Tag Archives: behavioral health

Team Spotlight: Seline Bearman, Director of Early Childhood Mental Health, Clinical Services, Celebrates 31 Years at The Child Center

November 22, 2024 | Leave a reply

A group photo of the early childhood mental health team, including Seline Bearman.

The Early Childhood Mental Health Team at the (now closed) Elmhurst clinic in 2019. Seline is on the far right.

Seline Bearman, LCSW-R, Director of ECMH, Clinical Services, is a valued member of the Child Center of NY team who has been with the organization for an incredible 31 years. Over the course of more than three decades, Seline has witnessed and contributed to The Child Center’s growth and evolution. From her early days as an intern to leading the Early Childhood Mental Health program, Seline’s time with us offers a unique perspective on our work and how far we’ve come. Join us in celebrating this milestone and see what’s kept Seline inspired all these years.

The Child Center of NY: Can you share a bit about how you started your career here and what attracted you to The Child Center?

Seline Bearman, LCSW-R: Around 1992, I became a social work intern at The Child Center, which was called Queen’s Child Guidance Center at that time. A former supervisor of mine reached out when I was about to graduate. Soon I joined a school program at The Child Center and later worked in one of the clinics. Around this time, I had two children, so I took a little bit of time off. Then I ended up transferring to the Flushing clinic, because I speak Mandarin Chinese, for another school program for new immigrants. I went on to be a field instructor for other interns and got promoted to senior social worker. Through the years, programs and sites opened and shut; we were always consolidating and restructuring. And then I ended up where I am now. Since 2017, I have served the Early Childhood Mental Health Program as a director. Since then our team has probably doubled in size. It’s really exciting to see the growth and to be able to have more staff and help more clients.

What are some of the most memorable moments, valuable lessons, or milestones from your time with us?

Something I feel strongly about is maternal mortality and perinatal health. Unfortunately, there are moms-to-be who don’t know their rights and don’t have access to quality care. We’ve had quite a few perinatal clients who have almost died giving birth, which is very disturbing and simply unacceptable in this day and age. Our team is focused on supporting these young moms and ensuring they know what options are available to them. It’s a blessing to be able to work with them and support their growth and resilience.

Seline in 2024

How has the organization changed over the years, and what are the most significant transformations you’ve witnessed? What do you think is in the future for The Child Center?

The agency has changed tremendously in the time that I’ve been here. Thirty years ago, the entire team could fit into one large room when we had a holiday party. There were only maybe a hundred employees at that time, so we really knew almost everybody.

Did you know Jean Coppola and Kwan Wong? We recently interviewed them, and they started around the same time as you.

Oh yes, absolutely. Kwan and I used to work together in the Flushing clinic; our paths have crossed many times. And I knew Jean very well because she used to come in and do meetings and bonding activities with all the front desk staff. And there are a few others who have been here for a very, very long time like myself, or even longer.

In terms of the most significant changes, I would say the establishment of the electronic health record, since everything before that was handwritten. This was a total game changer that led to the clinical record. It made everything easier, especially in a crisis situation, I could just check the electronic health record and figure out what was going on rather than running into the office to find the paper chart.

Another big change was the pandemic. We had to transform the way we provided therapy when most of the clinics were closed. Only the school program at the Corona site was open. By offering tele-health we were able to serve clients we were never able to reach before, particularly pregnant mothers and parents of newborns who had a hard time keeping their appointments. Now about 30 percent of our clients in the Early Childhood Mental Health program are perinatal.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working here for so long?

As far as rewarding aspects, every day is a reward, and I mean that. The reason that I’ve been here for so long is because I really, really enjoy my job. Every day feels like a new challenge, and I feel like I am learning something new all the time. We are constantly training our staff and mentoring young clinicians. And beyond our clinicians, we have family peer advocates that work in our program, and our front desk staff who have moved up and gone back to school. That’s something that I really love about The Child Center: the way we encourage people to grow.

Madison’s Story

November 5, 2024 | Leave a reply

The author, Madison, poses in a cap and gown on high school graduation day with her therapist, Jennifer Trujillo-Armijo, LMSW, from her school's school-based mental health center.

Madison, author, and her therapist, Jennifer Trujillo-Armijo, LMSW

Hey there,

If you’re reading this, perhaps you’re feeling weighed down by expectations, the scars of your past, or maybe even the uncertainty of the future. I’ve been there, and I want to share a piece of my story with you, in hopes that it reminds you, you are not alone. 

I grew up in a household where love became a battlefield. My parents’ divorce wasn’t just a chapter in my life; it felt more like a storm that uprooted my sense of security. I remember countless nights filled with the echoes of arguments, and how deeply I longed for stability. I found myself struggling with feelings of abandonment and an inability to express my emotions. 

It became evident that I needed support, particularly with managing my emotions, sharing my feelings, and respecting boundaries, especially after my parents’ divorce. I found myself struggling with anxiety about transitioning into high school and the complexities of family dynamics. My parents encouraged me to begin therapy, a journey I met with resistance. I had been down that road before and felt frustrated by therapists who, in my eyes, just didn’t get me.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, and like so many others, I found myself confronted with new challenges. The isolation hit hard, amplifying the weight of my struggles and bringing on anxiety in ways I had never anticipated. At first, the isolation felt overwhelming, being cut off from friends and normal routines. But when I finally returned to school, things didn’t get easier. I started experiencing issues with relationships at school and tensions at home, all of which piled up and triggered panic attacks. It reached a point where I had to be sent home because I was simply too unstable to be in that environment. The weight of emotional pain felt suffocating. The pandemic had flipped our lives upside down, and though the outside world was filled with chaos, the storm inside me felt ten times louder. I struggled to filter through the swirling thoughts and feelings that consumed me. School became a minefield, each day accompanied by the terrifying panic attacks that left me gasping for air and reeling in confusion. The simple act of socializing felt difficult, as if I were constantly on the edge of a cliff, unsure if I would soar or fall.

It was in that darkness that a new therapist, Jen, entered my life. My mom had discovered that I could go to therapy at my school through its school-based mental health wellness center. She wouldn’t have to drive me to therapy, and the therapist would be someone who was familiar with teens like me. I decided to give it a try.

When I first stepped into that small, softly lit room at my school’s wellness center with Jen, my heart raced, pounding like a drum, echoing my unease.

At our intake meeting, Jen had suggested that therapy should concentrate on emotional regulation and the challenges of high school, alongside family therapy to address the different parenting approaches and foster understanding, ultimately creating a more positive environment. I felt vulnerable, trapped behind a wall built from years of unexpressed fears and emotions, refusing to let anyone in. I was stubborn and held my guard up like armor, convinced that therapy was a waste of time. Little did I know, healing often requires us to lay down our defenses.

Jen not only saw me, but also truly listened. With her warm smile and patient demeanor, Jen gently began to dismantle my barriers. Time, I came to learn, is a powerful healer, and as moments turned into hours, I found comfort in sharing my struggles, my questions, and my unfiltered self.

Slowly, I began to peel back the layers I had so carefully constructed. We set goals together: learning to communicate my feelings, expressing my needs, and building coping skills that I could use when anxiety crept in. I began to open up, and through that openness, I found strength. I learned how to manage those panic attacks and improve my relationships with my mom and dad. I started to embrace that while I couldn’t control everything, I could control my own reactions.

Therapy was not a magical cure; there were no overnight transformations. It was a process, filled with setbacks and hard truths. I learned to articulate the emotions that had once threatened to consume me, to express my needs without fear of judgment. For the first time, it wasn’t just about surviving the storm; I was learning to navigate through it. My therapist armed me with coping skills that felt like sturdy life jackets, tools I could use when anxiety crept in like an unwelcome guest.

Gradually, I began to see the positive results and benefits of the hard work I had put in. Panic attacks became less frequent, the fear that once gripped my chest relaxing its hold. The conversations I once dreaded became moments of connection, both with my mother and father. I learned that it was OK to communicate my needs, to lean on loved ones while also recognizing the importance of letting go of what I could not control. The beauty of growth is often found in the quiet spaces of understanding, and I finally started to appreciate the strength in vulnerability.

As I graduated high school and stepped into college life in Ohio, the world opened up in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I carried the tools I had gained in therapy with me. The change felt daunting, but I was determined to lean into the lessons I had learned. The bond I now share with both my parents is stronger. They both taught me that seeking help is courageous, not a sign of weakness. I built and embraced new friendships, while nurturing the relationships I had back home in New York became a source of encouragement. I found joy in community, and every connection reminded me that we all share struggles, even if they look different on the surface. Each moment became an opportunity to form connections, to challenge myself, and to celebrate the progress I had made. 

Today, I have grown from reluctant participant to passionate advocate for mental health. To every person out there who feels lost in the chaos of life, remember it’s OK to not have it all figured out. You are a work in progress, and that’s perfectly fine. Embrace the journey, lean into therapy, and know that healing is not linear. With each step you take, you move closer to a brighter, more fulfilled life. There’s a relief in recognizing that seeking support is a sign of strength. Therapy isn’t a stigma; it’s a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. 

Looking back, I am filled with gratitude that my parents pushed me to seek help. I appreciate my therapist beyond words; her support has transformed my life. Without Jen’s compassion and guidance, I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today: resilient, hopeful, and ready to embrace everything life has to offer. My heart swells with appreciation for the wisdom she shared, for the tools she equipped me with, and for the safe harbor she provided on the stormy seas of adolescence. 

I believe that everyone, at any stage, can benefit from therapy. There’s no shame in seeking help. It’s a sign of strength and a commitment to your own well-being. I understand that life may still throw turbulence my way, but now I know I have the inner resources to navigate it. And for that, I will always cherish the lessons learned and the support received. With newfound confidence, I move forward, ready to face whatever comes with open arms and an open heart. You are worthy of love, connection, and healing. Keep going. 

With all my heart,
Madison

National Recovery Month: Seeing and Being the Hope

September 23, 2024 | Leave a reply

By Julia Floyd-Ventura, Senior Program Director, Jamaica Family Wellness Center

In honor of recovery month, blog author julia floyd-ventura holds a sign with how many days she has been in recovery.

Blog author Julia Floyd-Ventura counts not years or months, but rather days, in recovery.

National Recovery Month is celebrated annually in September to recognize the progress that has been made and is possible in mental health and substance use recovery. This yearly observance has special meaning for me. It is a national reminder that the one thing that undergirds all recovery programs is hope: People can and do recover and find healing. I know this firsthand as a child of service members who struggled with addiction, as someone who struggled—and still struggles—with it myself, and as a clinician who sees it happen every day.

My mother and father were Marines. It took a toll on them, and it took a toll on our family. It changed the trajectory of all our lives. After three active tours of combat in Vietnam, which earned him three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star of Valor, my father developed PTSD. After years of persuasion by his family, he was treated by the VA and was able to do the work and heal and build our family back together.

My mother was not so lucky. While living on base housing in San Diego, California in 1965, my 3-month-old sister passed away. With this tragic loss and several other traumatic factors, my mother struggled with alcoholism, PTSD, and depression. She never did get treatment, and, tragically, she died of alcoholism-related illness.

To me, this showed in stark reality that treatment works, and recovery is possible. It was too late for my mother. I hoped it wasn’t too late for me.

The children are often overlooked when we talk about military and veterans’ mental health. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my parents’ service took a toll not just on my parents, but on my older sister and me, too. My parents divorced when I was one year old. I knew about my father and talked to him throughout my childhood, but with both my parents’ resentments toward each other and their own unresolved issues—including PTSD—we were kept apart. I dealt with his absence, my mother’s alcoholism and all that entailed, and witnessed my mother’s suicide attempts as a child. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I developed an addiction, too, at the tender age of 12. It had been my dream to enlist and serve in the military, but I was turned down because of my addiction. It has been one of my greatest regrets that I did not serve.

But my greatest regret is what my addiction did to the early relationship with my daughter. It was my love for my baby daughter that led me to seek the treatment I knew I needed. I enrolled in a residential treatment program when my daughter was 3 and spent three years without her, seeing her only during visits. With her being born into my addiction, I had to do so much work. I truly learned if I wanted her to ever forgive me, I had to demonstrate that I could also forgive my parents. That was part of the work I had to do, if I were to make good on my promise to myself and my daughter that the cycle of addiction would end with me.

Now I get to be a wonderful grandparent to my beautiful, healthy granddaughter. I watch my granddaughter every Monday, and my daughter and I have a beautiful relationship. We talk every day. That is all because of the power of recovery and healing.

Helping others, especially other military families, do the same in their own lives is what drives me. For 19 years, I worked at Phoenix House, where I was once a client and began my recovery. For six of those years, I served as vice president of mental health and military services. I’ve been the senior director of the Jamaica Family Wellness Center at The Child Center since 2018. While not being able to serve in the military myself may be one of my greatest regrets, having played a role in launching Military Services at The Child Center has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I have a deep understanding of the effect of military service not just on the service members, but also on the children and the family as a whole. I am extremely proud and grateful that serving the whole family, and especially the children in their own right, is a feature of Military Services at The Child Center. This is a huge step in helping end cycles of trauma and addiction.

A deep understanding of military culture is also an integral part of Military Services, and this translates into a “no judgment” zone. As a service member, you are always expected to just get your mission and go. But if people like my mother did seek help and tell someone about their trauma, addiction, and other mental health challenges while they were happening, they might have gotten help before it was too late. As long as you are alive and breathing, there is always hope. There is always healing. There is always a way toward a fulfilling life you are proud to live. I am thankful that the military is catching up to this, and that addiction and mental health challenges no longer carry the stigma they once did. As a result, service members are increasingly getting the help they need, which benefits everyone.

Recovery Month coincides with Suicide Prevention Month, and I am proud to be part of an organization that offers many avenues through which people touched by these interrelated issues can find hope and change. The Child Center offers care and treatment on the whole spectrum, from prevention to recovery. In terms of early prevention, this can be seen in the way that even in our youth development programs, from afterschool to community centers, mental wellness is top of mind and a golden thread woven throughout programming. Sometimes that’s through explicit emphasis, and sometimes it’s just in the form of helping young people set goals, tap into their strengths, realize their potential, and engage in all the things that make life worth living. We also recently launched our School-Based Early Support program, which works by embedding our staff in the schools where children are every day to proactively support families and ensure children thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing environments. We also have partnered with Born This Way Foundation to promote the Be There Certificate, earned after an online course that teaches the public to recognize when someone might be struggling with their mental health and how to support them while maintaining their own mental health. It’s a free, self-paced, interactive online course designed for young people but accessible to all.

The Child Center also supports people of any age, including adults with or without children, at the other end of the spectrum: Those who currently are facing serious mental health challenges and require a higher level of care. For example, The Child Center Residential Treatment Facility offers a warm, supportive environment that serves young people ages 12-18 who have had multiple psychiatric hospital placements or have serious emotional disabilities and involvement with the juvenile justice system, while our Youth Intensive Outpatient Program (Youth IOP) and Bridge to Hope program serves clients in that age group who are at high risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors, but while remaining at home with their families.

All these programs and options boil down to one crucial conviction: It is never too early or too late to intervene in a person’s life. There is always hope for recovery. I am living proof, and so are the thousands of people who have engaged in mental health and substance use care at The Child Center.

I mentioned that one of my greatest regrets is that I didn’t get to serve in the military, but one thing I learned in recovery is not to focus on regrets but on how we can move on and make amends. In that spirit, even though I didn’t serve, I feel like I am serving in my current role.

Tragically, my father passed away in 2019 (Agent Orange-related cancer from Vietnam). I am so grateful that I got to reconnect with him when I was 35 and meet my paternal family, and that I get to help people like him through my work. Every day, I get to help service members and civilians alike find hope and recovery. It’s my way of giving back.

We ended August with Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember those whose lives were tragically cut short by addiction. I think it’s poetic that the very next day, we begin a whole month—Recovery Month—focused on hope.

Editor’s Note: If you are actively suicidal, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911. For anyone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, addiction, or other mental health challenges, help is available.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
The Child Center of NY wellness centers: 718-358-8288

Suicide Prevention Month: Q&A with Social Worker Diana Michelena, LMHC

September 23, 2024 | Leave a reply

One of the most heartbreaking—and hopeful—things we do here at The Child Center of NY is work with young people who have thought of or attempted suicide. We know that each one of them has so much to give, and we take seriously our job to help them see it, too.

Diana Michelena is one of the Child Center team members who takes on this vitally important job every day. Diana is the program coordinator for our Youth Intensive Outpatient Program (Youth IOP) and Bridge to Hope program, both of which work with young people who have had previous suicide attempts to get the support and guidance they need while remaining at home with their families. At The Child Center of NY, we never consider it too early or late to start young people on the path toward healthy and fulfilling lives they are proud to live.

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, we asked Diana to share her thoughts on the importance of suicide prevention, and how we all can play a role.

The Child Center of NY: The statistics surrounding suicide have been really scary. For example, the CDC’s recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that three in five teen girls felt persistently sad and hopeless; more than one in five LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide. Are you seeing these troubling trends on the ground?

Diana Michelena, LMHC: In the Youth IOP and Bridge to Hope programs, we work with youth who have a history of suicide attempts, a history of self-harm, or severe depression. I think the current climate we live in is impacting their mental health: for example, going through a pandemic, with the isolation we all felt during that time, and other isolating factors, such as social media or spending hours on end playing video games. I have seen an increase in people looking out for, searching for help. But I’m not sure this increase means people were not struggling before. Maybe they didn’t know where to look for help, maybe they didn’t feel safe talking. So this increase might actually be a hopeful sign: More people are reaching out for help, and more people are getting it. And in doing so, they’re realizing they’re not alone, which helps tremendously.

How did you get into this line of work?

I got into psych[ology] and counseling many years ago, back in my home country of Romania during my undergrad studies. I had started seeing a therapist at that time, and I remember what a great impact our work together had on my growth, how much it mattered to have someone who listened and helped me make sense of my own struggles as a child and adolescent. I felt heard and less lonely, and I wanted to be that someone for others too. After earning my undergrad degree in psychology, I completed an M.A. in counseling in Romania and worked for a few years as a kids summer camp leader. Then I moved to the United States and earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling, as the curriculum in Europe is structured differently, and I also needed to meet a few requirements for licensure in New York.

As a Queens girl, I was naturally interested in The Child Center’s clinics. I believed in the mission and had a strong desire to serve the community I lived in. So I interviewed at the Woodside Clinic, now the Cohen Family Wellness Center, with the clinic’s senior program director, Jessica Barrera-Morales, and my supervisor, Jennifer Blitzer, and loved it—loved the place and how it had such a welcoming feel to it, loved talking to everyone, and I got so excited at the thought that I could be one of the clinicians there. I had always worked with kids in some capacity, even in Romania, and I was interested in continuing that work. The Child Center was definitely the route for me—at that time, and it still is.

If there were a golden thread running through your programs, what would it be?

The golden thread is hope. We don’t have an explicit motto, but the entire team leads with hope. We have seen kids going from barely talking in sessions, deeply hopeless, to flourishing. We have seen them ending these programs with being more open, more confident, talking about friends when they didn’t have friends before and being more active in their social life. Something special happens in the therapy groups they attend: They click with each other, they hear and understand each other, and know they are not the only ones feeling the way they do; just like that, they feel less alone. We have several groups, such as a teen depression group, where they talk about the triggers of their sadness; they learn about how negative thoughts form and formulate their safety plan. We also have a DBT group, where clients learn a lot of skills to cope with their depression symptoms and self-harm. They learn how to stop and breathe, mindfulness skills, how to connect with others, how to make new meanings of the thoughts they have, of the negative thoughts that feed into depression. In art groups, they find a way they can express themselves through the arts.

Those sound like great things that help people cope in the “now.” How do you convince people with no sense of hope that tomorrow can be better than today?

I tell my clients I see their struggle and even though life may suck right now, any feeling is temporary, and if we can figure out together what works to keep them afloat during the storm, it will eventually pass. And after that, maybe the next one is a little less painful, the next one even less, and so on. But no matter what, they are not alone! We work with concrete things and look toward the future, but I would say that thinking far ahead comes later. Goal setting far into the future is sometimes really difficult, especially at the beginning of treatment. When someone is feeling hopeless, it’s hard for them to picture what a future looks like. I tell them, that’s OK, I’m here with you in this, and let’s see what are some of the things you can do now. I work a lot with helping clients recognize those signs that feed into the hopelessness. I help them get to the bottom of what triggers those negative thoughts; what’s going on right now, what’s keeping them in that hopeless stage? And, if it’s clear what’s going on—for example, arguments with parents, fights with friends or that they don’t have friends, or maybe they’re feeling lonely or experiencing bullying. If they recognize those signs, what can we do in those moments? We explore tools, resources, and skills, and sometimes practice them together in session. Parents can be a great support in this stage, as they can practice these skills with clients at home, too.

At the same time, I think the greatest impact is showing them they are not alone. I don’t think the goal is to fix things in that moment, but rather for them to know that there is another person that can be with them and hold them and hold that sadness with them—whether that’s their therapist, their friends in group, a guidance counselor, a parent. … Something changes significantly for the better when they don’t feel alone anymore. Toward the end of the program, they gain more clarity of what they want to do and can start picturing a future. This is a really huge thing: seeing kids look to the future again, go to college, pursue what they want to do.

There is a great free, self-paced, interactive online mental health course for young people and their families called the Be There Certificate, which teaches the public to recognize when someone might be struggling with their mental health and how to safely support them while maintaining their own mental health. It’s part of a partnership between The Child Center and Born This Way Foundation. The course provides very useful and valuable information on how to support someone going through a tough time, or even yourself. I encourage everyone to take the course so they can best support people in their lives who might be going through a tough time.

What thought do you want to leave readers with?

I would like folks to know that no matter what they are going through, I truly believe there is always someone to listen, that even though there are many, many hopeless days, there is hope and there is help and there is value in the darkness. I would like to encourage them to stay and discover it, and I would especially like them to know this world is really more beautiful with them in it.

Editor’s Note: If you are actively suicidal, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911. For anyone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
The Child Center of NY wellness centers: 718-358-8288
Additional resources: Speaking of Suicide

Brendaliz’s Story

August 9, 2024 | Leave a reply

As dictated by the client and lightly edited.

I’ll be honest, I did not like therapy at first. I hated it. I didn’t want anybody in my business.

I also didn’t think my therapist would be on my side. That’s because the way I ended up at the [Jamaica Family Wellness] Center was because I had an ACS case open, and they recommended it to me. My husband was into drugs, we were losing our house, and I was smoking weed to deal with my problems. I thought ACS sent me to the Center so they could get evidence to take my kids away. I didn’t want to speak to [my therapist] Maricela because I thought she would use what I said against me. It took a while to open up to her. But little by little, I realized she wasn’t looking for a reason to take my kids away. She was there to help me and my family. She actually listened, and instead of looking at me negatively and judging me, she heard me, helped me, and made me realize that I could make changes in my life.

For example, I didn’t know that I had anxiety and depression. I had an idea but wasn’t really sure. Now that we know what it is, we can treat it. In addition to therapy, I take medications and have medication management appointments with the on-site nurse practitioner.

Maricela also helped me with a lot of practical problems I was having. My life was a mess. I didn’t have ID. I didn’t have my kids’ birth certificates. I didn’t know where to start. Maricela helped me with a lot of it. She helped me get my paperwork, my ID, and food stamps through Benefits Access. Maricela helped me with the paperwork because my reading isn’t that good. Sometimes I don’t understand what I’m reading, and Maricela would help me. She also introduced me to a group at the Center for people with addictions, and it helped me get off weed.

My motivation was my kids. I didn’t want to lose them. I always knew I had to do better, but I didn’t know how. I would smoke weed to deal with my past trauma and emotional issues. During treatment, I gained coping skills and techniques that have helped me manage my feelings and emotions in a healthy, positive way and make good choices. I started taking up drawing and coloring, which helps take me out of that “zone.” And Maricela is always there for me.

I have been in therapy for a few years, and I’m happy to say that my relationship with my kids is great now. Before, my depression was taking over. It was hard to attend to the kids while dealing with the issues I had, and I would just shut down. But with Maricela’s help, I learned to handle it. I try to be open with my kids so they will talk to me when they have a problem. When they do need me, I can be there for them. Instead of looking for reasons to take my kids away, Maricela was there to make sure I could be the best parent I could be.

Now that I’ve been in therapy for a while, I am ready to start working on my own goals so I can be the best I can be for myself, too. My goals include getting a house that I can pay for and going back to school for home decorating. I also want to improve my reading skills. I couldn’t focus on that when I had so much going on with my addiction and my kids, but now I’m ready.

I have a new way of thinking. I used to be really negative. I would look at myself like I couldn’t do anything right. I thought I wasn’t smart enough. I put myself down. Now I don’t see myself like that. I know I am capable of improving, and even though I’m older, I still can have goals and reach them. I may not be as smart as I want to be, but I am a smart woman and can try. Before, I didn’t even want to try. Now it’s different: I go out, I spend time with family, and I push myself. Before, I didn’t want to go to school. Now I can’t wait to go back. I am good at art, at decorating. My cousins and aunt who came to visit saw my artwork and said it looked so pretty and asked to have it. Now it’s hanging in their homes.

I have a totally different view of therapy than I did when I started. With a person who is not a part of your everyday life, you can put yourself out there a little bit more, and they won’t judge you. If you get a good counselor, it will help you change your family and your way of thinking. And changing that is what makes other changes possible.

Team Spotlight: Dr. Justin R. Smith

July 19, 2024 | Leave a reply

The Child Center of NY is thrilled to announce our new Director of Behavioral Health Medical Services, Dr. Justin R. Smith.

Justin Reynard Smith, M.D., MBA, is originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and completed his undergraduate and medical school education at Vanderbilt University. After experiencing the limitations in delivering person-centered care within the United States health care system, he decided to take an academic leave of absence from medical school to obtain a master’s degree in business administration at Harvard Business School, with the goal of obtaining more skills and knowledge to help improve health care delivery systems.

After returning to medical school and finishing his last year, Dr. Smith continued his training through the psychiatry residency program at Columbia University (New York-Presbyterian and New York State Psychiatric Institute). Following his residency, he completed the Public Psychiatry Fellowship of New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University while working part-time at The Child Center of NY. In addition to his ongoing supervisory support with the Youth ACT team and provision of direct care, Dr. Smith will use his new role to help our team enhance its delivery of medical and psychiatric services so that we can be sure we serve clients in the best way possible.

Upon beginning his new position, Dr. Smith said, “My professional passion is to help people live their most fulfilled lives in a comprehensive and holistic way. I am very excited for the opportunity to work with everyone at TCCNY, and I look forward to us continuing to enrich the amazing care and services that we provide to our communities.”

NY Mets Celebrate Child Center of NY Staff!

July 9, 2024 | Leave a reply

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the New York Mets invited nine employees from the Child Center of NY to Citi Field to recognize their impactful work in the mental health space.

The visit was part of Nimmo’s 9, a new player initiative led by Mets Outfielder Brandon Nimmo. This program offers support, empowerment, and memorable experiences to local community members. Throughout the season, Brandon Nimmo is meeting with individuals from diverse communities, including the elderly, youth in foster care, individuals with disabilities, military personnel, first responders, and under-served youth. We were thrilled to be a part of the first installment of Nimmo’s 9!

Right before the May 30 Mets vs. Diamondbacks game (the Mets won!), Brandon met with and recognized nine employees of the Child Center team. They got to speak with Brandon about their work and how it helps strengthen the local community. Brandon listened intently to their individual stories and presented them with a signed baseball bat that will be displayed at The Child Center’s Cohen Family Wellness Center.

SNY posted a clip of our team members chatting with Brandon. Through this interaction, two things were crystal clear: Brandon’s genuine interest in mental health and his gratitude for those who provide mental health services. Our nine colleagues who attended could not stop raving about the experience and how meaningful it was to feel seen and appreciated by someone outside our organization in such a public and personal way.

“Vising Citi Field with my co-workers was truly memorable and impactful, as it highlighted the importance of mental health awareness,” said Sarah Garner, a social worker who works with adolescents and adults at the Cohen Family Wellness Center. “One of the standout moments was sharing with Brandon our mission of helping individuals overcome life’s challenges. Hearing him share his personal stories about mental health was incredibly meaningful. As a lifelong Mets fan, stepping onto that field with everyone was an unforgettable experience.”

Sarah Garner, a social worker who works with adolescents and adults at the Cohen Family Wellness Center, chats with Brandon Nimmo

Sarah chatting with Brandon before the game.

Our employees are the heart and soul of The Child Center. They are the unsung heroes who change lives, often in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable. We are delighted to see them get the recognition they so richly deserve.

The New York Mets and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation have been longtime supporters of The Child Center. From a dramatic renovation and expansion of services at our Cohen Family Wellness Center, which was made possible by the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, to Mets players having been generous with sharing their time and resources with Child Center employees and clients for years, we are deeply grateful for the Mets’ commitment to shining a spotlight on mental health issues, their dedication to the community, and their support for The Child Center’s efforts to make mental health services accessible to all.

Photo of the Month: Brooklyn Pride!

June 21, 2024 | Leave a reply

Staff and volunteers of Brooklyn Community Pride Center stand at a table with information during the 28th Annual Brooklyn Pride Multicultural Festival.

Brooklyn Community Pride Center staff and volunteers tabling at the 28th Annual Brooklyn Pride Multicultural Festival.

On Saturday, June 8, our friends and partners at the Brooklyn Community Pride Center participated in the 28th Annual Brooklyn Pride Multicultural Festival. Their presence showed the Brooklyn LGBTQ+ community that the Pride Center is here for them with compassion, support, and, yes, pride!

The Pride Center has participated in the Brooklyn Pride Multicultural Festival and Twilight Parade in Park Slope every year since the Center’s inception in 2008. “Having celebrations like Brooklyn Pride is essential, as they uplift and celebrate our diverse and expansive community right here in our own backyard,” said Omari Scott, the Pride Center’s director of development and communications. This year, the Pride Center was one of dozens of contingents, in what appeared to be Brooklyn Pride’s largest Twilight Parade yet.

The Child Center’s partnership with Brooklyn Community Pride Center is part of The Child Center’s behavioral health consultation model. The model is based on the belief that community trust is one of the most important components of service. Here’s how it works: The Child Center lends its mental health expertise to other organizations—like Brooklyn Community Pride Center—that already have relationships and earned trust with people in their communities. Brooklyn Community Pride Center delivers the clinical services through a Child Center satellite license. LGBTQ+ youth and adults who know and trust the Pride Center can access the care they need and deserve in a place where they already feel comfortable. In this way, we all reach more New Yorkers with what they need to thrive.

Brooklyn Community Pride Center is dedicated to meeting the community’s needs in many ways, including the provision of HIV self-test kits, mailed discreetly to your home at no cost. Condoms, as well as other safer sex and harm reduction supplies, are included upon request. When you report your test result back to the Pride Center, you’ll receive an electronic $20 Visa gift card. Pride Center staff can connect you with other sexual health services, too, such as PrEP, a medication used to prevent HIV. Reach out to them with questions by text at 347-943-4227 or via email at resources@lgbtbrooklyn.org.

As Pride Month continues, so do the celebrations! Check out this full listing of BCPC’s Pride programming.

Happy Pride Month, and remember that The Child Center and Brooklyn Community Pride Center are here for LGTQ+ community members year round!

Photo of the Month: Supporting Young Children and Their Families

April 29, 2024 | Leave a reply

We can’t get enough of the engagement, connection, and plain old cuteness in this photo! Pictured here are Child Center Chief Executive Officer Traci Donnelly with 19-month-old Lula.

Lula and her mom are clients of The Child Center of NY’s Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program, which supports parents who are pregnant or have recently given birth and may be experiencing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, more commonly known as Postpartum Depression.

“Nearly 80 percent of people who have recently given birth experience what we commonly call the ‘baby blues.’ This is a temporary condition that can cause the new parent to feel sad, exhausted, and stressed, even as they are filled with love for their baby,” explains Beverly Gould, director of the perinatal program. “In some cases, time and the support of family and friends can help a new mom through this transitional period. But sometimes what a mom is experiencing is actually a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. This is more intense, serious, long-lasting, and can cause the parent to feel hopeless and disconnected from their baby. In these cases, more help is needed.”

Our perinatal and early childhood mental health teams know that the love these parents have for their babies is deep and enduring, and that with the right skills and support, parents with postpartum depression and other challenges can become the confident, healthy, and loving parents they want to be for their babies.

In honor of the Week of the Young Child earlier this month, The Child Center is proud to support young children like Lula and their families with programs like the perinatal program, as well as in our early childhood education programs, and throughout the organization.

For more information on any of our programs that support young children and their families, give us a call! We tailor our services to each family’s needs and help children and parents learn, grow, and support each other together.