The mission of Maine’s system of care is to ensure immediate equitable access to welcoming, hopeful, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented behavioral health crisis services in the most supportive, least restrictive setting. We want to raise awareness of resources that are available to support youth and families experiencing a mental health crisis. While some young people may need to receive care in an Emergency Department, these crisis resources may make it possible to safely manage a young person experiencing behavioral health crisis in a community setting.
CRISIS HOTLINE: Maine Crisis Line
When a youth or family needs help in a behavioral health crisis, they can call or text the Statewide number to access the Maine Crisis Line (1-888-568-1112). A trained crisis worker will talk with them about their concerns and may dispatch a local mobile crisis responder or first responder to meet with the family/youth in the home/community setting, which is often the best and most appropriate place to be cared for, so long as safety is not a concern. When safety is in jeopardy, the Maine Crisis Line may encourage interventions as well. For individuals/families in the greater Portland area, Spurwink’s Crisis Receiving Center is available for individuals 14 and up, and it’s located at 62 Elm St. Portland, ME. Other services, such as a Crisis Stabilization Unit or inpatient hospitalization will be utilized when appropriate.
When a youth or family needs help in a behavioral health crisis, they can call or text the Statewide number to access the Maine Crisis Line (1-888-568-1112). If it is an emergency, please 911.
Digital download is available at the following link: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/CRISIS%20Information%20Sheet%20final1.9.22.pdf