1. Program Definition and Services 

Behavioral Health Services in Maine encompass both mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Services include: 

• Outpatient services 

• Crisis services 

• Community support services 

• Residential services 

• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) 

• Substance use disorder treatment 

2. Regulations 

Behavioral Health Services in Maine are governed by: 

• MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 65 

• Title 34-B of Maine Statutes 

• Licensing regulations under the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) 

3. Licensing or Certification 

Licensure by the Maine DHHS is required for Behavioral Health Organizations providing mental health or substance use disorder treatment services, or both. 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), specifically the Division of Licensing and Certification, is responsible for licensing Behavioral Health Organizations. 

5. Application Process 

Providers must apply through the Maine DHHS. The application process involves submitting separate applications for mental health and substance use disorder treatment licenses if offering both services. 

6. Required Documentation 

Providers typically need to submit: 

• Completed application form 

• Detailed description of the program 

• Staffing plans 

• Facility floor plans 

• Proof of compliance with state health and safety standards 

• Evidence of an electronic medical records system that can interface with HealthInfoNet 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The specific timeline for approval is not provided in the available results. 

8. Pre-Application Process 

While there's no formal pre-application process mentioned, potential providers should review the licensing requirements and ensure they can meet DHHS expectations before applying. 

9. Pre-Application Training 

No specific pre-application training requirements are mentioned in the provided results. 

10. Additional Notes 

• A Certificate of Need (CON) is required for some behavioral health services, particularly those offering inpatient care. 

• Providers must adhere to the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services and the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services Who are Children in Need of Treatment. 

• As of March 2025, there have been changes to the modules and services reflected on licenses: 

• Mental Health now includes Outpatient Services, Crisis Services, Community Support Services, and Residential Services modules. 

• Substance Use Disorder Treatment includes the same modules as Mental Health, plus DEEP (Drug Education and Evaluation Program). 

• Providers must maintain all appropriate Licensing and Credentialing and notify DHHS of any changes in status. 

• Maine offers a Behavioral Health Provider Loan Repayment program for eligible clinicians working in Health Professional Shortage Areas.