MaineHealth Behavioral Health provides inpatient and partial hospitalization services for children and young adults with developmental disorders who are not functioning safely at home, school or in the community.
Expert hospital-based care for developmental disorders
We achieve excellent patient outcomes through a combination of expert programming, evidence-based protocols, and the individual potential of each patient. Our multidisciplinary treatment team includes:
- Psychiatrists
- Clinicians
- Behavioral experts
- Occupational and speech therapists
- Dieticians
- Educators
All services are delivered by professionals trained in the unique needs of children with developmental disorders. At all times, we carefully balance each child's need for support with independence. Children are given the opportunity and support to make good decisions and learn from their successes.
More about our services
Our highly-specialized, developmental disorders inpatient unit is one of only a dozen like it in the United States. With an average stay of 30-40 days, patients receive intensive evaluation and treatment for serious behavioral issues that have not responded to other levels of care.
The program is for children ages 4 to 20 who have a developmental disorder, an active IEP, and a current inability to function safely outside the hospital setting. Behaviors treated may include aggression, self-injury, functional impairment and mental health challenges. While in our care, patients receive education through the MaineHealth Academy at Spring Harbor.
What should I expect when my child is admitted?
Treatment will begin on the day of admission. Parents/guardians will meet with the clinical team to discuss behavioral challenges, questions and concerns. Family involvement is a very important part of the treatment process, including weekly meetings with your child’s clinical team and/or social worker.
As treatment progresses, you may also be invited to "shadow" the care team as they interact with your child. The goal is for you to learn the behavioral program until you feel comfortable following it at home. This will help build confidence so you and your child can be successful after a hospital stay.
Preparing children to return to their lives outside the hospital is our primary focus from day one. Social workers who specialize in this area work to secure placements in the community that will meet the needs of both the child and family.
Through strong relationships with community providers and expert after-care planning, we help reduce the likelihood of re-hospitalization. At the time of discharge, families receive a behavioral plan, intervention tools and a recommended schedule to support a successful transition back home.
Our short-term partial-hospitalization program provides telehealth treatment for children and young adults who are experiencing emotional, social or behavioral challenges that impair their ability to function successfully. We provide an intensive weekday treatment program where patients and their families learn and practice new ways to manage emotions and behavior. Learn more about partial hospitalization services.
Patient Referrals
Patients can be referred by a health care provider or parent/caregiver using these referral forms.
- Complete this form, print it, and fax it to 207-553-8347
- Complete this form and click "Submit Form" to email it to us.
Once a referral is received, our clinical team will review to determine program eligibility. We may request additional records and information. Decisions are typically communicated within 48 hours. Please call 207-661-6347 or email DDPHP@mainehealth.org for more information.
Our specially-trained providers deliver comprehensive behavioral health services for children and adults with developmental challenges—from intensive inpatient care to day treatment programs.
Our clinical research program generates new knowledge of, and treatments for, people with developmental disorders.