by Callie Ferguson Rachel Bousquet is the executive director of KidsPeace New England. The organization runs one of the two remaining residential programs in Maine for kids with developmental disabilities. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN The recent closure of three Maine residential programs for children has rapidly reduced the services available to youth with developmental disabilities, sparking alarm among health professionals. As of July, there are only two residential ... Read More ›

Augusta, Maine - The Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services, Maine (the Alliance), the leading statewide association dedicated to advancing quality mental health and substance use treatment, is proud to announce the appointment of Adam Bloom-Paicopolos as its new Executive Director, to join newly promoted Associate Director, Jennifer Christian, effective June 1, 2024. Adam Bloom-Paicopolos brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment towards behavioral health policy and ... Read More ›

Richie Morris, 21, of Portland, had to wait nine months to see a therapist after moving from New Hampshire to Portland in 2023. “It’s extremely disheartening,” they said.Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer Tessa Buckley is on a waitlist for in-home mental health services for her 10-year-old son, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. It might take two years for him to reach the top of the list. “It can feel defeating,” said Buckley, 32, of southern Maine. Richie Morris, ... Read More ›

Thank you @GovJanetMills for recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month 2024! Shout out to all ofthe MH providers offering services across Maine. Mental Health Awareness Month in Maine: to shine a light on mental illness and the need for long-term improvements in our mental health care system and increased access to care for all so no one feels alone. ... Read More ›

The morning fog lifts beyond the Burton M. Cross Building, left, and the State House on June 21, 2023, in Augusta. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP The BDN Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom, and does not set policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com. A collection of bills that could make needed improvements to Maine’s broad mental health care system are at risk of languishing in Augusta because of a lack ... Read More ›

https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/04/11/opinion/opinion-contributor/human-cost-neglected-mental-health-services-joam40zk0w/ ... Read More ›

"The need for investment in Maine's mental health care system is clear and urgent. We urge the governor and the Legislature to act now by funding the Maine Resiliency package of bills and prioritizing the mental health and well-being of all Mainers."   Malory Shaughnessy and Elizabeth Sweet Maine is facing a crisis in mental health care. The evidence is overwhelming, and the voices calling for change are growing louder.The message is clear: we must prioritize funding ... Read More ›

Mental health investments should not be a partisan issue. I’ve worked for decades in the behavioral health field, both before and during my time serving the people of Waterville in the Legislature. I’ve been a case manager, worked in group homes and worked as a clinician on an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. I’ve worked in partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs. I’ve also provided therapy in offices, our local schools and in the homes of our ... Read More ›

The Maine State House is seen at sunrise, March 16, 2023, in Augusta, Maine. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com Julie M. Schirmer is a licensed clinical social worker and president of the board of directors for the Maine Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. As a clinical social worker, one would ... Read More ›

Providers and advocates point to legislative solutions to address persistent underfunding and worker shortages BY: EVAN POPP - NOVEMBER 15, 2023 5:21 AM  There are numerous bills passed by the legislature that have yet to receive funding that advocates say would shore up the state’s mental health system. (Getty Images) Maine’s mental health care system is fractured and scattered, with chronic underfunding and gaps in services that prevent many from accessing the care ... Read More ›