Mental Health Resources

Welcome from the Director of Mental and Behavioral Health

Dear Students, Families, and Community Members,

Welcome to the Office of Mental and Behavioral Health at South Portland School Department. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to support the emotional well-being and mental health of our students, staff, and families as we work together to foster a thriving school community with a strong sense of belonging.

At SPSD, we believe that mental and behavioral health are essential foundations for academic success, personal growth, and lifelong resilience. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive support services, resources, and partnerships designed to meet the diverse needs of our students and ensure equitable access to care.

Whether it’s through classroom-based social-emotional learning, one-on-one counseling, crisis intervention, family outreach, or advocacy, we aim to empower every student to feel safe, supported, and ready to reach their full potential.

This work is most impactful when we come together as a community. We invite you to explore our programs, connect with our team, and reach out if you have questions or ideas for collaboration. Together, we can build a supportive environment where every student can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for being part of this shared mission.

In community,
Erika E. Boulware, LCSW
Director of Mental and Behavioral Health
South Portland School Department
boulwaer@spsdme.org

School Resources

Elementary Student Support Services
Middle School Student Support Services
High School Student Support Services

Supporting Student Mental Health in South Portland Schools

Elementary Schools

  • 3 Social Emotional Learning (SEL) teachers who deliver instruction in all elementary schools

Middle School

  • 7th grade health that focuses specifically on mental wellness (including recognizing signs of depression & anxiety)

  • Screening 6-8th graders for signs of suicide using Mindwise Innovations curriculum and screening tools. It is called the SOS (Signs of Suicide) Program

  • SRSS (Student Risk Screening Scale) annually in the fall to screen for internalizing and externalizing behaviors including anxiety and depression

  • CharacterStrong – Tier 1 SEL curriculum – promotes mental health and wellbeing

High School

  • Suicide prevention in the health curriculum

  • Student Mental Health Task Force

  • SoPo Unite

  • Tier 2 consultation for students identified for being at risk

  • SPEAK UP

  • Gaggle: Web filter with alert

Staffing

  • 13 school counselors

  • 3 Social Emotional Learning Teachers (Grades K-4)

  • 6.5 social workers (McKinney-Vento and general population of students)

  • 9 nurses

  • Special Education

    • 9.5 social workers

    • 5 school psychologists

  • Partnerships: Sweetser, Spurwink, Greater Portland Health, South Portland Police Department Behavioral Health Liaisons, SoPo Unite

  • Director of Mental and Behavioral Health

Positive School Climates

  • Annual Panorama Education school climate survey

  • Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG)

Advancing Student Mental Health Support and Suicide Prevention in 2024-25

  • Community dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention

  • Reconvene district mental health steering committee facilitated by new Director of Mental and Behavioral Health, Erika Boulware, and create mental health support action plan

  • Expand opportunities for mental health first aid training

  • Review K-12 health curriculum

  • Expand suicide intervention training

Speak Up

SPEAKUP

Share concerns about your classmates or school safety.

Anonymous Reporting:

  • Bullying

  • Planned fights

  • Students in crisis

  • Threats of violence

  • Weapons in school

  • Other urgent situations

Email: speakup@spsdme.org
Call or text: (207) 835-1586

SoPo Unite

SoPo Unite discusses and educates best practices to prevent youth substance use and promote resilience in our community.

SoPo Unite youth groups are held year round at the high school. Young people come together and discuss ways to support the health and well-being of their peers.

Learn more

Statewide Mental Health Resources

Maine Crisis Line

  • Call/Text: 1-888-568-1112

  • Available 24/7 for crisis support, including suicidal thoughts, severe depression, or immediate emotional distress.

211 Maine

  • Call: 211

  • Website: www.211maine.org

  • Free and confidential resource to connect with mental health services, support groups, and other resources.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  • Call: 988

  • Provides immediate support for individuals in crisis.

Local Counseling and Support Services

NAMI Maine (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

  • Helpline: 1-800-464-5767 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM)

  • Website: www.namimaine.org

  • Offers peer support, education programs, and referrals for mental health services.

Sweetser Mental Health Services

  • Call: 1-800-434-3000

  • Website: www.sweetser.org

  • Provides outpatient therapy, crisis services, and residential treatment programs.

Maine Behavioral Healthcare

Community Counseling Center

Additional Support Resources

  • 211 Maine

    • Find services in your area by selecting an area of need or by searching by keyword. You can also dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211.

  • Be There for ME

    • Support for parents and caregivers in Maine.

Online and Peer Support

Maine Teen Text Line (For youth)

  • Text: 207-515-8398

  • Free, confidential support for teens dealing with mental health issues.

Peer Support Warmline

  • Call: 1-866-771-9276

  • For non-crisis emotional support, staffed by trained peers with lived mental health experience.

Talkspace or BetterHelp

  • Online therapy options that offer licensed counselors via text, video, or phone.

Maine Crisis Line (MCL)

Crisis Text Line

The Trevor Project

  • Call: 1-866-488-7386

  • Text: START to 678678

  • Website: www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

  • Trained counselors understand the challenges LGBTQIA+ young people face and are available for support 24/7.

The Opportunity Alliance Resources

211 Maine: Call for Information and Community Resources

  • Food

  • Housing and Shelter

  • Utility Assistance

  • Healthcare Services

  • Government Services

  • Transportation

  • Legal Services

  • Counseling and Support Groups

  • Diaster Aftercare

  • Everything Else

988 Maine Crisis Line: Call for Suicide Intervention and Crisis Support

  • Thoughts of Suicide

  • Mental Health Crisis

  • Substance Use Crisis

  • Emotional Distress

911 First Responder Dispatch: Call for Emergencies

  • Medical Emergency

  • Fire

  • Reporting a Crime

  • Disaster Response

  • Life Threatening Situation

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Help is always available.

Additional Resources

Primary Care Providers

  • Many PCPs in Maine can screen for depression and provide referrals to mental health professionals.

Hospitals and Clinics

  • Local hospitals like Maine Medical Center or regional health systems often have behavioral health departments.

Support Groups

  • Visit Support Groups Central or ask organizations like NAMI Maine for local in-person or virtual support groups for depression.

Resources for those looking for advocacy, education, and support for mental health.

Resources for those who are grieving and supporting the bereaved.