More than 500 mental health professionals, Rabbanim and medical doctors gathered in Lakewood this week for the EnpowerEd Mental Health Summit, a daylong conference aimed at strengthening collaboration and raising standards of care across the community.
The summit, held at the Beru, brought together psychotherapists, psychiatric providers, physicians, educators and Rabbanim from across New Jersey for a series of trainings, panel discussions and networking opportunities focused on improving mental health services and coordination.
Organized by EmpowerEd Health Center under the leadership of Dr. Yossi Shafer, the initiative is part of a broader effort to create a unified platform for mental health education and professional development within the Orthodox Jewish community.
Participants engaged in sessions covering a wide range of topics, including trauma treatment, ADHD, perinatal mental health, psychopharmacology and the intersection of clinical care with religious and communal considerations.
A central theme of the summit was bridging gaps between disciplines, particularly between clinicians, medical professionals and rabbinic authorities, to ensure more coordinated and culturally informed care. With mental health resources expanding tremendously in Lakewood and surrounding areas in recent years, the need for greater cohesion among providers has become increasingly apparent.
In addition to formal programming, the event featured an expo and extensive networking opportunities designed to connect providers with organizations and resources serving individuals and families.
The summit marked the launch of a planned biannual series of trainings and conferences, with future events expected to continue building a structured framework for collaboration, education and community awareness.
This event was done in collaboration with Ray of Hope, Amudim, Touro University, and MASK.
Don’t understand. They are all competing against each other, each wants the most fruitful customers. So, what’s this conference.
Sadly, there is truth to that
Look at that – Yidden out to help each other even though they are competitors. Maybe therapists aren’t evil???
Was am incredible event!
Was an incredible event! Thank you Dr. Shafer!
Is there any way to watch a recording?
I must say as the parent of a young adult struggling with mental health challenges, I’m not seeing too much success from these “professionals”. I really wish it were otherwise.
Huge call out to Dr Shafer and Shmuel Milworm in the last pic! MY guys!!!!
Nebech, the entire event is a Chillul Hashem. הרהורי עבירה קשה מעבירה
We live a double standard life. One of those presenter has a book on this very point. But, nobody want to say the truth. The over awareness regarding technology is a defense mechanism of “reaction formation” a form of avoidance to directly address the every issue at this event.
The Possible You seminar was the answer to all my problems. B”H I have eliminated 99% of my stress.
The 1% left is where I am growing and thankful to hashem for giving me opportunities to grow.
You are 💯 right.
The world of therapy has become foreign to our Torah way- this despicable event should be enough to clarify just that alone. Rabbanim are overwhelmed with the problems and issues being presented to them so they are tolerating this sheer emptiness; and keep their mouth shut from what they truly believe and say in privacy. If you care about your Neshama and eternity- stay far away from a profession that treats it as arbitrary.
R’ Aron Feldman gave a forward to a groundbreaking book entitled “From Boys to Men”- what would he say about such an event?
I also did the seminar. It’s amazing. I never understood how to help myself. Now I have the tools to do therapy on myself. I highly recommend everyone to do it
The comments here just show how sick the oilam really is and how we need even more frum qualified therapists.
You are mistaken. Some of the commenters here, maybe lacking professionalism are touching on something pivotal to us Yidden. Unfortunately, there is much lacking in Yiras Shamayim among “Frum” therapists- all values out the window, because we are the professionals who are above the very issues plaguing the masses. It is blatant Sheker….