SMMC Hosts Ribbon Cutting and Open House at Renovated Behavioral Health Offices in Biddeford

05/17/2012

Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) and the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting and open house at SMMC’s Behavioral Health Services office to celebrate its recent move to the newly-renovated location at 235 Main Street in Biddeford. The public was invited to tour the spacious and bright facility, where clients from York and Cumberland Counties receive a wide array of services, including the Partial Hospital and Intensive Outpatient Chemical Dependency Recovery programs which provide intensive group therapy, skills building, wellness education and relapse prevention to clients and their families. These programs are designed to assist anyone who struggles with mental illness, trauma and abuse, family communication problems, self esteem, anxiety and addiction issues.

SMMC President and CEO Ed McGeachey welcomed the crowd and noted in his remarks that, “SMMC is very excited to offer an uplifting, healing environment in a convenient location for residents of York County and beyond to recover with care. Approximately 350 individuals a year with mental illness or addiction issues are served by our dedicated staff to provide a seamless continuum of care. These programs are a beacon of hope and allow individuals to receive the help they need in a safe and comfortable outpatient setting.”

Craig Pendleton, executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce joined McGeachey for the ribbon cutting. “SMMC is a wonderful community partner,” said Pendleton. “The business community is so pleased that SMMC has invested in this downtown location.”

Clients who attend these programs speak highly of the group activities, the skills they learn, and the opportunity to meet others with whom they can share their experiences in a private, intimate setting. One client shared, “It makes me feel good to know that Southern Maine Medical Center cares about its community and the people in it that struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues. I think this move is great for the community.”

Skills training in popular and effective therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical and behavioral therapy are offered regularly. Interventions in mindfulness are taught to enhance clients’ capacity to stay present, relax, and regulate their emotions. Groups on specific topics are often offered based on client needs. On a typical day, a client will attend group meetings, be provided with lunch, and have an opportunity to meet with a physician, nurse and their care coordinator. Family members are encouraged to attend group family meetings.

Over 75 percent of referrals are accepted within four business days to the program. For more information, contact Manager Curtis Brown, RN, at (207) 283-7660.

About Southern Maine Medical Center
Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) is a national award-winning healthcare system including a medical center offering excellent clinical care and a multi-specialty physician services group. SMMC features Maine's newest state-of-the-art emergency and fast track care as well as a full range of inpatient and outpatient services at its 150-bed acute care medical center. SMMC's physician services offers high quality medical care through offices located in Biddeford, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach, and Saco and a wide array of outpatient services at its diagnostic and therapy centers in Saco, Kennebunk, and Biddeford. SMMC is Joint Commission accredited, state-licensed, and is a member of the MaineHealth system. To learn more, visit smmc.org.