Kennebec Behavioral Health is here for you

KBH is considered an essential service, which means we are open and seeing clients via telehealth services. Although we are not able to see the majority of clients in person, we have been working hard to utilize technology to continue to provide services to our patients and clients while they are safely at home. Some of our programs are available for new referrals and staff members can complete intakes over the phone. If you or someone you love is in need of mental health or substance use disorder services, please contact our Access Center at 1-888-322-2136.  

To our Community Members

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennebec Behavioral Health wants to be sure that families remain aware of the services provided by the Maine State Crisis Line. If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing a mental health or behavioral crisis, please call 1-888-568-1112.  As a reminder, in light of the potential strain on Emergency Departments due to COVID-19, we encourage families and individuals to seek crisis intervention by calling the crisis line from where they are rather than going to the Emergency Departments.  Mobile Crisis responders can meet individuals via telehealth and in person as needed in the location of the individual's or family's choosing.

211 Maine is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services. Maine CDC worked closely with 211 Maine to incorporate answers to general questions about COVID-19 to the 211 resource. Calls, texts, and emails to 211 are answered 24/7 by a person here in the state.

211 Maine is equipped to answer general questions about the 2019 novel coronavirus, including how Maine people can best protect themselves, options for testing, and travel considerations. Anyone looking for specific medical advice regarding symptoms they may be experiencing is strongly urged to call their medical provider, an urgent care center, or 911, depending on the severity of their symptoms. 

KBH Office Hours Change

Kennebec Behavioral Health COVID-19 Response

Kennebec Behavioral Health's highest priority is the health and safety of clients and staff. We are following the State of Maine Centers for Disease Control (CDC) precautions and recommendations on containing the spread of COVID-19 by limiting close visit contact and practicing social distancing to protect everybody's health while also providing essential behavioral health services.

Some of the steps that we are taking to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) within the communities that we serve:

• Telehealth treatment (by both phone and/or video) to be used by all programs except residential and supported living services.
• We will immediately begin conducting all appointments in all clinic locations (Augusta, Waterville, Skowhegan, Winthrop, and Farmington) via telehealth.  Exceptions will be made as medically and clinicially indicated. This includes the following programs: Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling, Medication Management, Behavioral Health Home, Community Integration, Child Case Management, HCT and MST services.
• Group mental health services are cancelled in accordance with social distancing recommendations.
• Clubhouse Services in Augusta, Waterville, Lewiston, and Topsham are closed to providing onsite services, however, Clubhouse staff will be providing telephonic service to members.
• Residential group homes in Augusta, Waterville and Skowhegan and supported living services in these locations will be open but operating with visitor restrictions along with strict hygiene and other protocols, consistent with CDC and CMS guidelines.
• Wherever and whenever possible we will be attending meetings remotely and working from home as appoproriate to the operations of our agency.
• Our Access Center will be available to triage any new referrals to all KBH programs and locations and we will continue prioritizing hospital discharges.

Kennebec Behavioral Health will continually reassess the situation and update guidelines as necessary to ensure access and capacity. If you or someone that you know needs support during these uncertain times please reach out to our Access Center, 888-322-2136.

For more information about COVID-19, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html  or www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/.

Admin, 3/17/2020

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