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Every September is designated as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, dedicated to honoring lives lost to suicide, uplifting those in crisis, and promoting open conversations about mental health. It emphasizes that suicide is preventable and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This is time to remind ourselves that no one has to face their struggles alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, support is available through friends, family, and resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

For those around someone in pain, being present, listening without judgment, and encouraging professional help can make a real difference. Sometimes the most powerful act is simply asking, “How are you, really?” and being willing to hear the answer.

Connection, compassion, and conversation can save lives, let’s choose to reach out and stand together in hope.

Here are some useful resources for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (and more in the resources section below).

• Learn the warning signs and risk factors for suicide
• Access information about suicide and suicidal behavior
• Suicide and Suicide Prevention Resources

Staff Spotlight - Theo Baars

Theo Baars has been a WestBridge employee since 2012. He began his career at WestBridge as a mentor and in a short time transitioned into a Care Management role in 2014. He then founded the WestBridge Alumni Program in 2015. The Alumni Program has remained successful since its inception and soon after it was created it became an important part of the WestBridge care system. His most recent position, along with continuing his Alumni Coordinator role, is as a Clinical Support Counselor where he meets with participants in the community for individual supportive coaching.

Theo began his schooling by completing his GED in 2005. He continued his education by earning his Associate Degree in December 2020 from New Hampshire Technical Institute. He then graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern New Hampshire University with his bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a concentration in Addiction Studies. Currently, Theo is enrolled at Alabama University studying for his Masters in Social Work.

Theo has held a licensure in the state of New Hampshire as an addiction counselor since 2022. Theo is also a mental health champion and frequently speaks in the Community for the National Alliance for Mental Illness or NAMI, New Hampshire chapter. He has spoken in settings like local high schools, in front of New Hampshire Judges and Policy makers, and at several local and national mental health and addiction conferences. In 2023 Theo was awarded the “Volunteer of the Year” Award from NAMI NH for his efforts around mental health awareness. He continues to share an appreciation for the opportunity to serve our population and grow as a professional and ultimately a person on a daily basis

To learn more about WestBridge and WestBridge's Programs please visit our website.

Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988 or you can text or chat

TrevorLifeline, Part of the Trevor Project. Crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7/365. 1-866-488-7386 

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans and Service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Dial 988 and Press 1, 24/7. Chat online. Text to 838255

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States – 24/7, free, confidential. A live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from their secure online platform

Trans Lifeline: A 24/7 hotline available in the U.S. and Canada staffed by transgender people for transgender people. 1-877-565-8860 (United States)

Suicide Prevention and Care Program. The Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives

Understanding Suicide & Coping With Tragedy

How to Manage Suicidal Ideation.

Suicide Prevention: Why Talking About “It” Matters

Standing Beside, Not Apart: How Families Can Truly Support Recovery

“They were willing to listen, plan and individualize the care needed for each person. That was three months ago, and we are now beginning to see a change in our son that we had all but given up hope was possible. It hasn’t always been easy or pleasant, but it has always been positive and encouraging.”

 – A Grateful Father

Current Availability

Direct admissions are available in all programs.

Levels of care include:

• Residential Treatment
• (CIP) Community Integration Program
• Intensive Outpatient Program IOP (Morning or Afternoon)

We are expanding our IOP in September 2025 and opening a PHP in January 2026!

For more information:

Call our admissions team at 800-889-7871 or connect with us at https://www.westbridge.org/admissions/

 

Please contact us with any questions by phone 1-877-461-7711 

or visit https://www.westbridge.org/contact-us/