Maine Breaks Ground on $5M Youth Mental Health Facility

Right now, up to 70 Maine children are receiving mental health treatment hundreds of miles from their families because the state doesn't have enough local facilities to care for them. That's about to change.

Governor Janet Mills joined Sweetser, a behavioral health organization, to break ground on a new youth psychiatric residential treatment facility in Saco. The state invested more than $5 million to make it happen.

The new center will provide round-the-clock intensive care for young people under 21 facing serious behavioral health challenges. It will house 16 beds and employ psychiatrists, mental health specialists, and nursing staff trained specifically in youth care.

The timing couldn't be more critical. Between 60 and 70 Maine youth are currently sent out of state for treatment, while another 100 sit on waiting lists. These aren't just numbers. They're kids missing birthdays at home, parents driving hours for visits, and families stretched thin by distance during their hardest moments.

Jayne Van Bramer, President and CEO of Sweetser, called it a historic milestone. She emphasized that the project shows what's possible when government, community partners, and advocates work together toward a shared goal.

The facility represents just one piece of Governor Mills' broader commitment to mental health. Since taking office, she has worked with the Legislature to invest nearly $270 million in behavioral health services across Maine.

The Ripple Effect

When children receive mental health treatment close to home, the benefits extend far beyond the patients themselves. Families can visit more often, providing crucial emotional support during recovery. Young people stay connected to their schools, friends, and communities, making the transition back to daily life smoother.

Local treatment also means providers can coordinate better with a child's existing support network. Teachers, counselors, and family doctors can all stay involved in the healing process instead of being cut off by distance.

Maine DHHS Commissioner Sara Gagné-Holmes noted that keeping young people connected to their families and communities plays a vital role in their long-term care and development. The new facility will help make that connection possible for dozens of families who previously had no choice but to send their children away.

The center is expected to open its doors in 2027, bringing specialized psychiatric care to a state that desperately needs it.