Downeast Mental Health Fund

The Downeast Mental Health Fund (DMHF), in partnership with Healthy Acadia, helps year-round residents of Hancock and Washington counties connect with local mental health services by reducing financial barriers to care. This support allows individuals and families to seek help when they need it most while also sustaining a strong network of local mental health professionals by ensuring clinicians receive their standard rates. Together, these efforts strengthen the health and well-being of the entire community.

Maine is cherished for many reasons, by those who live here year-round as well as its many visitors.  From working waterfronts to vibrant tourist towns, Maine is loved by its hardworking residents who are deeply connected to their communities.

Living in Maine can be as incredible as it is challenging. Hancock and Washington counties are rural; thus, there is a real problem with accessibility to essential services.  Whether it is closures of rural hospitals or long waitlists for mental health clinicians, Mainers struggle to get the help they need when they need it. Costs of mental health services are an additional barrier to care.

The impacts of unsupported mental health are extensive and costly, for the individual as well as the community at large. More than 260,000 Mainers live in communities with too few mental health professionals to meet local needs.  Of the 65,000 people needing but unable to access psychological care, almost half were denied access because of the cost of services. 

People want help, yet they cannot get what they so desperately need.

As a result, individuals, families, and communities suffer.

For our state to truly thrive, we need to change these statistics. This is a core mission of the Downeast Mental Health Fund. We are committed to ensuring greater access to mental health care by reducing the barrier of cost.

We Need Your Help.

Your donation can have transformative impact for many by:

  • Reducing financial stress and out‑of‑pocket costs for individuals seeking mental health services.

  • Increase timely access to appropriate mental health care for residents of Hancock and Washington counties.

  • Support local mental health providers by reimbursing services at their full, standard rates.

  • Strengthen the long‑term sustainability of mental health services in Downeast Maine.

Click here to support the Downeast Mental Health Fund

Updated August 22, 2026.