In Somerset County, crisis too often overshadows the school day, as students face the weight of depression, trauma, and anxiety. For teachers and administrators, already stretched thin, these pressing needs can feel impossible to address on their own. In some districts, there are no mental health providers embedded within the schools, leaving families with few options for support either enduring long waitlists or traveling great distances to access care.

Kennebec Behavioral Health (KBH) is stepping in to close this critical gap with an innovative School-based Tele-counseling Program, tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of rural Maine. This initiative brings much-needed therapy directly into schools, offering a solution that meets students where they are—both physically and emotionally—at the most crucial times.

At the heart of this program is a two-person team: a licensed clinician who provides therapy via telehealth, and a Community Health Worker (CHW) who is embedded within the school to build relationships and remove barriers to care. This model is designed to be flexible, responsive and deeply connected to the school community.

The CHW plays a vital role in this approach, going beyond a traditional navigator. They work closely with teachers and school staff to identify at-risk students early on, facilitate referrals, provide post-crisis stabilization and ensure that students remain engaged with their therapy. The CHW also helps students and families access critical resources, including food, clothing, housing and transportation, ensuring that no child’s well-being is left to chance.

One of the most distinctive aspects of this program is its ability to provide continuous support, even during school breaks. As Melissa Chase, LCPC, who oversees KBH’s school-based programs, puts it, “We see clients when they’re suspended, on break, even in the summer. If something happens, like a loss or a crisis, we’re there. The clinician is just a screen away, and the CHW stays in touch with families year-round.”

What started as an innovative vision is now a proven model taking root in Somerset County. The program has already been successfully implemented at the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (MEANS) and is set to launch this year at Skowhegan Middle and High Schools, thanks to a federal expansion grant aimed at increasing access to mental health care in rural areas. 

The School-based Tele-counseling Program is not just a solution for rural Somerset County—it’s a model for what can be achieved when innovation and compassion intersect. By providing early intervention and preventive care, KBH is helping to keep children in school and in therapy.

This program is about more than just treatment; it’s about creating an ecosystem of care that supports students, teachers, and families. It’s about building trust, providing resources, and preventing crises before they escalate. 

KBH will be hosting an insider briefing on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at 10 Caldwell Road in Augusta. Individuals and businesses interested in learning more or investing in this program can RSVP by contacting Amber Kruk, director of development and community engagement, by calling 207-873-2136 x 1035 or emailing [email protected]. 

Founded in 1960, Kennebec Behavioral Health operates seven clinics throughout central Maine, providing a full range of mental health and substance use services. To learn more about the School-based Tele-counseling Program or to get involved, contact KBH at [email protected] or call 1-888-322-2136. For more information, visit kbhmaine.org.