to adjust,” he said.
Experts said the research points to the need for schools to offer more staff training to offset racism in schools and offer more support for youth.
Farquharson said schools also can make sure that educational materials discuss people of color in appropriate ways.
Teachers and mental health professionals, he said, can affirm the identities of all students through celebratory holidays and other aspects that serve as preventive measures against racism.
Gordon Zhang, president of the Long Island Chinese American Association, emphasized the need for better cultural education for students and staff, something he said has been improving in recent years. However, he noted that derogatory statements toward Asian American students often come from a lack of knowledge.
“You cannot know something if you don’t know,” Zhang said. “There’s no way you can do the right thing.”
However, some experts note that such recommendations about inclusion come as some programs dealing with diversity in schools and cultural sensitivity are being rolled back and reconsidered.
A 2023 study by the nonprofit Long Island Strong Schools Alliance found that half of Long Island school districts had made “little or no progress in implementing the state’s policy on diversity, equity, and inclusion,” referring to the Board of Regent’s 2021 policy on DEI.
Republicans in at least 20 states have put forward nearly 50 pieces of legislation that would limit diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools and other places, The Associated Press reported earlier this year, citing its analysis using a bill-tracking software.
Conversely, Democratic lawmakers in about 10 states have proposed around 24 bills that encourage or require such initiatives, the AP reported.
“How do you address this when you have many people who are seeking to pretend that racism doesn’t exist and that anything talking about racism, acknowledging it or seeking to address it … is a problem?” asked Laura Harding, president of ERASE Racism, a Syosset-based racial justice organization.
Ignoring mental health
Most racial groups that experienced racism also had higher numbers of abuse of substances, such as marijuana, opioids and tobacco, the CDC report said.
Sudha Sarker, a clinical supervisor of a North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center program for people dealing with substance abuse and mental health concerns, said not addressing the source of those concerns can lead a young person to self-medicate, get poor grades, or to be disruptive in school.
“And that is happening because their mental health … is maybe being pushed off. It’s not the first thing that comes to a teacher’s mind or a parent’s mind when” a child is not doing well, she said.
White, who teaches the course at St. Joseph’s University, New York, said many teachers are unaware of their impact on a child’s psyche.
“They just need to be more aware and more critical as to what practices they are implementing,” said White, who is also founder of Renee’s Way Inc., where she does education consulting and women’s empowerment.
Throughout her semester, though, she said she often saw her students move from hesitancy to understanding as they worked through analyzing curriculums and learning about sensitivities.
White said she has heard teachers make such remarks as: “I’ve lived an isolated life,” or “I hope I haven’t ruined a child.”
By the end of the course, she tells students now that they have more knowledge of the impacts of racism in education, they have a responsibility to do better.
“What will you do differently now that you know?” she said.
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center hosted a fundraiser on Oct. 16 for an evening of dinner and music benefiting the Children’s Center at Nassau County Family Court. Hosted at Stewart Manor Country Club with a record number of attendees, the event raised more than $13,000, which will go directly towards providing care and early learning to more than 1,400 children annually, ages 6 weeks – 12 years, while their parents or guardians are conducting business in family court.
Kathy Rivera, Executive Director and CEO of the Guidance Center, thanked the two full-time staff members and the valued volunteers, without whom the Children’s Center’s high level of service would not be possible.
“The Children’s Center is a vital resource, allowing children to be cared for in a safe, nurturing, early-learning environment while their parents or guardians are conducting court business,” Rivera said. “Many of these families are here during their darkest times, and we ensure that no child is exposed to what happens in the courtroom. We are so proud that the Children’s Center is able to provide this free service to anyone who walks through the doors.”
“The Children’s Center is such an important component of family court,” said Judge Ellen Greenberg, a continued supporter and judge at Nassau County Family Court. “Not every family court in the state of New York has a children’s center that remains open Monday through Friday from 9-5. It makes a difference when parents can come into court without worrying about whether their children will be okay. They know that, with our well-trained staff and volunteers, their kids will have a fantastic time.”
The evening featured special guest, New York Giants two-time Super Bowl Champion, Sean Lendeta, who came out to sign autographs for guests in support of the Children’s Center.
Rivera also thanked the co-chairs, Allison Cacace, Tanya Mir, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association President Tammy Smiley, Esq., Cherice P. Vanderhall-Wilson, Esq., and John Zenir, Esq., for their ongoing dedication to the Children’s Center.
The fundraiser was sponsored by an array of local law firms and other businesses, including Arthur Brasco, Casino One Limousine, Rene Joseph, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, Hon. Frank N. Schellace, SCL Law Group, Derell Wilson & Cherice Vanderhall Wilson, Esqs., Laurie Yehuda, and John Zenir.
Dr. Marc Lashley received almost no training in medical school in how to deal with children’s mental health issues. But when he started practicing as a pediatrician, he found there was a critical — and unmet — need because of a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists.
With the help of a training program created partly by a Long Island psychiatrist, he started prescribing drugs to treat anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. A decade ago, it made up 2% of his practice. Today, it is 20%.
“It’s given me a tremendous satisfaction,” said Lashley, who is based in Valley Stream and Far Rockaway. “There’s nothing like helping somebody who’s undergoing depression, anxiety and not functioning. It’s really the most rewarding part of my practice right now.”
Lashley is part of a growing trend in the medical world: pediatricians who are prescribing medication for anxiety, depression, ADHD and other illnesses amid the mental health crisis because of a lack of child and adolescent psychiatrists. Not enough people are going into psychiatry partly because of the long training involved, experts said.
A growing number of pediatricians are prescribing antidepressants and other drugs to treat mental health issues in children and adolescent because of a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists.
A Long Island psychiatrist is helping to lead a program called Project Teach that trains pediatricians in this work — a program that is attracting attention around the country.
Some medical experts are nervous that pediatricians lack the background to delve into mental health treatment, but others say there is no choice — many children will go without care otherwise.
Some pediatricians say they have little choice but to help fill the gap, since it’s extremely difficult for families to find available child and adolescent psychiatrists. Most have monthslong waiting lists or aren’t accepting new patients at all.
Even if families can find an available psychiatrist, most do not accept insurance, leaving families with an out-of-pocket bill that can hit $500 or $800 or more for a monthly visit, medical experts said. And even if a child is going to a therapist, only a doctor can prescribe medication.
“There will never be enough child psychiatrists to take care of the mental health needs” of children and adolescents, said Dr. Victor Fornari, the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry for Northwell Health. “Certainly, working with a trusted primary care physician is better than not working with anyone.”
Training pediatricians to prescribe
He is one of main creators of Project Teach, a program that has trained 2,000 pediatricians in New York State in how to prescribe medications for depression and other mental health issues. The state-funded project, which operates mostly online, is gaining attention around the country and even overseas as a possible solution to the psychiatrist shortage.
Fornari noted that most psychiatric medicine in the United States and around the world is prescribed by non-psychiatrists, mainly primary care physicians, who are “really in the best position to evaluate and treat these mild to moderate issues” since they know the families and usually accept their insurance.
But he stressed that pediatricians in the program aren’t dealing with more advanced mental health issues. If a patient is suicidal or has some other major disorder, a psychiatrist would have to be brought in.
Dr. David Kaye, a professor of psychiatry at the University at Buffalo who helped create Project Teach, said, “Increasingly families look to and feel comfortable with going to their primary care doctors and clinicians for help with these kinds of things. They know their pediatricians … They trust them.”
“If it is seen as part of primary care then people don’t have to feel so ashamed and have a barrier to getting help when it is only available through a psychiatrist for example,” he said. “There is still tremendous stigma and there are a lot of barriers to people seeing a psychiatrist.”
Not everyone is enthusiastic about pediatricians delving into mental health treatment. Critics contend they lack enough training and are susceptible to making mistakes.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for pediatricians to treat children without the extensive training that is required,” said Dr. Meena Ramani, who is both a pediatrician and psychiatrist based in Nassau County. “The ideal situation for a family and a child is to be treated by the expert.”
At a minimum, pediatricians should work in collaboration with a child and adolescent psychiatrist, she said.
Jeffrey Friedman, CEO of the nonprofit Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services in Hicksville, said many pediatricians “feel very uncomfortable having to prescribe psychotropic medications to individuals. They’re not doing this day in and day out. They’re not keeping up on the latest trends in the field and are struggling to come up with the most effective treatment for those individuals. It’s not their specialty and they’re not trained in that.”
Sometimes when families come to his agency, “our psychiatrist will change those medications because they are not the most effective or efficient treatment for a particular disorder that an individual has,” he said.
But Fornari and others say there are few options other than relying on pediatricians and family physicians, and that Project Teach successfully trains non-psychiatrists to take on such work.
“Without this program, these kids don’t get care,” he said.
He estimates that 12% of youths nationwide are taking medication for mental health issues, but that 25% could probably benefit from the drugs — if there were enough pediatricians or psychiatrists prescribing them.
A nationwide shortage
The psychiatrist shortage is unlikely to end soon, medical experts said. There are 1,247 child and adolescent psychiatrists in New York State, placing it in the category of “high shortage,” according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a nonprofit professional association based in Washington, D.C. Nassau County has 131, while Suffolk has 87, putting them in the high shortage category. Many counties upstate have none, meaning families would have to travel two or three hours to reach one.
Most of the rest of the country is even worse off, with most states classified as “severe shortage,” the academy states. Only one has adequate levels — Vermont.
In contrast, New York State has a total of 8,800 pediatricians and family medicine doctors. They could handle many of the lower-level mental health issues of patients, Fornari and Kaye contend. It’s the same situation nationwide: 11,422 child and adolescent psychiatrists, as opposed to 147,860 pediatricians or family medicine doctors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It’s unlikely there will be a big wave of new psychiatrists to make up for the shortage, Fornari said. A maximum of 350 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide complete their post-medical school residencies per year, making them eligible to start practicing in the field, he said.
At Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, he runs one of the largest residency programs in the nation, and it sees only 10 child and adolescent psychiatrists complete their residency per year. Most programs produce even fewer — two or three a year, he said.
The federal government has set the number of residencies at 350 for decades, Fornari said. It does so in this field and others as it tries to gauge how many doctors with specializations the nation needs. And it has the power to do so in part because it helps fund the residency programs.
Yet many years not all of the 350 slots are filled — sometimes the number is as low as 300, Fornari said. He thinks the country needs 1,000 slots, but even if they were established not enough medical school graduates are signing up.
Many doctors don’t want to go into psychiatry because it takes years more of training after medical school compared to other branches of medicine, Ramani said. Pediatricians, for instance, do three years of residency after medical school but child and adolescent psychiatrists must do five to six. It becomes difficult to remain that long in low-paying residency positions because many aspiring doctors already are hundreds of thousands in debt from four years of undergraduate studies and four years of medical school, she said.
The development of telehealth has not solved the psychiatrist shortage either, since they can only see the same limited number of patients per day whether in-person or on a screen, medical experts said. Telehealth simply means a patient does not have to go to a doctor’s office — the appointments are not shorter.
Collaborating to meet the need
Mental health problems are on the rise among American children and adolescents, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ubiquity of smartphones and screen time, social media, and increased pressure to perform at school and in sports, according to Fornari and other experts.
Project Teach, founded in 2010 at the request of the New York State Office of Mental Health, is trying to meet the growing need for help.
Participants go through intensive in-person or online training lasting between six and 15 hours, and then have periodic follow-up sessions. Fornari, Kaye and others lead the training. The program is an unusual collaboration among seven medical teaching hubs throughout the state: Northwell’s Zucker, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, the University at Buffalo, the University of Rochester, SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Albany Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center/NY State Psychiatric Institute.
After taking the classes, or even if they did not, pediatricians or any clinician who treats children have access to a free telephone “warmline” that connects them with a child and adolescent psychiatrist if they need help treating a patient. The “warmline” operates Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and usually gets eight or nine calls a day, Kaye said. Typically the psychiatrist calls back within 30 minutes or at a mutually agreed on time.
Project Teach also helps pediatricians find local psychiatrists or therapists if it is determined a patient needs more extensive help.
The program has been replicated in other states, Fornari said.
Texas started its version in late 2019 and it “has just taken off unbelievably,” said Joseph Blader, a child and adolescent psychologist who helped launch the program.
The state-funded program, called Child Psychiatry Access Network (CPAN), gets about 1,000 calls a month on its “warmline,” said Blader, a professor of child psychiatry research at the University of Texas at Austin.
Project Teach is even being replicated overseas.
Fornari and Kaye visited Israel several times to help set up the nonprofit Goshen Behavioral Health Training for Pediatricians. It was launched in late 2023 — just as Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza broke out. So far, 150 pediatricians and family medicine doctors have been trained, said Dr. Jennie Goldstein, the director of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, who helped launch the Goshen program.
“It has felt like a revolution,” said Goldstein, a Boston native who studied under Fornari on Long Island. “We have been able to allow pediatricians to feel comfortable managing cases that were walking through their doors anyway but they didn’t know how to handle.”
One course offered soon after the war began focused on trauma symptoms, she said.
Filling the medication gap
Lashley, the Valley Stream pediatrician, said he joined Project Teach in its first year as he saw growing numbers of children with mental health issues, but whose families could not afford or find a psychiatrist.
“It’s really been transformative,” he said. “I think that the Project Teach training is excellent, comprehensive and certainly enough to get a pediatrician up and going and treating.”
He said he’s treated hundreds of children with basic mental health issues, helping to alleviate the burden on child psychiatrists, who can then handle the more complex cases.
Other doctors “even refer me their patients because they know that I’m competent at doing this and that I’ve gone through the Project Teach training,” he added. “There are pediatricians out there who don’t want to treat mental health because they don’t feel comfortable.”
Dr. Bruce Gerberg, a pediatrician in Huntington, said the number of patients he prescribes drugs to for mental health issues has gone from two or fewer a month back in 2010 to between 10 and 20 a month now.
He has done some online training in the area, though not through Project Teach.
“In the past I would make an effort to try to find a psychiatrist” for his patients, “but now I find that’s fool’s gold because you just can’t find one” that’s available or that they can afford, he said.
He feels increasingly at ease in his new role.
“So far it’s been great,” he said. “As long as I know my limitations and I know when to refer out if it’s gotten too complicated or they require other medications, I feel comfortable doing the basic anxiety, depression kind of stuff.”
Dr. Mitchell Abrons, a pediatrician in Rockville Centre, said he has gone from treating one or two patients a week for mental health issues 15 years ago to at least one a day now.
Abrons, who has done some training with Project Teach, said he usually recommends his patients talk to a therapist first to see if that alleviates the problem before he prescribes medication. “Through both mental health counseling and medication, we see a lot of success,” he said.
By Juliette Owens, MHC, Originally published in Anton Media
As summer winds down, families face the challenge of reorienting children back into school routines. For many, this period involves the usual protests and complaints, as children resist returning to their structured schedules and time away from home. However, some families face a more serious issue known as school refusal, making the back-to-school transition particularly taxing on the family as a whole.
What is School Refusal?
School refusal, also referred to as school avoidance, refers to any kind of significant absenteeism accompanied by severe emotional distress. While not a formal diagnosis, it is a symptom associated with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Children exhibiting school refusal may demonstrate avoidance behaviors in various ways, such as lateness and refusing to get out of bed, or leaving school early and acting out during class due to the more deeply rooted stressors. Once a child discovers an effective method of avoidance, it can escalate into a more persistent issue.
Distress associated with attending school can manifest in different ways, varying from child to child. Some may report physical symptoms of headaches or stomach aches, increased depression, anxiety, or aggression, and a resistance to getting ready for school.
School Refusal vs. Truancy
It can be challenging for parents to distinguish between school refusal and truancy, as both involve a child missing school. However, the underlying motivations and emotional responses are notably different, and understanding these differences is essential for providing appropriate support.
Truancy is often associated with older teenagers and is typically driven by external factors such as boredom, rebellion, or the influence of peers. In these cases, the avoidance of school is not due to emotional struggles, but a desire to seek out more enjoyable activities. Though truancy can sometimes be a form of acting out or asserting independence, it lacks the severe emotional distress seen in school refusal.
Unlike truancy, school avoidance is often rooted in significant mental health concerns that require professional attention. A child experiencing school refusal isn’t avoiding school for the sake of fun or rebellion; instead, they are overwhelmed by fear or discomfort at the thought of attending school. For these children, school is a source of distress that they feel unable to cope with, leading to a strong emotional and physical reaction.
What Parents Can Do
It’s important to practice active listening in order to understand their reasons for school avoidance. School can be intimidating due to a child’s fears of bullying, social isolation, public speaking, or failure. Recognizing that your child is not making their situation harder on purpose is important and allows your family to productively help as a unit.
Creating a comprehensive support system is the key to helping your child overcome the underlying issue of school refusal. Work with your child’s school to develop a plan that addresses their anxiety and facilitates school attendance. An outpatient mental health center, such as North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, can address the underlying issues while advocating for accommodations at school to make the environment more manageable.
Know that your family is not alone. School refusal is a growing challenge, with rates rising by 5% partly due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in which kids missed out on vital socialization, creating higher levels of anxiety when faced with large groups of their peers. However, with understanding, support, and the right resources, your family can navigate this difficult period and help your child successfully reenter the school environment.
