BMC Center for Rehabilitation Providing Telehealth Services

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Center for Rehabilitation at Berkshire Medical Center continues to provide the highest quality of rehabilitation services as the region experiences the COVID-19 pandemic, and has expanded its operations for patients who may not wish at this time to conduct in-person appointments.

Patients can continue to be seen in-person at the Center for Rehab, or opt for telehealth services for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

In order to obtain a telehealth appointment, a prescription or physician order is required. The patient’s physician can fax the order to 413-447-2208. For more information regarding the services available, both in-person or by telehealth, call the Center for Rehabilitation at BMC at 413-447-2234.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.