Join us to learn about how youth in Maine can receive support from other peer youth! The Youth Peer Support Statewide Network (YPSSN) of Maine Behavioral Healthcare joins us to share how they serve youth ages 14-26 who self-identify with a history of mental health and/or substance use challenges. They offer one-on-one youth peer support, drop-in/support groups, recreational activities, advocacy opportunities, and more. Because they are grant-funded, the peer support services are free – and don’t bill insurance or the participants. Referrals are accepted from anyone (not just within the Maine Behavioral Healthcare network), as long as the youth gives permission to have their information shared with YPSSN.

About the G.E.A.R. Parent Network

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, is the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results. G.E.A.R. is run by parents for parents providing services for parents of children with emotional and behavioral health concerns.

Through parent-to-parent sharing of experiences and knowledge, G.E.A.R. Parent Network empowers parents of children with behavioral health needs to build on their family’s strengths and to advocate for their family’s needs.