NAMI Finger Lakes is hosting our second annual Dessert Gala!  This year's theme is formal masquerade.  Dig out your fanciest duds- dress shorts, or black tie- whatever formal means to you! It will be a night of sweet treats, New Orleans & Ragtime piano music by Professor Keys, and more! Impactful speakers will share their mental health stories. Tickets are only $10!  We will serve desserts (including gluten free and vegan) prepared by local bakers and confection makers- you will not be disappointed! 

Location details and instructions:  The Library Place, 105 W. Court St. Ithaca, NY 14850.  Parking is on the street or in nearby garages. The Seneca Street Garage next to the Post Office is three blocks away.

Join us for an insightful conversation on November 20th, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, where Dr. Joseph Strayhorn, M.D., will delve into the holistic approach to mental health care. This session will cover essential topics such as the roles of pharmacology, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation in fostering mental well-being. Dr. Strayhorn, a board-certified psychiatrist with decades of experience, will provide valuable insights for individuals, professionals, and families navigating the complexities of mental health.

Dr. Strayhorn brings a wealth of expertise from his work at Upstate Medical University, where he has treated patients for decades, researched psychotherapy and psychoeducation, and authored numerous publications. His experience spans both pharmacological treatments and therapeutic approaches, making him uniquely positioned to address a wide array of mental health topics.

This session will explore why medication and psychotherapy alone cannot fully address the societal impact of mental illness, highlighting the distinct role of psychoeducation and its promising potential. Participants will gain insights into key skills essential for promoting mental health and learn about a specific psychoeducational method directed by the speaker, designed to support children and their families.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Cris Haltom PhD CEDS on the nature and treatment of eating disorders, which are complex mental health conditions affecting people worldwide across all races, ages, ethnicities, and genders. These disorders require a comprehensive approach that combines medical, nutritional, and psychological care from specialized professionals. While often emerging during adolescence, eating disorders can occur at any age. Anorexia nervosa, for instance, affects about 1% of the population, similar to the prevalence of schizophrenia, while other eating disorders are even more common. These conditions often lead to physical health complications, including malnutrition-related issues like bone density loss and, in women, amenorrhea. In the Western New York region alone, an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 individuals struggle with an eating disorder. Despite the challenges in treatment, recent advances have improved recovery outcomes.

Topics we'll address in this discussion:

What are eating disorders, and who are the specialists involved in their treatment?

What levels of care are available, and what are some recent advancements in treatment approaches?

Why have eating disorders become more prevalent in recent years?

How does nutrition counseling differ from psychotherapy in treating eating disorders?

What are the primary goals of eating disorder treatment?

Check out our calendar for a listing of all upcoming NAMI Finger Lakes events and schedule of Support Groups and NAMI Educations Programs.