LEWISTON (WGME) – Lewiston now has more help for people struggling with mental health and substance abuse.
The nonprofit Sweetser is opening a new clinic to fill this critical need, and this location is critical.
“Every Mainer has the right to treatment and recovery,” said Jane Van Bramer, president and CEO of Sweeser.
The new “Center of Hope and Healing” has been compared to a walk-in clinic for mental health needs.
We have a team on site to help you find the next steps and the right treatment.
Some of the space is for case managers and peer support workers.
“These are people who go out into the community and meet our customers where they are,” Chief Growth Officer Joanne Grant said.
There is a room for private interviews with customers, and mobile emergency responders are also on-site.
“And this is open seven days a week,” Grant said. “So they’re there all night.”
On the one hand, staff can provide outpatient mental health and substance disorder treatment, including drug therapy.
“This side is where someone comes and sees the nurse,” Grant said.
Plus, there’s room to grow.
“Our hope is to be able to hire more therapists and nurses and serve more people,” Grant said.
Sweeser said they served about 2,000 people across Androscoggin County last year.
They are now able to support an additional 700 people and are helping to take people off the waiting list.
“This will expand people’s access to comprehensive, high-quality, evidence-based care,” Van Bramer said.
This is the only accredited community behavioral health clinic in Androscoggin County.
This comes as the community is still recovering from last year’s mass shooting.
“We’re looking forward to being a neighbor,” said Justin Juray, owner of Just-In-Time Recreation.
The clinic is located right next to Just in Time Recreation.
“I think it’s great to have resources so close,” Juray said. “Especially considering how we’ve been.”
Starting in December, we will be open for walk-in business on Mondays and Wednesdays.
