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Child And Adolescent Psychiatrist Joins Berkshire Health Systems

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — At a time when there is a severe deficit of mental health providers specializing in the care of
children and adolescents, Berkshire Health Systems announces the appointment of Fadi Halabi, MD, a board certified and fellowship trained Psychiatrist specializing in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry to the medical staff of Berkshire Medical Center. 
 
Dr. Halabi joins the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at BMC.
 
"Berkshire Health Systems is very pleased that Dr. Halabi has joined our exceptional team of Psychiatric care providers," said Liliana Markovic, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. "There is a national shortage of behavioral health practitioners specializing in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at a time of great need for such services. Dr. Halabi’s expertise will help us to enhance care for this vulnerable population."
 
Dr. Halabi received his medical degree from American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon and completed his residency in General Psychiatry at Washington University/Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He is board certified in General Psychiatry and fellowship trained in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from Washington University/St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

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.
 
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