CLM News
February 24, 2022
Seasonal affective disorder, what it is, and how it impacts New Hampshire residents
In the Northeast, the weather can change on a dime. Those of us who have lived here for a while have heard the old saying that “if you don’t like the weather, wait half an hour.” There have been some days this winter where you wake up to a beautiful blanket of snow and figure you’re going to ease yourself into a cup of coffee, only to peer outside moments later and notice that the snow has given way to rain - and by noon, it’s sunny out and you still haven’t shoveled yet. Moving snow that has taken on the consistency of wet cement will make even the hardiest New Englander consider a move to a warmer climate.
Read More Seasonal affective disorder, what it is, and how it impacts New Hampshire residents
January 24, 2022
NH Rapid Response System is the new best tool for mental health
On January 1st, New Hampshire became the latest of more than 35 states to implement statewide mobile crisis response teams (MCRT) for behavioral health issues. Center for Life Management (CLM) launched our MCRT in July 2021 and the new program builds on the three MCRTs already operating in Concord, Manchester and Nashua by expanding the service statewide and adding a 24/7 crisis line. This is a collaboration between the state’s ten Community Mental Health Centers, Beacon Health Options, and the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and represents a monumental step to reduce barriers to accessing behavioral health services in our state.
The NH Rapid Response Access Point hotline (AP) went live at midnight on January 1 and began receiving calls, texts and chats from the public. It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by mental health professionals who will assist callers in managing their immediate emotional distress. If the AP’s mental health professional determines the caller needs more than a telephonic intervention, they will dispatch one of the state’s Community Mental Health Center MCRTs. The goal is for the MCRT to respond, in person, within an hour of being dispatched. In the first ten days of operations, the hotline handled more than 1,300 phone calls, 32 text conversations and 77 online chats. Additionally, it dispatched MCRT more than 230 times to assist persons in crisis.
Center for Life Management this region’s community mental health center, along with the other nine Community Mental Health Centers in New Hampshire, is committed to the success of the NH Rapid Response System. Currently, NH’s Rapid Response Access Point number is a 10-digit toll free number. In the summer of 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 10-digit number will be replaced with a simple three-digit number: 988. Until then, if you or someone you know needs immediate help for a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text the NH Rapid Response Access Point phone number: 833-710-6477 or visit NH988.com.
November 10, 2021
CLM DEDICATES DONOR RECOGNITION GIVING TREE SCULPTURE
A dedication ceremony for “Center for Life Management Giving Tree” was held on Thursday, November 4. The 13’ bronze sculpture was created by David Little of Winnipesaukee Forge, Meredith, NH and commissioned by the Center for Life Management Foundation to recognize the generosity of donors.
The sculpture was dedicated to the greater Derry community and will serve as the foundation for the charitable giving program at CLM. “The generosity of donor gifts enables CLM to continue to lift the human spirit with the treatment of mental illness for those in need. Relying on gifts from others builds the charitable foundation enabling CLM to offer programs and services that help clients live independently while managing their mental illness,” explained Vic Topo, President and CEO.
The beautiful, hand forged sculpture was created by Little, a state juried artist blacksmith with the NH League of Craftsmen, who has been working at his craft for more than 40 years. This sculpture is an opportunity for the community to remember, memorialize, or honor someone with their donation. On the tree, tricolor leaves have individualized engraved messages and recognize charitable gift levels.
For more information about the ‘Giving Tree or to make a charitable gift, call Melissa Ballard Sullivan, Director of Philanthropy at (603) 956-0770 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Online donations can be made at https://www.centerforlifemanagement.org/donate.
Photos captions L to R:
Center for Life Management Board members Rebecca Sanborn, Susan Davis and Gail Corcoran with Melissa Ballard Sullivan, Director of Philanthropy and Vic Topo, President and CEO.
Artist-Blacksmith David Little
Center for Life Management Giving Tree hand forged sculpture.
October 8, 2021
CLM Named Non-profit of the Year at Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber Annual Dinner
Our organization was honored to be recognized as the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year. The award was presented at the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner held on October 7 at LaBelle Winery in Derry.
Our warm congratulations to the other awardees including Business of the Year – Business Cents and Citizen of the Year – Ralph Valentine. A special thank you to Doug Rathburn Photography for sharing these wonderful photos from a great event and evening!
June 17, 2021
THE BREAKERS- TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY PERFORMING at 13th Annual CLM Benefit Concert & Silent Auction
The wait is almost over. Summer is coming and so is the music at this year’s 13th Annual Benefit Concert and Silent Auction for the Center for Life Management. From Free Falling to American Girl, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ music will rock the Tupelo Music Hall Drive-In, Derry, on Friday, July 16th at 6 pm in a live performance featuring The Breakers.
“Music brings people together and we hope that our concert will bring people together to support mental health,” explained Vic Topo, CLM President and CEO. “Thanks to the contributions of many, we are coming out of the pandemic. I can’t help but think of some of Tom Petty’s lyrics; he said it best--the waiting is the hardest part. His words ring true, it’s been a long hard year and we can’t back down,” said Topo.
Proceeds from the event provide mental health services for un- and underinsured children, families, and adults within the local community. Tickets are on sale, online at https://tickets.tupelohall.com. Drive-In ticket prices are $75 per car (average 4 people per car). The event also features an on-line Silent Auction raffles and 50/50 online at www.clmauctionraffle.maxgiving.bid.
June 14, 2021
Center for Life Management Foundation Presents Scholarship Awards
Congratulations to the 2021 recipients of the Center for Life Management Foundation Scholarship program!
In its first year, the program’s goal is to invest in those who will play an important role in the future of mental health services. Awards were presented to staff and community members pursuing careers in health and human services or fields focused on the betterment of humanity.
April 27, 2021
CLM Vaccination Clinic Helping to Bend the COVID Curve
THUMBS UP for a successful COVID vaccination clinic held at CLM on Saturday, April 24. In all, 125 individuals drove, biked or walked in to get their shots!
Thank you to CLM’s Amy Izzett and Colleen Monks from the South Central NH Public Health Network for their lead on coordination. Also thanks to the NH Department of Health and Human Services, members of the New Hampshire Army National Guard, GENOA pharmacy vaccinators and volunteers from CLM staff who were all part of the team effort making it happen!
A second large onsite clinic (for second doses only) is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 from 9 am to 4 pm. We will also continue to hold small onsite clinics at CLM Derry in coordination with GENOA pharmacy as vaccination doses are available. If you are a CLM client or CLM employee wanting to schedule a vaccination appointment, please call 603-965-0859.
April 14, 2021
Neurostar TMS Advanced Treatment for Depression: Program Marks 10th Anniversary at CLM
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 19 million Americans every year. And as the COVID 19 pandemic wears on, those rates are on the rise. Depression robs 
people of their pleasure in daily life, affects all aspects of their lives from relationships to work life, and can even complicate other existing medical conditions. Neurostar TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an FDA-cleared, non-medication treatment that is giving hope to depression sufferers and the program at the Center for Life Management in Derry recently marked the 10th anniversary.
According to Ken Brown, MD, Medical Director at the Center for Life Management, “TMS is an innovative therapy for adults, particularly those suffering with treatment resistant major depression. While TMS is not going to be right for all patients, it does give us another highly effective tool in helping patients get relief from depression.”
TMS treatment is done on an outpatient basis by prescription under the supervision of a psychiatrist. During treatment the patient is awake and seated in a comfortable chair, much like a dentist’s chair. A device about the size of a cupped hand rests lightly on the head and delivers a series of targeted magnetic pulses that stimulate the part of the brain involved with regulating mood. The strength of the magnetic pulse is the same as that used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.
For more information about Neurostar TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment at the Center for Life Management in Derry, please call 603.434.1577 option 3.
February 23, 2021
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ANNOUNCED
CLM announces scholarship opportunities for the community and staff of the mental health center. Vic Topo, President and CEO is providing $5,000 in seed money to launch this program. “These scholarship opportunities will invest in people that will play an important role in the future of mental health services in the community,” explained Vic Topo, President and CEO for the Center for Life Management.
Scholarships available in the following categories:
For graduating high school seniors or those who completed their GED: One to three $500 scholarships will be awarded to students from Atkinson, Chester, Danville, Derry, Hampstead, Newton, Plaistow, Pelham, Sandown, Salem or Windham, New Hampshire. Qualifying students must plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary school in the fields of: counseling, developmental disabilities, nursing, social work, or psychology. Students pursuing trade, vocational, or certification training programs are also eligible for award consideration.
For CLM clients enrolled in the Supportive Employment Program: one scholarship will be available for a qualified applicant who is pursuing educational or career advancement. This award may vary from $500 to $1,500.
CLM Staff: For a staff member pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Level Degree in the field of counseling, nursing, social work, developmental disabilities or psychology with an accredited post-secondary school. This award may vary from $500 to $1,500.
CLM Staff Dependents: For the dependent child of a staff member that is a graduating high school senior. One $500 scholarship for the pursuit of a secondary degree from an accredited post-secondary school, trade or certification program.
Applications and eligibilty gidelines are available at CLM Scholarships Deadline for application submission is March 15, 2021 at 5 pm. The scholarship program will be managed by the Center for Life Management Foundation,
November 10, 2020
CLM Profiled in OPEN MINDS
OPEN MINDS is an award-winning information source, executive education provider, and business solutions firm specializing in the sectors of the health and human service industry serving complex consumers. For thirty years, they've been pioneers for change—helping organizations implement the transformational business practices they need to be successful in an evolving market with new policies and regulations.
OPEN MINDS provides daily market intelligence, industry analysis, and management solutions for executives in behavioral health, mental health, and social services. They are a respected and leading voice on health and human service industry focused on continuously advancing the quality of services delivered to individuals with chronic conditions and complex support needs. Vic Topo, CLM President and CEO has served on the OPEN MINDS advisory board since 2015 and has been a presenter at a number of OPEN MINDS national conferences.
Center for Life Management was recently featured in an Open Minds business profile.
September 2, 2020
Back-to-School Challenges: Supporting Children, Families, 
Schools
There is a lot of uncertainty about what going back to school will look like during COVID-19. Many parents feel on edge, children are anxious, daily lives have been disrupted and there are big questions to consider regarding balancing the learning, social and safety needs of children when they do return to school.
One thing is clear, behavioral health/emotional support will be important for children, parents, families and school staff as well. The Center for Life Management (CLM) remains available to address a wide range of mental health needs of students and staff. Schools will need to be prepared to provide mental health support to any students struggling with stress related to the pandemic and recognize students who show signs of anxiety, distress and/or depression. Schools are important in helping to identify and refer students with concerning behaviors or suicidal thoughts so they get the mental health support they need.
CLM remains available to provide comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents and families with in-office appointments as well as via phone/video telehealth appointments. CLM Emergency Services are available 24/7 via phone or video telehealth support and Walk-in Crisis Assessments are available Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm at our Derry office. To reach Emergency Services call 603-434-1577, option 1.
Our Children’s team continues to provide a range of services including: individual, group and family therapy; medication evaluation and management; case management; community and functional support services. Additionally, CLM clinicians are trained in MATCH (Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems) as well as RENEW a structured school-to-career transition planning and individualized wraparound process for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Our staff includes several Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (LADAC) available to address problems with substance misuse. The Young Adult Program (YAP) is designed to meet the needs of young adults (ages 18-24) who are struggling with the transition to adulthood, coping with existing mental health concerns, setting and attaining employment or other future life goals.
Returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic may not feel like normal – at least for a while. But CLM is here to provide essential mental health support for the communities we serve.
July 29, 2020
12th Annual Concert to Benefit the Center for Life Management Foundation is a Hit!
Our Drive-In Benefit Concert was a success and great fun! We raised $16,636 to support the Center for Life Management Foundation and providing mental health services for un- and under-insured children and adults.
It was a challenge this year because of COVID-19 restrictions, but we rolled with the changes and made it a Drive-In Concert as well as a livestreamed event. Special thanks to Scott and Julie Hayward and the fantastic team at Tupelo Music Hall!
Our appreciation and BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors: CGI Benefit Solutions, People’s United Bank, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, Boston Retirement Advisors, Derry Neurological Associates, Genoa Healthcare, Pentucket Bank, Wellsense, Wisehart Wimette, Betley Chevrolet, Derry Friendship Center, Edward C. David & Co, Enterprise Bank, Trivantus. And for the support of RAM Printing, ButlerGraphics and FrankFM!
June 30, 2020
24/7 Emergency Services Ready to Respond to Those in Crisis.
As we all approach the re-entry phase of COVID-19, we remind the community of the availability of 24/7 Emergency Services provided by CLM. Many individuals-- adults and children-- have been and may continue to experience increased anxiety levels in response to the pandemic. As we gradually begin to transition to a “new normal”, many may experience increased levels of distress, possible psychological impact and behavioral changes may arise.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, CLM has extensively expanded the use of telehealth via phone or video for assessment and provision of a broad scope of mental health services including emergency service assessment, crisis intervention and ongoing supports.
When to call or refer to CLM Emergency Services?
CLM Emergency Services provides assessment and support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis such as:
• Overwhelming Panic or Anxiety
• Excessive worry, Depression or Despair
• Non-suicidal Self-injury
• Thoughts of Harm to Self or Others
• Other Emotional or Mental Health Crisis
Reach 24/7 Emergency Services by calling 603-434-1577, option 1. ES Clinicians are available to provide assessment via telehealth either by phone or video.
Walk-in Crisis Assessment provided by ES clinicians available Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at our Derry office, 10 Tsienneto Road. (These are temporarily reduced hours due to COVID-19. We will update when we return to extended business hours.)
Our Emergency Services team is here for you and the communities in our region including the towns of Atkinson, Chester, Danville, Derry, Hampstead, Newton, Pelham, Plaistow, Salem, Sandown, and Windham. For those outside our service area, click for NH CMHC Emergency Services.
CLM Emergency Service Brochure
May 7, 2020
Special Thanks to Our Nurses and for PPE Donations
We’ve been so focused on COVID-19 and shifting to the telehealth delivery of our mental health services, keeping our clients and staff healthy and safe. So it’s great to pause and recognize this is NATIONAL NURSES WEEK and a chance to tell our nurses how much they are appreciated! CLM nurses always go above and beyond for our clients and now more so than ever!!
We APPRECIATE our nurses and we APPRECIATE the community partners who have donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) so our nurses, staff and clients stay safe. THANK YOU to NH Emergency Services Unit (ESU) of NH DHHS, DEKA Research and Development Corp (Dean Kamen’s company) for the donation of essential PPE including gowns, masks, face shields and goggles. And, to CLM’s own Dave Valentine from IT for making and donating 3D printed masks.
A BIG THANK YOU also to the community folks and organizations who have generously donated masks to CLM. Thanks to Hampstead Academy for their donation of surgical masks and for the wonderful hand-sewn masks donated by the Good Shepherds Foundation; The Lessard Family Sheila, Maddie and Sydney; and Seacoast Mask Makers! Your support is GREATLY APPRECIATED and is helping to keep our staff and clients safe and well.
October 23, 2019
CLM Recognized by NH Citizen's Health Initiative
The NH Citizens Health Initiative (NHCHI) works within heath care practices and systems to improve health, improve quality of care, and reduce costs for all New Hampshire residents. Jennifer Lesieur, Director of Quality Improvement and Corporate Compliance, presented on behalf of CLM at the recent NHCHI Symposium. The presentation was on the use of a variety of evidenced-based Quality Improvement change tools which are in current practice throughout our agency.
Through the use of these tools, meeting structures have become more effective uses of staff time as we have been able to streamline common goals and action steps. We've improved follow through and effectiveness, increased creative and collaborative thinking, and improved interaction in the workplace by focusing on working cohesively as teams. We are breaking down siloes of care! We have been able to increase staff investment in new project initiatives, find meaning in change, and critically approach new ideas that promote client whole health wellness with excitement. Through sharing our story of trial and tribulations with implementation of the tools, we have been able to inspire other practices across the New England region to implement the same approaches.
CLM was presented with a Certificate of Recognition from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Pictured from L to R: NHCHI and CLM Staff are Jean Ryer, Vic Topo, Katherine Cox, Steve Arnault, Jennifer Lesieur, Celia Felsenberg, Jan Thomas.