Ed Belanger, LSW, Delivers the Care, Support and Guidance Patients Need
Ed Belanger, a licensed social worker, or LSW, has worked in behavioral health for 30 years. Four years ago, he joined St. Mary’s Behavioral Health Emergency Department, a state-of-the-art facility that provides patients and families safety and comfort during a substance use or mental health crisis.
“Patients need varying levels of care, up to acute psychiatric care, when they visit our behavioral health emergency department, “says Ed. “I follow up that care by collaborating and educating patients, sometimes even family members, and directing them to the community resources that will benefit them most.”
St. Mary’s Behavioral Health Emergency Department typically serves 10-20 patients daily. The team also includes Emergency Department Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants and Behavioral Technicians, who collaboratively care for patients with issues from acute psychiatric symptoms and mental illness to intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders.
“The team’s role in meeting patient’s needs varies based on factors including the availability of support services,” says Ed. “In some cases, I help with hospital admission. In other cases, I connect patients with outpatient or community services, like public housing, a food pantry, a case worker, therapy, rehabilitation, or psychiatric support. No matter the situation, I strive to meet the patient where they are and give them the support and guidance they need.”
The Behavioral Health Emergency Department team sees people when they are having a significant episode in their life — when they are at their worst. Their job is to be compassionate, care for them, educate them on resources that could help them and connect them to those resources.
Ed adds, “In my experience, what is going on in the behavioral health emergency department is often a reflection of what is happening in the community. We do our best to help anyone struggling with substance use, mental illness, or a behavioral health challenge.”
To learn more about our in-patient or outpatient treatment options, please click here. If you have specific questions, please call 207.777.8700 to speak to a Behavioral Intake Department Expert who will assist you 24/7.