Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at MGH

06/18/2026

In this Pride Month episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah are joined by Dr. Alex Keuroghlian for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about supporting LGBTQ+ youth. As Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at MaineHealth and former founding director of the MGH Psychiatry Gender Identity Program, Dr. Keuroghlian draws on nearly a decade leading the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and his own published research to discuss the environments and policy climate that put LGBTQ+ young people at risk, what it actually looks like when a child comes out, and how families can repair when a conversation doesn’t go as hoped. Citing research showing that strong family support is the greatest predictor of good mental health, academic performance, and housing security for youth down the road, Dr. Keuroghlian makes a compelling case for the power of family acceptance. This episode explores that power, the value of parents sharing their own stories, and the warning signs caregivers should watch for — offering insight, hope, and practical guidance for anyone who wants the LGBTQ+ kids in their life to feel loved, supported, and free to be who they are. Tune in now!

https://bit.ly/3QyFzxn

05/21/2026

How can parents, mentors, and communities help young Black men feel safe, seen, and supported in today’s world?

Dr. Nadia Ward joins Gene and Khadijah for a meaningful conversation about supporting the mental health and well-being of young Black men. Together, they explore racial trauma, resilience, mentorship, identity, and the importance of creating safe spaces where young men can heal, grow, and thrive

Dr. Nadia Ward joins Gene and Khadijah for a meaningful conversation about supporting the mental health and well-being of young Black men.

05/21/2026

Part 3: What to do

What should parents actually do if they're worried about looksmaxxing?

Dr. Gene Beresin of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at MGH walks through the warning signs to watch for — including mirror-checking, social withdrawal, changes in diet, and excessive use of appearance-focused social media — and explains how to start the conversation with your kids.

The message at the heart of it: identity conversations should start early, and they should be about values, relationships, and character — not appearance.

📖 Full Clay Center article: https://bit.ly/4eQdaN6
🎙️ NPR interview with Dr. Beresin: https://bit.ly/4ulSAbV
📝 Psychology Today blog: https://bit.ly/4w4oLhD
🌐 Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds: mghclaycenter.org

05/21/2026

Part 2: Perils of Looksmaxxing
Looksmaxxing isn't just about skin care routines.

At its most extreme, it includes jaw manipulation and surgical procedures — all in pursuit of a look defined by online metrics. And the mental health consequences are real: body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and more.

Dr. Gene Beresin of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at MGH breaks it down in this short video.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the Clay Center has resources — and help is always available by calling or texting 988.

05/21/2026

Part 1 of 3: Have you heard of looksmaxxing?

It's a growing online trend that defines boys and young men by "mathematical metrics" of appearance — jaw angles, eye shape, muscularity — and it can have serious consequences for their mental health and self-image.

Dr. Gene Beresin, Executive Director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains what looksmaxxing is and why parents and caregivers need to know about it.

Read the full piece at the Clay Center website.

05/10/2026

Mother’s Day isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s joyful. For others, it’s complicated, tender, or even painful. However you’re showing up this year, your experience matters. In this thoughtful throwback piece from Dr. Steve Schlozman, he reminds us that there’s no one “right” way to celebrate.

The Clay Center is dedicated to helping parents and caregivers support the mental, behavioral, and emotional well-being of children, teens, and young adults.

05/07/2026

This , celebrate educators and remind them that their well-being matters. When teachers prioritize their own well-being, they show up stronger for their students every day. Small self-care moments can make a big difference

As a teacher, building self-care into your routine is so important for your mental health and wellness, and your ability to support students.

05/01/2026

Dr. Gene Beresin's guide to looksmaxxing is out today — and it's already making waves.

When our Executive Director set out to write a guide for parents on looksmaxxing, he wanted to answer a simple question: what do I do if I think my son is caught up in this?
Looksmaxxing is an online movement pushing boys and young men to "maximize" their appearance through increasingly extreme measures — restrictive dieting, steroid use, even cosmetic surgery. It's spreading fast on the platforms your kids are already using, and the mental and physical health consequences are real.

Today, Gene's guide is live on the Clay Center blog. NPR is covering the story and featuring his expertise. And Psychology Today has named it an Essential Read — the designation their editors reserve for content they consider most important for readers right now.

With over 40 years of experience in child psychiatry at MGH and Harvard Medical School, Gene has seen a lot. He says he's never seen anything quite like this. And he wrote this guide because parents deserve clear, honest, evidence-based information — not alarm, not jargon, just the tools to stay connected with their kids.

👉 Read the full guide: https://bit.ly/4eQdaN6
👉 Featured on NPR: https://bit.ly/4ulSAbV
👉 Essential Read on Psychology Today: https://bit.ly/4w4oLhD

04/23/2026

ADHD medication shortages are affecting more people than ever.

In this new episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah are joined by Dr. Tony Rostain to break down the current shortage in ADHD stimulant medication. From treatment approaches to practical coping strategies, they offer advice for parents and caregivers on how to better support their teens. Listen now to feel more informed, prepared, and supported

In this episode Gene and Khadijah take a closer look at the ongoing shortage of ADHD stimulant medications and the real impact it is having.

04/22/2026

This , the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” is a reminder that young people have a powerful role to play in shaping a healthier future. When teens get involved the causes and movements they care about, it can strengthen their sense of identity, help build connection, and gives them a way to turn their passion into action.

Supporting youth activism means standing with science, encouraging informed voices, and empowering the next generation to create real change for our planet and our communities.

Activism and protest call for expression, for persuasion. They channel creative expression into a cause, and the cause ignites the creativity.