Maine children's mental health initiative - the maine cmhi program will expand evidence-based behavioral health services for children, youth, and young adults with or at risk for serious emotional…

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded the Maine Department of Health and Human Services $4.944 million on September 30, 2026, under the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) program (CFDA 93.104) to establish the Maine Children's Mental Health Initiative.

The initiative expands evidence-based behavioral health services for children, youth, and young adults with or at risk for serious emotional disturbance by establishing single points of access at two rural certified community behavioral health clinic sites in Kennebec and Penobscot Counties. Over the four-year period of performance through September 29, 2030, the program will deliver mental health services to approximately 5,080 individuals and care coordination to 2,780 through a coordinated system of care. Key service components include expanded assessment capacity, wraparound care coordination, crisis services, family and youth peer support, occupational therapy, respite services, workforce development, and community engagement. Expected outcomes include faster access to care, expanded evidence-based services, improved crisis response, and stronger, integrated behavioral health systems for children and families.

Work is performed in Bangor, Maine. The award funds direct service delivery and system development; applications are evaluated on merit by SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services with National Advisory Council concurrence.

Maine children's mental health initiative - the maine cmhi program will expand evidence-based behavioral health services for children, youth, and young adults with or at risk for serious emotional disturbance by establishing single points of access at two rural certified community behavioral health clinic sites in kennebec and penobscot counties. Over four years, the program will provide mental health services to approximately 5,080 individuals and care coordination to 2,780 through a coordinated system of care. Key strategies include expanded assessment capacity, wraparound care coordination, crisis services, family and youth peer support, occupational therapy, respite services, workforce development, and community engagement. Expected outcomes include faster access to care, expanded evidence-based services, improved crisis response, and stronger, integrated behavioral health systems for children and families.