Lewiston, Maine-based Common Ties Mental Health Services has merged with Sweetser, a Maine-based nonprofit behavioral health organization, as smaller providers face growing operational and financial pressures, ABC affiliate WMTW reported May 8.
The merger creates the largest certified community behavioral health clinic in Maine and aims to expand behavioral health services in Androscoggin County. Sweetser President Jayne Van Bramer said the organization moved forward with the deal to preserve access to mental health support for around 300 Maine residents served by Common Ties, which has operated in Lewiston for more than 40 years.
“With rising operational complexities, funding uncertainties and workforce challenges, it makes it difficult for smaller organizations to remain independent,” Ms. Van Bramer said in the release.
Common Ties had 18 employees, and Sweetser said all but three accepted positions with the larger behavioral health provider, according to the report.
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