The mission of BITACHON, Temple Beth Ami’s Mental Health Initiative is to provide a safe and sacred place for congregants and to cultivate community connections that promote mental health awareness. We aspire to:
- Create a safe and sacred community that fosters trust, comfort; openness, and acceptance.
- Reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and mental health challenges.
- Educate our congregation on broad topics of mental health and wellness.
- Support mental health training for clergy, staff, lay-leadership, and synagogue volunteers.
Would you like more information? Contact Becky Corbett, Rachel Boxman, or Abby Gritz.
Clergy Resources
Want to talk? Our experienced clergy team can provide congregants with pastoral counseling and support on a wide range of topics, including: illness, job loss, grief and mourning, family dynamics, pre-marital counseling, marital counseling, divorce, parenting, mental health, substance abuse, questions of spirituality and belief, infertility, gender identity, coming-out, and more.
As Temple members, please do not hesitate to reach out to our clergy for confidential counsel. We’re here for you.
We can be reached by phone (301) 340-6818 or by email, for an appointment or for more details:
Jewish Social Services
Through our special connection with JSSA, Temple Beth Ami members are able to receive free, confidential consultation on family and mental health issues. Roberta Drucker is a licensed clinical social worker and also earned a B.A. in psychology and early childhood, elementary and special education. Her specialized training and experience include the treatment of anxiety, OCD and other mood issues, ADHD, learning disabilities, families with special needs, parenting, couples and family therapy, aging and bereavement and inter-generational family therapy. Contact Roberta by email or at (301) 610-8369.
Community Resources
Help is available! Use these resources to find assistance for you, a friend, or a family member. They include national, state, and local resources covering alcohol, drugs and opioids, emotional challenges and distress, family relationships, mental health, and mental illness. In addition to topic-specific information about conditions, these resources can be helpful in understanding matters that can affect individuals, family relationships, parenting, and grand-parenting.
The information and resources provided here are for educational and informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your own medical and mental health providers regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific health needs and concerns.
Upcoming Bitachon Events
BITACHON Launch with Scott Fried
TBAHigh Core 1 Opening Night
Tues, Sept 17 (6:30 -8 pm)
“Am I Enough?” A Survival Guide through the Arc of Adolescence Scott’s story provides a powerful example of learning from our mistakes and growing through adversity as he takes us through topics including: eating disorders, cutting, bullying, coming out, addiction, safe sex and suicidal ideation. Scott describes having HIV in a context all young people […]
BITACHON Launch with Scott Fried
Special Parent Night
Wed, Sept 18 (7:30-9 pm)
“The ABC’s of Gen-Z Parenting” In this moving presentation for parents, grandparents and other caring adults, Scott reveals the secrets most teens and young adults would like to keep from their parents, offering specific ideas and techniques on parenting a young adult through this challenging time of angst and self-discovery. While many parents try to […]
BITACHON Support Session
Co-Parenting our Children for Long-Term Success
Sun, Oct 20 (9-10:30 am)
BITACHON is pleased to offer a Sunday morning support session on Co-Parenting, facilitated by Roberta Drucker, LCSW-C. Single parents at any stage of separation or divorce are invited to this workshop, focusing on the skills required to be partners, not adversaries. Topics will include: the need for ample flexibility, solution-focused approaches, avoiding triggering interactions, transitions, and how […]