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https://www.wmtw.com/article/gov-mills-funds-living-room-crisis-center-in-portland-to-be-replicated-in-lewiston/46913542
PORTLAND, Maine —
It’s an alternative place to go for people experiencing a mental health crisis in Portland, and the model could soon be replicated in Lewiston.
The Living Room Crisis Center in Portland is run by the non-profit Spurwink along with the Office of Behavioral Health.
Immediately when you walk into the center, you are greeted with couches, armchairs, and a skylight in the middle of the room.
You’ll find a similar setup in any of their private meeting rooms.
Megan DuEst is the Program Director at the Living Room Crisis Center. She says it all has a purpose.
“Sometimes there’s a lot of stigma associated to reaching out for care. We’ve been very intentional about what our space looks like, how we offer services, how we’re including people in our decision-making,” she said.
Gov. Janet Mills recently proposed a supplemental budget, which includes funding to start a similar center in Lewiston.
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“We’ve struggled with the capacity with what the state has for behavior health services right now, there’s a really long waitlist,” DuEst said. “If we can provide some sort of interim support or care in the moment that is sometimes enough for people.”
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