The landscape of mental health treatment and research is ever-changing, as are the ways in which McLean continues to transform itself to meet the increasing needs in this field. Our venerable and long-lived organization continues to reinvent itself, expanding services, enhancing treatments, strengthening research opportunities, diversifying leadership, and developing an increasingly inclusive workforce.
Of course, philanthropy is central to a great many of McLean’s successes, and this issue of Horizons offers numerous examples.
You’ll read about Dr. Daniel Dickstein, the new chief of our Nancy and Richard Simches Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and his exciting plans to grow the division. We share a story about Dr. Dickstein’s newest junior faculty member, Dr. Alex De Nadai, whose focus is on using data to get to the right diagnosis quickly and efficiently.
The hospital’s Board of Trustees is also dynamic, and we are delighted to welcome Dr. Jane Delgado as our newest trustee among four talented individuals who joined the Board last year.
You’ll read about our School Consultation Service and its efforts to assist under-resourced communities and school districts.
And finally, find two brief stories about donors: one a long-time supporter whose giving spans many decades and priorities, and another whose legacy gift expressed gratitude for years of life-saving treatment.
Read the Articles
McLean Offers Support and Expertise to the Commonwealth’s Schools
After a two-week stay at a psychiatric facility, a ninth-grader was scheduled to return to school. But she begged to be allowed to stay home that first day, and her parents acquiesced, worried that returning too soon would trigger a rehospitalization. A day turned into a week, and the school realized they needed help. So, they consulted with McLean’s School Consultation Service.
Jane L. Delgado, PhD, Joins McLean Board of Trustees
Jane L. Delgado, PhD, began her term as a McLean Hospital trustee in September 2022, a role she said unites her interest in mental health and organizational governance. A passionate and longstanding advocate for health, Delgado is president and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. She is a practicing clinical psychologist, a champion for accessible health care in underserved communities, and a recognized leader and author.
One Donor Offers a Lifetime of Support
Philanthropy is often an expression of connection and meaning, and for Joan Collins, giving to McLean has been about both gratitude and reducing stigma. From gifts to improve patient comfort to bolstering research and supporting the hospital overall with unrestricted gifts, Collins has been an insightful donor to McLean for nearly 35 years.
Q&A With Dr. Daniel P. Dickstein, MD, FAAP
Daniel P. Dickstein, MD, FAAP, newly minted chief of McLean’s Nancy and Richard Simches Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, has a big vision. His enthusiasm and passion are contagious. Dickstein, a physician-scientist who is uniquely triple board-certified in pediatrics, adult psychiatry, and child/adolescent psychiatry, was recruited from Brown University. He brought his well-regarded PEDIMind lab with him, to become McLean’s first director of child and adolescent research and associate director of the Simches Division in 2020.
Improving Child and Adolescent Care With “Big Data”
All too often, getting to the right diagnosis and treatment plan for a mental health disorder is a time-consuming, confusing, and stressful progression of guesswork, trial and error, and missed opportunities. This painful scenario is only intensified when it’s a child who is struggling. Dr. Alex De Nadai wants to change that.
Read more in the full issue:
A Gift of Gratitude
According to his brother John, Paul McDonald battled severe and treatment-resistant depression for most of his adult life.
After attempting to take his own life, Paul was referred to McLean and discovered electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT has proved to be life-changing for many individuals struggling with depression, who often report that they feel “like themselves” again after treatment.
Paul was no exception.
“McLean was the perfect solution for Paul,” said John. “ECT was the first thing that really worked for him, and he stuck with it faithfully for years. He’d drive to Belmont from New Hampshire, and more recently from Plymouth, for his treatments and stay overnight in a hotel.”
Paul took care of himself, added John. He was a healthy eater and exercised regularly. So, it was a devastating shock when Paul passed away from a heart attack in April of 2022 at age 78.
John, who served as the executor of Paul’s estate, was pleased to discover that McLean was named as a beneficiary of Paul’s retirement account.
“I’m not surprised,” said John. “Paul raved about the wonderful staff at McLean. He was so grateful for getting his life back. This gift makes a lot of sense to me.”
To find out how you can create a legacy with a planned gift to McLean, contact Keith Raho by email or at 617.855.3421.
Media Requests
Journalist or member of the media? We are available 24/7 for media requests.
