Articles by Gene Beresin

November 10, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Why Are We Denying Purple Hearts To Veterans With PTSD?

I have seen Arthur Segaloff* for psychiatric care for over 20 years. He suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his two tours of duty in Vietnam. Arthur attended the University of Massachusetts, and graduated in 1969. Although he was drafted upon losing his student waiver, he chose instead to enlist as a volunteer. […]

October 13, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Using the Power of Narrative to #StopSuicide

Increasing public awareness of suicide is not an easy task. To truly grapple with the issue, we have to face some difficult and painful feelings. For these reasons, when we at the Clay Center collaborated to tell the true story of a young sophomore at Harvard named Luke, who tragically took his own life, we […]

October 2, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Talking to Kids About Natural Disasters (The Weather Channel)

Over the past month, the devastation of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria has topped the headlines and media outlets. The earthquake in Mexico has shocked the world. These events have shaken countless individuals, families, and communities, including our children. While natural disasters, like terrorist attacks, are rare and terrifying, they raise additional concerns for our […]

September 11, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

When Teens Talk of Suicide: What You Need to Know

Suicide can be a scary topic to think or talk about. Yet, suicide is often preventable when family members, friends, and entire communities know what signs to look for in a young person, when to worry, and what to do upon any concerns. The multi-media resources on this page share information to help you in […]

September 10, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Older Not Wiser: Senior High School Drivers Take More Risks Than Younger Teens According to New Study

Back to school. For seniors, it’s often a stressful time as they prepare for a new era in life after high school, but also one of enthusiasm as they feel a greater sense of confidence and autonomy. It’s also a time parents worry more – about their teens’ future and about risky behaviors. And while […]

September 8, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

School Refusal: When Back-to-School Is a Struggle

Jump to: Ways to Help Most school-age kids are typically eager to head back to school after a break. Sure, they’ll miss their vacation, but the prospect of seeing friends again, moving up a grade, or even having a new teacher can be exciting. Yet, for a few kids, it’s a nightmare. And when children […]

August 3, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

In Memoriam: Landon T. Clay, 1926-2017

Every year, Steve Schlozman and I travel on behalf of the Clay Center to speak with the 1,400 kids at Lake Wales High School. We really look forward to this event. As much as we enjoy our relationship with the high school students and staff, the highlight of this annual excursion is staying with the […]

June 8, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

When Kids Leave Home: Part 1

This is the first blog post in a two-part series on adolescents’ transition to the “real world.” To view the second blog post, click here.  Intro music written and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin. Outro music arranged and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin. If the end of high school senior year is upon you, it means […]

May 12, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

John Oliver On Mental Health

In the clip above from Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Oliver masterfully speaks to the serious misunderstandings and poor care associated with mental illness in the U.S. today.  While the segment clearly uses humor in clever and captivating ways, his many points tell it like it is: Mental illness is a huge problem facing […]

May 9, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Pediatric Visit? Don’t Forget About Mental Health

The Clay Center is an educational and informational outlet only, and so we do not provide clinical services or referrals for treatment. However, many of our partners here at MGH do. Naturally, one of our biggest partners related to child and adolescent health is the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC), which provides treatment and services for children […]