The Royal and DIFD Present: Let’s Keep Talking About Your Mental Health

Dr. Gail Beck, a psychiatrist specializing in youth and Chair of the Algonquin College Board of Governors, knows that college can be an exciting time but also a really stressful time. Dr. Beck will provide expert insight on how to recognize and cope with anxiety, and when to reach out for help.  She’ll also provide tips for taking care of your mental health.   

About Dr. Gail Beck:

Dr. Gail Beck is the Clinical Director of Youth Psychiatry and the Interim Chief of Staff and Psychiatrist-in-Chief at The Royal. Her clinical work is in child psychiatry with adolescents and young adults. Dr. Beck is also a Governor and Chair of the Board of Governors at Algonquin College. 

Dr. Beck speaks and writes extensively about youth mental health and shares her expertise at DrGailBeck.com.   

Over the years, Dr. Beck has taken an active role within the broader medical community. She served on the board and as executive of the Ontario Medical Association from 2007 to 2017. She has also served on the board of – and worked extensively with – the Canadian Medical Association.  

Dr. Beck has received many accolades for her work including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She is a Member of the Order of Ontario for her work with children and youth. 

Mike Souilliere, an expert in substance use health, will explain what a substance use disorder is, the signs that show it may be time to get help, and where that help is available.  He will also give tips on how to approach conversations about substance use. 

About Mike Souilliere: 

Mike Souilliere is the Director of Patient Care Services for the Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Program at Royal Ottawa Mental Health Care Centre. Before accepting this position, he spent 19 years as the program coordinator for The Royal’s Early Intervention Program. Mike worked with high-risk youth who were experiencing difficulties with substance use and early onset mental health issues.  

Mike has developed and facilitates a Youth Diversion Program for young offenders in the criminal justice system through the Boys and Girls Club and has facilitated workshops for parents and youth agency professionals since 1997.  

Mike is an avid sports fan; in his free time, he volunteers as Paddling Director for the National championship-winning Rideau Canoe Club. 

Zachary Kaminsky is an expert in epigenetics who is working on a blood test that can be used along with psychological assessment to predict an individual’s risk for suicide.  Dr. Kaminsky will tell us about the links between biology and suicide risk, and what that means for the future of suicide prevention.  The bottom line: it’s not all in your head. 

About Zachary Kaminsky:

Zachary Kaminsky, a molecular biologist specializing in epigenetics, holds the DIFD Mach-Gaensslen Chair in Suicide Prevention Research at The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research.  

Kaminsky received his PhD from the University of Toronto in 2008 and trained in one of the first labs studying epigenetics in psychiatry. In 2014, while working Johns Hopkins, Kaminsky published a study that connected the dots between changes affecting a particular gene, SKA2, and increased suicide risk, generating some of the first epigenetic biomarkers in psychiatry.  

At The Royal, Kaminsky is working to better understand the biological connections between biology and suicide risk with the goal of one day creating a blood test that can help to identify those who are at higher risk of suicide. Kaminsky’s research also includes applying artificial intelligence to develop digitally delivered suicide interventions.  

As a member of Suicide Prevention Ottawa, Kaminsky is involved in the implementation of suicide prevention initiatives for youth in clinical populations.