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Child & Adolescent: Portland Identification and Early Referral Program (PIER)
The state's only community-based early intervention program for children and adolescents at risk for serious mental illness, the Portland Identification and Early Referral (PIER) program focuses on individuals between the ages of 12 and 35, who are the most responsive to early mental health treatment. Through a trained referral network of more than 2,500 community professionals, as well as an expert clinical team that engages children and adolescents and their families in treatment, PIER seeks to stem the progression of serious mental illness in young people who are experiencing some of the early warning signs of psychosis. The anticipated outcome is healthier youth, healthier families, and healthier Maine communities, not to mention a tremendous long-term savings to society.
The program has attracted national attention and was one of only 20 proposals funded through The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 2002. Federal, state, and private foundations have provided millions in matching grants for the program. For more information, or to make a referral, please call (877) 880-3377 (toll-free).
For more information about PIER: www.preventmentalillness.org
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