Adolescent Inpatient Behavioral Health

Care Designed for Adolescents

Young people experience mental health challenges differently than adults. Our Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit provides short-term inpatient care designed specifically for adolescents who need a higher level of support.

Treatment focuses on helping each patient stabilize, better understand what they are experiencing and develop practical skills they can continue using after they leave the hospital.

Throughout their stay, adolescents are supported by a multidisciplinary team that may include psychiatrists, nurses, licensed therapists and counselors, social workers, teachers, recreation therapists, behavioral health technicians and spiritual care providers.

What to Expect During an Inpatient Stay

Each adolescent receives an individualized treatment plan based on their needs. Days follow a structured schedule that includes group therapy, individual sessions, school time and opportunities to practice new skills.

St. Mary’s was one of the first programs in Maine to use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) with this age group. This evidence-based approach helps adolescents develop practical skills for managing emotions, navigating difficult situations and building healthier ways to cope.

The length of each inpatient stay depends on the individual patient’s needs and treatment plan.

Support That Continues After Inpatient Care

Leaving the hospital is an important step, but returning home, to school and to everyday life can bring new challenges.

Strong Futures provides eligible adolescents with continued support following an inpatient stay at St. Mary’s. The program helps young people build on the progress they have made while navigating the transition back to their everyday lives.

Support through Strong Futures can continue for up to six months, providing greater continuity between inpatient treatment and life after discharge.

For Parents and Families

Families are an important part of an adolescent’s care and recovery. Our team works with parents and caregivers throughout treatment to help them understand their child’s needs, support progress and prepare for the transition home.

The goal is not simply to help an adolescent through an inpatient stay. It is to give young people and their families tools they can continue using when they leave St. Mary’s.

Behavioral Emergency Care

When immediate behavioral health evaluation is needed, St. Mary’s Behavioral Emergency Department provides a safe setting for assessment and stabilization.

Located at 91 Campus Avenue in Lewiston, Maine, our behavioral health team evaluates patients, helps determine the appropriate level of care and connects patients and families with the services they need.

Referrals From Across Maine

St. Mary’s Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit serves adolescents ages 12–17 and accepts referrals from communities throughout Maine.

To make a referral or learn more about admission to the program, contact our Behavioral Intake Department.

Behavioral Intake Department
207-777-8700