Maine Pediatric and Behavioral Health Partnership

Delivered by Northern Light Acadia Hospital in association with Maine DHHS and MaineHealth

The Maine Pediatric and Behavioral Health Partnership Program is dedicated to improving the accessibility and quality of behavioral healthcare for children and adolescents, especially in rural communities. The program has several key goals and strategies to achieve this mission.

The primary focus is to ensure the timely detection, assessment, treatment, and referral of children and adolescents with behavioral health disorders within pediatric primary care settings. This approach helps to address issues early on and provide the necessary care and support to young patients.

Another crucial aspect of the program is increasing access to behavioral healthcare for kids in rural areas. This includes offering resources and support to families and communities who may otherwise have difficulty obtaining the necessary care.

To further support healthcare providers, the program offers a range of continuing education opportunities, including training and resources focused on pediatric behavioral health. These efforts ensure that providers have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to effectively treat their young patients.

Key components of the program include:

• Peer-to-peer consultations to support PCPs
• Asynchronous consult requests available 24-7
• Phone consults available
• Med management, screenings, and treatment plans

• Project ECHO series
• Practice-level Lunch and Learns
• CMEs available for selected trainings

By implementing these initiatives, the Maine Pediatric and Behavioral Health Partnership aims to create sustainable strategies and interventions that enhance the overall practice of pediatric behavioral healthcare. The ultimate goal is to improve the lives of children and adolescents struggling with behavioral health disorders and provide the necessary resources and support to their families and communities.

If you are a pediatrician, primary care physician, or other medical provider who works with children and would like to take advantage of the benefits of the program, please complete our online form and a member of our team will follow up with you soon.