Gayani Desilva, M.D. ’91 recently discussed tips from her book, Psychiatrist’s Guide: Helping Parents Reach Their Depressed Tween, on the morning news show of Los Angeles-based television station KTLA-Channel 5. Desilva’s work as a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist in Laguna Beach, Calif., and her medical training inform and drive her mission to improve mental health by understanding the neurological basis for wellness. The book she has written to help parents of tweens—children between ages 8 and 13—includes practical tips that can help tweens as they face challenges during this phase of intense development. Some of Desilva’s tips for parents include finding a safe place to talk side-by-side with your child, setting clear expectations, giving your tween space, and validating your tween’s feelings, as well as taking time for yourself as a parent. Desilva earned her undergraduate degree at Scripps College in biology and her M.D. in psychiatry at Albany Medical College (1998).