Photos: Relief Resources Holds Seminar for Lakewood Rabbonim

[Photos below.] A broad spectrum of Lakewood rabbonim gathered this past week at Khal Anshei Sfard for an informative seminar entitled “Mental Health Overview for Rabbonim.” At the event hosted by Relief Resources, the nearly 70 rabbonim in attendance were addressed first by the Rav Matisyahu Salomon, mashgiach of Bais Medrash Govoah, who stressed the importance of rabbonim being aware of and knowledgeable about emotional and mental disorders.

A comprehensive presentation was then given by Dr. Glenn S. Hirsch, MD, medical director at the NYU Child Study Center and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Hirsch serves on Relief’s medical advisory board and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Talks centered on common mental disorders such as anxiety, OCD, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Dr. Hirsch explained the indicators to look out for, as well as relevant remedial options. The necessity for early intervention was convincingly underscored. With so many viable treatment opportunities available to society today, Dr. Hirsch asked all rabbonim to actively encourage people to get help. He accentuated the dangers of leaving mental health disorders untended, versus the vast potential benefits of treatment

Relief Resources, is a non-profit organization that provides multiple services to individuals suffering from mental health disorders. With offices in Lakewood, New York, Toronto and Eretz Yisroel, Relief’s mission is to provide referrals to quality mental health professionals as well as provide educational programming. Rabbonim are often the first responders to these issues, and it is therefore important for them to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness.

See below for photos of the recent seminar:

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