COVID-19 Updates & Resources
At Seacoast Mental Health Center the safety and health of our clients, staff, and visitors is of the utmost importance to us.
We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) as the situation evolves daily, and as a result, we are taking proactive steps to stop the spread.
We are working alongside our regional hospitals, first-responders, and agency partners to create safe and supportive operating practices throughout the region. Our operations and risk management teams are meeting daily for updates and have put in place procedures to ensure we continue to provide care as safely as possible.
We will share updates to our offices, operations, and overall mental health tips and resources via this page. Please check back regularly.
We are here for you. You are #neveralone. Our Emergency Services will always remain open at 603-431-6703 AND 603-772-2710.
Portsmouth & Exeter Office Information
We highly encourage our clients to social distance and try all telephone and video services, which we now can offer. Please see some of these changes below:
Effective immediately, our “Open Access” (same day service) hours are suspended in both our Portsmouth and Exeter offices. Please note care for all clients continues, as outlined below.
We have transitioned to a telehealth model for most clients, during the COVID-19 crisis. Please reach out to our main office numbers to verify your appointment and verify that your provider can do this via telephone or video. For more information, please see our TeleHealth page HERE.
Our physical offices remain open for a few specific services only from 9am – 1:30pm on Tues/Thurs. We have screening processes in place prior to entry. In Exeter, enter via the front door, and in Portsmouth enter via the creek side, ramp doorway only.
We remain FULLY OPEN for care via TeleHealth options from 8am – 8pm for our community and you. We are here for YOU. Again we are FULLY OPEN via TeleHealth.
Please call before coming to verify if your appointment is in office or via TeleHealth.
* 603-431-6703 or 603-772-2710 *
*Our Emergency Services are open as always 24/7 – always call if you feel unsafe, suicidal, or have feelings of self harm! Always*
Mental Health Tips & Resources During Social Distancing
We understand that this unprecedented time is scary and full of the unknown. We ask our staff, clients, and community to remain as calm, as possible. In times of fear, breathe deeply. We are still here for you, and all your local supports are working to keep you safe.
This list below will be an ever growing resource of virtual support groups, mental health tips, and other resources to help you through this time.
Also please check our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages daily for helpful tips and tools for managing your mental health during this uncertain time.
NH 2-1-1 Hotline for Information
211 NH is a resource to connect NH residents to the most up to date resources they need from specially trained Information and Referral Specialists. 211 NH is available 24 hours, 365 days a year. Multilingual assistance and TDD access is also available. Do not hesitate to call 2-1-1 for information or support!
Seacoast Pathways Online Group
Our friends at Seacoast Pathways, a Clubhouse have created an online space for anyone who feels they struggle with mental health issues to help combat isolation. During this time of social distancing and disrupted routines, it’s so easy to completely isolate. Isolation is so negative for anyone’s mental health!
Join the group HERE for safe conversation, tips, laughs, and some virtual connection!
In the Rooms SUD Support Groups
In The Rooms is a free online recovery tool that offers 130 weekly online meetings for those recovering from Substance Use Disorder and related issues. They embrace multiple pathways to recovery, including all 12 Step, Non-12 Step, Wellness and Mental Health modalities.
Please check out In the Room HERE.
COVID-19 Planning for Older Adults
The CDC recommends that anyone over the age of 65 stay at home, as they are higher risk of complications from COVID-19. This requires planning and thoughtful conversations.
Click HERE for some tips for personal household planning
Here are some additional tips for Medicare Beneficiaries
General Beneficiary Information
How to be a Hand Washing Champion
Medical experts have hailed handwashing one of the most important ways to prevent catching COVID-19: regular and effective hand hygiene.
Please watch this Video or follow the instructions below for effective hand washing.
Good hand-washing: A step-by-step guide
1. The process should take between 40-60 seconds.
2. Wet hands with water.
3. Apply enough soap to cover the entirety of hand surfaces.
4. Rub your palms together, ensuring that lather builds up.
5. Put your right palm over your left hands, interlacing the fingers, ensuring between each finger is clean. Then put left over right.
6. Interlace your fingers with palm to palm.
7. Put the backs of fingers facing the opposing palm – ensuring you are cleaning your nails also.
8. Rotational rubbing of both thumbs.
9. Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards between clasped fingers on right palm then on left.
10. Rinse your hands thoroughly with water.
11. Use a single-use towel to dry your hands and use that towel to turn off the tap.
Virtual Yoga for All Recovery (Addiction, All Types, Cancer)
Yoga is physically and mentally immensely beneficial!!
Join a Yoga in Recovery Session Hosted by Yoga in Action
That’s right enjoy Yoga from home with our trained instructors from Yoga in Action. These are for all levels and beginners are welcome. Come check it out from the comfort of home now on Zoom’s virtual video conference platform.
It’s free and easy to download. You do NOT need to turn your video on you can watch and follow along.
Click below to join at the scheduled time!
Live Yoga for Recovery
Monday. Wednesday, Friday at 11am
Yoga in Action Videos
Here, you can find prerecorded videos of guided meditations, chair yoga, breath-work, Yoga and Cancer classes and more. These resources are presented by our Yoga in Action Faculty.
YIA online offerings
LIVE Yoga & Cancer via Zoom
Yoga and Cancer Community: Maintain your practice through these uncertain times with your Y&C teachers! Please join a class to get started. These classes are offered via Zoom. If you need the Zoom app, you will be instructed to download it when you join the class.
Yoga and Cancer w/ Marissa McAleer
Mondays @ 4:15pm
Yoga and Cancer w/ Deana Cavan
Tuesdays @ 5pm
Yoga and Cancer w/ Michelle Couture
Wednesdays @ 3:30pm
LIVE Yoga for ALL Abilities via Zoom
These classes are open to our existing Yoga for ALL Abilities clients and their care providers. Enjoy chair and/or mat based classes for clients with disabilities including traumatic brain injury, developmental, intellectual and/or physical challenges.
Yoga for All Abilities w/Maria Cousins
NAMI NH Various Resources
NAMI NH INFOLINE
info@NAMINH.org or call 1-800-242-6264 (ext. 601 for general inquiries, ext. 602 to get info. for individuals 18+, ext. 603 to get info. for children/youth under 18).
NAMI NH FB SUPPORT GROUPS
https://www.naminh.org/find-support/online-support-groups/
PARENTS MEETING THE CHALLENGE
https://www.naminh.org/…/fam…/parents-meeting-the-challenge/
NAMI NH ONLINE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
Contact Carol Lemelin at 603-664-2116
Parents of Anxious Kids Support Group
PARENTS OF ANXIOUS KIDS SUPPORT GROUP
For parents of school-aged kids or younger w/ anxiety and OC related disorders – every Tuesday starting 3/24 8:30pm EST
Talking to Kids about COVID19
The Coronavirus Pandemic is a difficult topic for parents to explain to any child, perhaps even more so when the child has Autism Spectrum Disorder or other special needs. Many of these children process information in a concrete manner, prefer established routines, and need support to understand and interpret emotions.
Here is a simple and easy booklet to support you in these conversations.
Here are some other resources, as well for kids:
PSB kids resource list for Coronavirus. – Discussion for parents with links to free PBS video content on proper hand washing and sneeze techniques and rest.
Kids ask coronavirus questions with thoughtful answers. Good resource for kids who would benefit from factual information.
But Why? Podcast for curious kids – Episode “Coronavirus For Kids, And The Science Of Soap”
Brains On. Episodes “Staying home: How social distancing helps fight coronavirus” and “Understanding coronavirus and how germs spread.”
Parent Tools & Tips from the NH Department of Education
#NHLearnsRemotely
As the State of NH shifts to a remote instruction + remote supports = remote learning model in response to COVID-19, the Department of Education has supports for communities, educators, and students and their families.
Their new resource website contains guidance and strategies for educators, caregivers, and students to explore as we all transition to this time of remote learning.
Parents - Virtual Help from the Office of Student Social & Emotional Wellness
The NH Office of Student Social & Emotional Wellness offers virtual supports for parents, as you navigate this new world of kids learning at home (and everything else!) Please check out the following:
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Tips for Parents / Caregivers - Your Executive Skills & Remote Learning
Our kids are at home, with the expectation that they will continue to learn while schools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. If this causes chest pains, shortness of breath, or full-blown panic as you figure out how to navigate your kids’ schooling while you’re doing all the other things you have to do to keep your lives stitched together during this challenging time, you are not alone.
Here is a great resource for all of us NON-teachers. You CAN do this! And you don’t need to be perfect. Let’s navigate this temporary new normal at home – together. Read this great resource here!
Age Appropriate Mental Health Resources for Kids
Our kids’ mental health is so important to watch. Unlike adults, they often are far more receptive to supports! Here is a collection of fun, easy mental health tools and games for kids!
YouTube: Cosmic kids yoga – “Owl and guard dog” anxiety discussion is linked here. Channel has lots of kids yoga videos that link to popular movies or kid friendly themes. Meditation skill building.
YouTube: Alo Yoga kids playlist. Yoga poses for kids (brave dino, puppy meditation,etc)
YouTube: Howard Wigglebottom Courage – Gently Animated story of facing fears and having courage. “Its okay to be scared.” Channel has several videos addressing emotions
YouTube: New Horizon Meditation for kids. Audio only.- several scripts to choose from.
Book/YouTube: The Rabbit Listened – link to read aloud of book. Animals offer many unhelpful solutions to Taylor’s problem. The rabbit listened. Written by Cori Doerrfeld
Book/YouTube: Grumpy Monkey – link to read aloud of the book. Monkey wakes up grumpy. “Shoulds” don’t help him feel better. The companionship of a friend helps. Written by Suzanne Lang
Book/YouTube: My No No NO Day – link to read aloud of the book. Bella is having a hard day. She gets support and a chance for a better day tomorrow. Written by Rebecca Patterson
Book/YouTube: Quick as a Cricket– link to read aloud of the book. Animals represent many aspects of the same child. “Put them all together and you’ve got me.” Written by Audrey Wood
Podcast: The Calm Kids Podcast: Stories by kids, for kids to unwind and go to sleep relaxed and happy.
Podcast :Be calm on Ahway Island is a soothing podcast to teach self-regulation and calm.
App: Breathe Think Do. Help a Sesame Street monster calm down and solve everyday problems in this interactive game. (Free)
App: Ninjafocus. Meditation scripts. Yoga poses. Mindfulness activities. Sleep music. Bedtime Stories. (Offering all content free for 90 days due to closed schools)
App: Children’s Meditations. Meditations for focus, relaxation, and sleep. (6 free scripts with option for in app purchases of additional content)
Class: Mindful Schools is offering mindfulness classes for kids free for the next few weeks! Join for mindful activities, mindful movement, read-alouds.
Resource: Printable Lego Figure emotions chart.
Fun, At-Home Learning Resources for Families
Home learning is a new world for most of us! Here are some inclusive, fun resources for parents and kids!
Family Rhythm, Discipline, and Routine
Resource: Whole Family Rhythms offer free downloadable guides that are designed to help plan, create, and animate a peaceful, balanced, and holistic rhythm at home, flowing between structured, adult-led activities and child-led, imaginative free play.
YouTube: Sundays With Sarah – ideas for crafts, stories, finger plays, and parent tips for napping, discipline and other topics. Waldorf education.
Resource: 1-2-3 Magic Blog – positive discipline tips on a variety of topics
Resource: Love and Logic Blog – Positive parenting and teaching techniques to build healthy relationships with kids.
Creating
YouTube: The Making Foundation – Roanoke-based woodworking shop that specializes in problem solving, empowerment, DIY, and working with kids. Daily #@makethemost videos/challenges for making at home during social distancing.
YouTube: Easy Kids Crafts: DIY kids craft videos with well-organized playlists for holidays and seasons
Resource: Taproot Magazine Coloring Book – free printable
Resource: Mr. Printable – free printable games, crafts, and coloring pages
Science
Podcast: But Why? Podcast for curious kids – But Why is a show led by kids. They ask the questions and we find the answers. Are unicorns real? How is paper made?
Podcast: Smash. Boom. Best Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best. Cats versus Dogs. Pizza versus Tacos. Super Speed versus Super Strength.
Podcast: Brains On. Co-hosted each week by kid scientists and reporters from public radio, we ask questions ranging from the science behind sneezing to how to translate the purr of cats.
Podcast: Earth Rangers — A sound-rich dive into nature and animal science.
Stories
Podcast: Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10.
Podcast: Stories Podcast: fairy tales, folk tales, Peter Rabbit, original fiction for kids.
Podcast: Myths and Legends: Stories from around the world. Best for older kids. Warnings are given for disturbing content at the beginning of the show.
Podcast: “Story Pirates” — Stories written by kids are woven into a narrative about a musical-theater company’s magical misadventures.
Podcast: “Girl Tales” — Feminist fairy tales written and performed by playwrights and actors.
Podcast: The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel. Serial Mystery Story for ages 8-12.
Music
Podcast: “Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child” — An hourlong show that will introduce the family to the best in kids’ music, every week.
Podcast:“The Music Box” — Each episode is a lesson about a musical concept featuring interactive activities.
Podcast: “Ear Snacks” — The children’s musicians Andrew & Polly explore different themes through songs and interviews.
Resources for People Experiencing Domestic Violence
For those isolated at home in an unsafe situation during the COVID-19 national emergency, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has suggestions for staying safe.
Please read these thoughtful and important resources HERE. Always still call 911 if you are in an unsafe situation.
Extension of Federal Food Assistance Program (WIC)
OCD Support Group
OCD SUPPORT GROUP
Open to individuals & family members – every Thursday starting 3/19 at 8:30pm EST
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Online Meetings
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) ONLINE MEETINGS
Seacoast Pathways Mental Health & Co-Occurring SUD Hangout Chats!
Seacoast Pathways and the Manchester Clubhouse are reaching out to anyone with a mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorder/mental illness to join their virtual clubhouse programming. They have a private Facebook group for connecting and sharing how everyone is coping as a form of support group.
The Facebook page is ‘Seacoast Pathways, a clubhouse’
They are also offering daily programming on Google Hangouts at 10 am and 2 pm and anyone is welcome to join. Participants will need to have or get a gmail account which is easy to do.
Here is the link:
Unity Recovery + WEconnect + Alano Club Virtual Meetings
Unity Recovery + WEconnect + Alano Club are now offering free virtual recovery meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. All recovery meetings are non-denominational, agnostic to any specific recovery pathway, and are open to anyone.
Check out these recovery meetings HERE.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Online Meetings
NA (Narcotics Anonymous) ONLINE MEETINGS
Al-Anon Virtual Meetings
AL-ANON VIRTUAL MEETINGS
RecoverYdia AA meetings and Live Peer Support Meeting
RecoverYdia is offering AA meetings 7 days a week at 6:30am, 12pm, and 7pm, and you may also request a Live Peer Support meeting: https://www.recoverydia.com/digital-peer-support
Peer Support Agencies in NH
Peer support consists of supportive interactions based on shared experience among people and are intended to assist people to understand their potential to achieve their personal goals. Interactions are based on trust, respect, and mutual support. Peer support agencies accomplish this by providing choice, using non-medical approaches to help, sharing decision making, encouraging informed decision making about all aspects of people’s lives, challenging perceived self-limitations, etc.
Currently they have phone support and warmlines running to help.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline and chat available to anyone in the U.S. in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. By dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the call is routed to the nearest crisis center in their national network of crisis centers.
You are NEVER ALONE.
National Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7, text-based support for those in crisis. To use this resource, just text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.
Texters can discuss a wide range of issues, including anxiety (including around the Coronavirus), depression, and more. To learn more, check out their website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
State and National Resources & Verified Information
In our world of social media, varied news sites, and 24/7 information, it’s so important to read verified, fact-based sources for updates and to base your decisions.
We suggest you follow the almost daily updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the NH Department of Health & Human Services (NHDHHS) website, which are as follows:
NHDHHS – https://www.nh.gov/covid19/
CDC – cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-html
**If you have questions about COVID-19, finding treatment resources, or additional mental health resources or other support services, please call 2-1-1 or visit their website at www.211nh.org
Here are a few recent changes in our state to support citizens during the unsure financial impact COVID19:
Emergency Order #3: All providers of electric, gas, water, telephone, cable, VOIP, internet service, and deliverable fuel services will be prohibited from disconnecting or discontinuing service for non-payments for the duration of the State of Emergency.
Emergency Order #4: Landlords will not be allowed to start eviction proceedings for those unable to pay due to their financial situations. To do so would be against the law. All judicial and non-judicial foreclosure actions will also be prohibited during the state of emergency.
Emergency Order #5: Individuals who are unable to work or who have reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have immediate access to unemployment benefits. Anyone in the following situations will now be eligible for state unemployment: If your employer temporarily closes due to COVID-19; Individuals that need to self-quarantine or are directed to quarantine at the instruction of a health care provider, employer or government official; Individuals that need to care for a family member that has COVID-19 or is under quarantine; Individuals that need to care for a dependent because of school closures, child care facility closures or other similar types of care programs; Self-employed individuals that are temporarily unable to operate their business because of any of the above listed situations will also be eligible. Please visit www.nhes.nh.gov or call 603-271-7770 for more information.
Service Area
Communities included in our catchment area are: Brentwood, Deerfield, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, Kingston, New Castle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, North Hampton, Northwood, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Raymond, Rye, Seabrook, South Hampton, and Stratham.
Frequently Asked Questions – When it comes to your well-being, we expect you to have questions. View our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers, and get in touch with us if your questions aren’t answered!
As a 501 (c) 3 organization, we are governed by a volunteer board of directors whose role is to ensure that we meet our mission and remain a fiscally sound organization. To do so, the board meets monthly and members actively serves on the Governance, Finance, Facilities, and Development Committees.
You can count on our experienced and highly qualified professionals trained in psychiatry, psychology, mental health and substance misuse counseling, clinical social work and nursing.
OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS
