Harbor Care's Behavioral Health Team: Paying It Forward

“This is why I do what I do.”

Behavioral Health at Harbor Care

Hello. My name is Donna Kivlin, and I’m a clinician at one of Harbor Care’s behavioral health programs in Nashua, New Hampshire. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, my team and I have been working unusually long hours, covering shifts for those who can’t come in due to illness or family responsibilities.

Our job is assisting community members in crisis; anyone suffering a behavioral health or substance abuse crisis in our region -- Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Mason, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua and New Ipswich (school district only) – can call on us. We will help deescalate the situation. We have a van ready; we can drive out to pick up a person in crisis and drive them to our facilities at 12 Amherst Street in Nashua where they will have a quiet, safe environment with on-site services available. Our facilities have apartments available for people who cannot safely go home, or need a place to sleep before admission to (or after graduation from) a residential program.

I am grateful to be part of this team. We are called clinicians, peers, and administrators, however these are just titles. Each of us steps up whenever and wherever we are needed, ensuring whoever calls our emergency number receives the quality care they deserve. 

I am originally from Massachusetts. I have served as Program Director for several different outpatient and residential transitional programs, built teams from the bottom up, as well coordinated with established teams. What makes Harbor Care different is that here, team members all strive for the same long-term goals. Our team is united, hard-working, and dedicated. 

The journey toward wholeness our clients have taken is breathtaking, and overwhelming at times. One particular client had been homeless for over 10 years, suffered from untreated mental illness, and had been admitted multiple times into our crisis apartments. This past March she came to us as a “step down” from a long-term psychiatric admission. I completed my third assessment with her (in a 14-month time span), immediately noticing a positive difference. Unlike in times past, her medication was stabilized, which allowed her to be focused and engaged. Our director asked me for my clinical opinion, and then we worked together on the recommendations. Other members of the team fulfilled the recommendations, found long-term housing and made other arrangements for the client. She is now thriving. 

I pulled into work the other day to find her coming out the front door of our office. She walked over to my car and smiled. “Thank you for fighting like no one ever has for me!” She said. “You’re all truly special people who God has a place for.” 

This is why I do what I do. This is why I leave my family and drive to work in every weather…why I offer to cover double, and sometimes even triple shifts when necessary. My passion and dedication is immense. I am so grateful for Harbor Care and this chance to “pay it forward!”