Maine Mental Health Resources for Single Mothers (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

This is a plain‑English, no‑fluff guide built for single moms in Maine who need mental health help fast. Everything here links to official state, federal, or established nonprofit sources and includes exact phone numbers, income limits, and practical steps.

Quick Help Box (save these)

• Maine Crisis Line (24/7, statewide): 1‑888‑568‑1112. You can ask for mobile crisis to come to you. What the Maine Crisis Line does. (www1.maine.gov)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text/chat): 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Calls in Maine route to trained specialists at the Maine Crisis Line. About 988 in Maine. (www1.maine.gov)
• Intentional Peer Support Warm Line (24/7, non‑crisis peer support): 1‑866‑771‑WARM (9276). Peer Support Line details. (sweetser.org)
• NAMI Maine Helpline (info, referrals—not a crisis line): 1‑800‑464‑5767 (Press 1), Mon–Fri 8am–4pm. Helpline info. (namimaine.org)
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (pregnancy/postpartum support, 24/7): 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (1‑833‑852‑6262) (call/text). Hotline FAQ. (mchb.hrsa.gov)
• Postpartum Support International—Maine (support groups, local connections): Helpline 1‑800‑944‑4773; text: English 800‑944‑4773, Español 971‑203‑7773. Find local PSI‑ME support. (psichapters.com)
• Domestic Violence Helpline (24/7, statewide): 1‑866‑834‑HELP (4357); TTY 1‑800‑437‑1220. MCEDV get help. (mcedv.org)
• Sexual Assault Support Helpline (24/7, statewide): 1‑800‑871‑7741. MECASA contact. (mecasa.org)
• 211 Maine (info & referrals, 24/7; text your ZIP to 898‑211): 211 or 1‑877‑463‑6207 (out of state). Mental health directory. (211maine.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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If you’re in crisis right now

• Call the Maine Crisis Line at 1‑888‑568‑1112 and say where you are and what’s happening. Ask for “mobile crisis” if you want someone to come to your home or a safe spot. You can also call/text 988. Both lines run 24/7 and are free. How Maine crisis response works. (www1.maine.gov)
• If weapons are present or someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Tell the dispatcher “this is a mental health crisis” and ask if a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained officer is on duty. This helps get the right response. NAMI Maine crisis guidance. (namimaine.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Try again (lines can be busy), or text 988. Use the Intentional Peer Support Warm Line 1‑866‑771‑9276 for calm support while you wait. If you can get to a phone safely, call 211 for help finding local crisis centers or walk‑in options. (sweetser.org, 211maine.org)

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MaineCare (Medicaid): quickest path to low‑cost therapy, psychiatry, and meds

Start here if your household income is near or below the limits, or if you’re pregnant/postpartum.

Who qualifies (2025)

• Adults 21–64: up to 138% FPL (see monthly dollar amounts in the chart below).
• Pregnant/postpartum: up to ~214% FPL during pregnancy and for 12 months after the pregnancy ends.
• Children/youth: up to 300% FPL.

Use the state’s income chart (below). CoverME.gov MaineCare page; MaineCare covered services + postpartum policy; children to 300% FPL rule. (coverme.gov, www1.maine.gov)

MaineCare monthly income limits (MAGI categories, effective 2025)

Source: CoverME.gov: MaineCare and OFI Health Care Assistance. (coverme.gov, www11.maine.gov)

Key protections:

• MaineCare postpartum coverage lasts a full 12 months after pregnancy ends—automatically, if you had MaineCare. Official announcement. (www1.maine.gov)
• Maine covers pregnant people and youth under 21 regardless of immigration status (state‑funded). MaineCare covered services page. (www1.maine.gov)

How to apply today

• Online (fastest): My Maine Connection → “Apply Online.”
• Phone help: 1‑855‑797‑4357 (OFI).
• Paper/mail/email/fax options are also available on the OFI page. OFI contact and application methods. (www11.maine.gov)

What to expect:

• You’ll get a decision, usually within 45 days (pregnancy cases are typically faster). If it takes longer than 45 days, you may be able to get temporary coverage. Consumer assistance summary. (mainecahc.org)
• Coverage generally lasts 12 months before renewal (watch for the blue‑stripe renewal packet). DHHS unwinding/renewal detail. (www1.maine.gov)

Required documents (upload or take photos):

• Photo ID (if you have one), proof of Maine residency, Social Security number (if you have one), proof of income (recent pay stubs), pregnancy verification (if pregnant), and any current insurance info.

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Missing verification deadlines—check messages in your My Maine Connection account every few days until you’re approved.
• Submitting duplicate renewals—DHHS warns it slows processing. Renewal timing pointers. (mainecahc.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call the OFI Call Center 1‑855‑797‑4357 and ask for status. If stuck, call Consumers for Affordable Health Care at 1‑800‑965‑7476 for free help. OFI contact and CAHC help. (www1.maine.gov, mainecahc.org)

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What MaineCare covers for mental health—and what to ask for

You don’t need to memorize rule numbers, but knowing the names helps when you call providers.

Telehealth tip: If travel or childcare is a barrier, ask for telehealth. Maine law and MaineCare cover telehealth, including phone‑only visits when appropriate. Telehealth rule update; 24‑A M.R.S. §4316. (www1.maine.gov, mainelegislature.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If the first clinic has a long wait, ask for: 1) IOP openings, 2) telehealth with a different site, or 3) a referral to another agency. Use DHHS’s Treatment Connection directory to search by ZIP and filter for mental health or substance use providers. Treatment Connection (DHHS). (www1.maine.gov)

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Paying for care if you’re uninsured or over MaineCare limits

• Hospital “Free Care” (charity care): Maine law requires hospitals to provide free medically necessary care to Maine residents with incomes ≤150% FPL. Some systems go higher—MaineHealth provides full free care up to ≤200% FPL. A 2025 law raises the statewide minimum to 200% FPL (expected to take effect next July—confirm with your hospital). Ask the hospital’s billing office for a “Free Care application.” 22 M.R.S. §1716; MaineHealth Free Care policy; news on 2025 change. (legislature.maine.gov, mainehealth.org, pressherald.com)
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): sliding fees based on income, and many offer on‑site behavioral health. Find nearby clinics with HRSA’s official tool. Find a Health Center. (data.hrsa.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Apply for MaineCare anyway if your income recently dropped; eligibility uses current monthly income. If you’re denied, check marketplace plans with subsidies via CoverME.gov. (coverme.gov)

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Maternal mental health in Maine (pregnancy, postpartum, infant loss)

• Postpartum coverage: MaineCare covers physical and mental health care for 12 months after pregnancy ends. This includes therapy, meds, and specialty care. State policy and Governor’s announcement. (www1.maine.gov)
• Postpartum depression in Maine: Maine PRAMS survey data (CDC) showed 10.9% of Maine women reported postpartum depressive symptoms in 2018; screening rates in Maine are high (providers asked about depression at postpartum visits 95.5% in 2018). This is still serious—get help early. CDC PRAMS MMWR and MMWR provider screening table. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, cdc.gov)
• Get immediate support: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (call/text), 24/7. HRSA FAQ. (mchb.hrsa.gov)
• MaineMOM (for moms with substance use disorder): Call 1‑888‑644‑1130 to get connected to medication‑assisted treatment, counseling, and care coordination during pregnancy and postpartum. Services are covered by MaineCare and many insurers. MaineMOM program. (mainemom.org)
• Peer support & groups: Postpartum Support International—Maine has support groups and local volunteers who call/text back within 24 hours. Helpline 1‑800‑944‑4773. PSI—Maine and Find local support. (psichapters.com, postpartum.net)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your OB/midwife to mark your referral as “urgent postpartum mental health,” which can move you up waitlists. If you’re uninsured, apply for MaineCare immediately—pregnancy and postpartum help you qualify. OFI Health Care Assistance. (www11.maine.gov)

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Transportation and time‑saving tips

• MaineCare rides: If you have MaineCare, you can get rides or mileage reimbursement to covered appointments. Call your regional broker at least 2 business days before the visit. For questions, MaineCare Member Services: 1‑800‑977‑6740. NET details + broker list (PDF). (www1.maine.gov)
• Telehealth: Phone or video therapy is covered when appropriate. If childcare or travel is hard, ask your clinic to switch to telehealth. MaineCare telehealth rule update. (www1.maine.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call your clinic and ask for a “cancellation list” spot; ask your PCP to send referrals to multiple in‑network clinics; call 211 to locate other providers taking new patients. 211 mental health directory. (211maine.org)

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Hotlines and urgent numbers (print this)

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Local and regional options you can call now

• MaineHealth Behavioral Health (multiple locations; Southern/Midcoast/Western/Down East Maine): main access line 1‑844‑292‑0111; Spring Harbor Hospital (inpatient) 207‑761‑2200. Contact/locations. (mainehealth.org)
• Aroostook/Hancock/Washington Counties: Aroostook Mental Health Services (AMHC) 24/7 Call Center 1‑800‑244‑6431; crisis and outpatient services. AMHC contact/locations. (amhc.org)
• DHHS District Offices (apply for MaineCare in person, ask questions): find your nearest office and phone on the official directory. DHHS District Office Locations. (www1.maine.gov)
• Find more providers (state‑reviewed): DHHS Treatment Connection directory lets you search by ZIP for mental health/substance use treatment. Treatment Connection (DHHS). (www1.maine.gov)
• Sliding‑fee clinics (behavioral health often on site): Use HRSA’s “Find a Health Center” to locate Federally Qualified Health Centers near you. Find a Health Center. (data.hrsa.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call 211, tell them your ZIP, your insurance status, and that you need “behavioral health intake within 2–4 weeks.” Ask for a warm transfer to a provider taking new patients. 211 Maine. (211maine.org)

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Diverse Communities: tailored help that actually fits

LGBTQ+ single mothers

• Many FQHCs and hospital systems offer LGBTQ‑affirming care; ask for a clinician experienced in perinatal mood disorders and LGBTQ+ care. Use Find a Health Center to filter nearby. (data.hrsa.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or caring for children with disabilities

• Ask about Behavioral Health Homes (care coordination) if your child is on MaineCare and needs multiple services. Children’s BH services. (www1.maine.gov)
• Deaf/Hard‑of‑Hearing: Maine Behavioral Health has specialized Deaf Services and offers telehealth with interpreters; main access 1‑844‑292‑0111. Deaf Services. (mainehealth.org)
• Language access: If you have MaineCare, providers must offer interpreter services at no cost; you may use a family/friend only if you request it and it’s appropriate. MaineCare policy (interpreters). (law.cornell.edu)

Veteran single mothers

• VA Maine (Togus) mental health: main line 207‑623‑8411 (toll‑free 877‑421‑8263). Women Veterans’ services and mental health available; ask for the Mental Health extension listed on the VA contact page. VA Maine contact directory. (va.gov)
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1.

Immigrant and refugee single moms

• 211 offers live interpreters and can connect you to community programs; dial 211 and press 6 to request an interpreter. 211 Interpreter info. (211maine.org)
• Maine covers pregnant people and children under 21 regardless of citizenship for full MaineCare. MaineCare coverage note. (www1.maine.gov)

Tribal‑specific resources (Wabanaki communities)

• Wabanaki Care Line (24/7 for tribal citizens): 1‑844‑844‑2622 for support, referrals, and crisis stabilization. Wabanaki Care Line. (wabanakiphw.org)
• Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians—Behavioral Health & Substance Use Services: clinic 207‑532‑2240. HBMI Health Department. (maliseets.net)

Rural single moms with limited access

• Use telehealth (phone allowed) and request mobile crisis if needed. MaineCare telehealth rule; OBH crisis services. (www1.maine.gov)
• HRSA shows many counties are designated mental health shortage areas (HPSAs). That means waits can be real—ask for cancellation lists and telehealth. Check HRSA’s HPSA tool if you’re curious. HRSA HPSA Find. (data.hrsa.gov)

Single fathers and partners

• All hotlines and programs above serve any parent or caregiver. NAMI Maine has groups for families and partners. NAMI Maine. (namimaine.org)

Language access (courts, too)

• For court events, interpreters are provided at no cost. Maine Judicial Branch interpreter services. (courts.maine.gov)

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Reality checks: access in Maine

• Waits are common for psychiatry (months in some areas). Use telehealth statewide, ask your PCP to bridge meds short‑term, and join a support group while you wait. Telehealth parity law. (mainelegislature.org)
• Crisis lines are busiest during evenings. If you’re safe but overwhelmed, try the Peer Warm Line 1‑866‑771‑9276 or NAMI Maine Helpline 1‑800‑464‑5767 during the day for planning and referrals. (sweetser.org, namimaine.org)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for the “perfect” provider. Get on multiple waitlists and ask for telehealth.
• Not applying for MaineCare because you “think” you make too much. The pregnancy/postpartum limit is higher than adult coverage. Check the chart. CoverME.gov income chart. (coverme.gov)
• Missing ride deadlines. Call your MaineCare NET broker at least 2 business days ahead. Keep your confirmation number. NET info. (www1.maine.gov)
• Skipping safety when violence is involved. Call 1‑866‑834‑HELP (DV) or 1‑800‑871‑7741 (sexual assault) to safety‑plan first. MCEDV and MECASA. (mcedv.org, mecasa.org)

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Application Checklist (10 minutes to prepare)

• Proof of identity and Maine residency (license/ID, lease, or mail).
• Income proof (last 4 pay stubs or recent bank statement if no income).
• Pregnancy verification (if applicable).
• Any insurance card(s) or denial letters.
• A list of your doctors/clinics and meds.
• Your phone, email, and mailing address up to date in My Maine Connection.

Apply online at My Maine Connection, then set a calendar reminder for 7 days to check messages and upload documents. OFI Health Care Assistance. (www11.maine.gov)

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Quick “by‑region” pointers (where to start)

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Telehealth and your rights (at a glance)

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Real‑world examples

• You’re 3 months postpartum, single, and earning $2,350/month\ast \ast part‑time.You’reovertheadultlimit(\ast \ast$1,801), but under the pregnancy/postpartum limit ($2,792). You still qualify for MaineCare for the rest of your 12‑month postpartum period. Apply now. Income chart + postpartum policy and MaineCare benefits page. (coverme.gov, www1.maine.gov)
• You have two kids and earn $3,000/month\ast \ast .Yourkidsareunderthechildren’slimit(\ast \ast$5,377 for a household of 2; $6,775 for 3), so they can get MaineCare/CubCare even if you don’t. Children to 300% FPL rule + income chart and CoverME chart. (www1.maine.gov, coverme.gov)
• You’re uninsured and get a therapy bill from a hospital clinic. Ask for the “Free Care” application. If your income is ≤150% FPL (or ≤200% FPL at MaineHealth), your bill can be reduced or cleared. 22 M.R.S. §1716; MaineHealth Free Care. (legislature.maine.gov, mainehealth.org)

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Common “Plan B” options if you hit a wall

• Warm‑line while you wait for therapy: 1‑866‑771‑9276 to talk with a trained peer any time. (sweetser.org)
• Post‑overdose or active substance use: Ask for an OPTIONS Liaison through your county (harm reduction, naloxone, and treatment linkage). Start with 211 or read about OPTIONS. Governor’s OPTIONS announcement and update on expansion. (www1.maine.gov)
• Domestic or sexual violence making it hard to attend care: Safety‑plan with an advocate first: 1‑866‑834‑HELP (DV) or 1‑800‑871‑7741 (sexual assault). They can write letters supporting schedule changes, protection orders, and emergency shelter. MCEDV and MECASA. (mcedv.org, mecasa.org)

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State‑specific FAQs (10 quick answers)

1. Who answers 988 in Maine?
   Calls and texts are answered by trained specialists at the Maine Crisis Line. (www1.maine.gov)
2. Can mobile crisis come to my home?
   Yes—call 1‑888‑568‑1112 to request a mobile team if the situation is urgent but not an immediate medical emergency. (www1.maine.gov)
3. Are phone‑only therapy visits covered?
   Yes, when medically necessary. MaineCare removed the old “video‑only” barrier; private plans must follow Maine’s parity law. (www1.maine.gov, mainelegislature.org)
4. I’m postpartum and uninsured. Can I still get coverage?
   Yes—MaineCare covers you for 12 months after pregnancy if you meet income rules, and Maine covers pregnant/postpartum care for non‑citizens, too. Apply now. (www1.maine.gov)
5. Do I have to wait months to see someone?
   Waits vary. Ask for telehealth, IOP, and to be put on cancellation lists. Use the DHHS Treatment Connection directory to find openings nearby. (www1.maine.gov)
6. Can MaineCare give me a ride?
   Yes. Call your regional broker ≥2 business days ahead (Member Services 1‑800‑977‑6740). (www1.maine.gov)
7. Are interpreters free?
   Yes. If you have MaineCare, providers must offer interpreter services at no cost; courts provide interpreters free for proceedings. (law.cornell.edu, courts.maine.gov)
8. Where do I go for postpartum depression support tonight?
   Call/text 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (24/7), or PSI Helpline 1‑800‑944‑4773; for crisis thoughts, call 988. (mchb.hrsa.gov, postpartum.net)
9. I’m a veteran. Who can I call?
   VA Maine main line 207‑623‑8411; for crisis 988, press 1. (va.gov)
10. I live on tribal lands. Is there a tribal line?
    Yes—Wabanaki Care Line 1‑844‑844‑2622 (24/7). (wabanakiphw.org)

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About timelines

• MaineCare application decisions: up to 45 days (often faster for pregnancy). If delayed, ask about temporary coverage. (mainecahc.org)
• Crisis services: phone/mobile response is same‑day; inpatient or crisis‑stabilization placement depends on bed availability.
• Free Care decisions: usually within a few weeks after you submit documents—ask the hospital’s billing office for their timeframe. (Minimum standards are set by state law; hospital policies vary.) (legislature.maine.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Maine DHHS (Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Family Independence, Office of MaineCare Services), the Maine Legislature, HRSA, CDC, VA Maine, NAMI Maine, and established statewide nonprofits (PSI, MCEDV, MECASA). It follows our Editorial Standards with primary sources only, cross‑checked and linked for you. We review state guides at least every 8 months, update verified policy changes within 48 hours, and fix reader‑reported issues quickly. Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only. Program rules, income limits, phone trees, and provider availability change. Always verify with the agency or clinic before applying or going to an appointment. For medical or legal questions, talk with a licensed professional. We do not collect or store your personal health information; links in this guide go to official sites. If you find an error or a broken link, email info@asinglemother.org—we aim to respond within 48 hours.

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Sources (selected)

• Maine DHHS Hotlines (Maine Crisis Line, 988, DV): statewide official numbers. (www1.maine.gov)
• OBH crisis services overview; how mobile crisis is dispatched. (www1.maine.gov)
• MaineCare eligibility, income limits, and postpartum policy. (coverme.gov, www11.maine.gov, www1.maine.gov)
• Children to 300% FPL (rule adoption 2024). (www1.maine.gov)
• Telehealth coverage (MaineCare rule; state parity law). (www1.maine.gov, mainelegislature.org)
• Non‑Emergency Transportation (NET) and broker list; Member Services. (www1.maine.gov)
• Warm Line (Sweetser), NAMI Maine Helpline. (sweetser.org, namimaine.org)
• Maternal Mental Health Hotline (HRSA), PSI—Maine. (mchb.hrsa.gov, psichapters.com)
• Free Care law and MaineHealth policy; 2025 expansion news. (legislature.maine.gov, mainehealth.org, pressherald.com)
• Wabanaki Care Line, Maliseet Health Department. (wabanakiphw.org, maliseets.net)
• DHHS Treatment Connection directory. (www1.maine.gov)
• CDC PRAMS postpartum depression data (Maine 2018). (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

If you need something that isn’t here, tell us what’s missing—we improve this guide based on your feedback.

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🏛️More Maine Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Maine

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery