Jay Deitcher Title: Writer and social worker Education: University at Albany, SUNY, Stony Brook University Location: Albany, NY Expertise: Health, Family, Wellness, Mental Health, Social Work Jay has written about parenting and mental health for The Washington Post, Esquire, The Cut, Mic, Parents, Vox, and The Lily. His initiatives using comic books to better children's mental health was spotlighted on the BBC. He's counseled emotionally disturbed, culturally diverse adolescents individually and in groups for over a decade. Jay launched Free Comic Book Day events at Albany High School and other Albany, NY schools. Experience Jay Deitcher has worked for over a decade with children with behavioral and special educational needs, spending time as a school social worker and a case manager. He works with the entire family system to help them best succeed at their goals. He incorporates comic books throughout much of his work, having clients write trauma narratives, using characters to help clients learn how to overcome their own struggles. Education Jay Deitcher earned his MSW from University at Albany, SUNY, and earned his MFA from Stony Brook University’s Creative Writing and Literature program. He's received fellowships/scholarships from the Indiana University Writers’ Conference and the New York State Writers Institute. About Real Simple Real Simple, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning, trusted online resource for smart, authentic solutions to simplify your life. We reach 11 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact-checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.