COVID-19 update: we are offering our services through telehealth
Feel like your mind is
playing tricks on you?
You are not alone.
We can help.
What we do?
The Portland Identification and Early Referral (PIER) and Resilience Programs are community resources for people experiencing early symptoms of psychosis. Both are family-based coordinated specialty care teams within the Department of Psychiatry at Maine Medical Center.
The PIER Program offers treatment for ages 14-26 within a year of psychosis onset. The Resilience Program offers treatment for adults between the ages of 18-40, who are within two years of a first episode of psychosis.
What is psychosis?
Common in teens and young adults, psychosis is a treatable condition in which one’s experience of reality is altered. The most well-known symptoms are changes in thinking, perceptions, and mental processing that can impact daily functioning.
What are the signs of psychosis?
“Something is not right with how my brain is working but I’m not sure how to describe it.” -PIER Participant
While changes in perception, thinking, functioning and mental processing may be caused by a brief reaction to stressful events, they can also be early signs of a developing mental illness. If the changes are sudden, last longer than a few weeks, or seem very out of character, an assessment by a professional as soon as possible is important.
“I started having bizarre thoughts.” Tiffany
Persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs that can’t be challenged
Thinking others wish to harm you or are watching and following you
Fear that thoughts are being put in your head or that your mind is being read
Believing that statements, events or objects have personal meaning or significance
“I thought, why am I so stressed?” Isaac
A sudden drop in grades or job performance
Withdrawing from friends and family
Dramatic changes in sleep and/or eating habits
Not caring about your appearance
“In my senior year, I started hearing voices.” Haleema
Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch
Strange sensations or unexplained feelings
Hearing sounds/voices that others don’t
Having the sense that the world, other people and/or you aren’t real at times
“I would lose time sometimes.” Tim
Jumbled thoughts and general confusion
Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
Struggling to speak clearly and/or understand others
Trouble with reading comprehension and writing
Everyone’s experience is unique.
Hear more young people describe their experiences.
Connect with the
PIER & Resilience Programs
The PIER Program provides coordinated care for transition aged youth (14-26) within one year of psychosis onset.
The Resilience Program provides coordinated care for adults (18-40) within two years of a first episode of psychosis.
The earlier you reach out, the sooner we can help.
We’re here to get your life back on track.
Referrals for both PIER & Resilience go to:
Tan Twhigg
Outreach and Referral Coordinator for PIER/Resilience
ttwhigg@mainebehavioralhealthcare.org
(207) 662-3102
Need Immediate Help?
Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via text.
The Opportunity Alliance provides immediate statewide support services to Maine residents.
Maine Medical Center 66 Bramhall Street Portland, Maine 04102
The PIER Program is part of the Maine Medical Center Department of Psychiatry and Maine Medical Center Research Institute.
Funding for PIER comes from the Mental Health Block Grant through the Department of Health and Human Services.
