Evidence-based treatment model offers new tool for addressing state’s youth mental health crisis
As Maine children and youth experience some of the nation’s highest rates of mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, too few are able to receive the treatment and support they need. Across the state, families face numerous barriers to accessing care, including high costs, lack of transportation, and a behavioral health workforce pushed beyond capacity. With high demand placed on a limited number of providers, Maine children face long waits for behavioral health services – ranging from an average of 51 days in Sagadahoc County to 214 in Piscataquis County in January 2025, according to the Maine Office of Child and Family Services.
With support from the John T. Gorman Foundation, the University of Maine and MaineGeneral Medical Center are partnering to make headway on these critical issues. A recent Foundation grant will help partners introduce a model in Maine that has not only been shown to be more effective for treating children and youth, but also more sustainable for practitioners.
MATCH
The joint initiative will train Maine graduate students and clinicians in MATCH (Modular Approach to Therapy for Children), a flexible, scientifically supported mental health intervention for children and youth. MATCH has proven effective in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and behavioral problems – issues that represent the clinical needs of 70-80% of children aged 6-17 in outpatient care. Using a highly structured approach, it reduces treatment time by 37% compared to other forms of care. And by engaging caregivers, the model has shown benefits for whole families.
At the same time, the model could help increase the capacity and retention of Maine’s behavioral health workforce. Evidence-Based Interventions (EBIs) like MATCH can increase professionals’ job satisfaction and reduce burnout. And by reducing the amount of time youth need to spend in treatment, EBIs can allow providers and health care systems to serve a greater number of youth overall.
“Using a flexible and scientifically-supported program like MATCH is key to addressing our state’s youth mental health crisis,” said Dr. Jennifer Blossom of the University of Maine Department of Psychology. “By using MATCH, youth and families can get connected to care that actually works – meaning they will see improvements much faster and as a result spend less time in treatment and more time doing the things they want to do. Consequently, mental health providers will be able to provide care to more youth and families.”
Immediate Impacts, Longterm Benefits
To increase the number of Maine clinicians trained in the model, Dr. Blossom, Dr. Elizabeth Armstrong of the University of Maine School of Social Work, and Liam Shaw of MaineGeneral have collaborated to embed MATCH training into graduate social work curricula at the University of Maine.
Up to 30 students will complete MATCH training this August and carry caseloads of 4–6 clients each during subsequent field placements – ensuring that nearly 100 Maine youth receive specialized treatment during the grant period. A “train-the-trainer” model will amplify the project’s long-term impact: a UMaine faculty member will become a certified MATCH trainer, enabling ongoing training for future cohorts and faculty.
“With rising concerns for the mental health of Maine children and youth, it’s critical that we boost our state’s capacity to deliver the effective treatments they need to thrive,” said John T. Gorman Foundation Program Associate Jean Cousins, MSW. “In bringing MATCH to Maine, this partnership provides an important opportunity to connect young Mainers to proven supports while strengthening the state’s mental health workforce for years to come.”
