Therapy in Maine: Costs, Licensing & How to Find Help
A guide to therapy in Maine — costs, licensing, telehealth rules, and how to find a therapist.
$160
Avg. session cost
#9
MH ranking (of 51)
370
Providers per 100K
5.5%
Uninsured rate
Therapist Licensing Requirements
Overseen by the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure.
| Credential | Title | Supervised Hours | Required Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCPC | Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor | 3,000 | NCE, NCMHCE |
| LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | 3,000 | ASWB Clinical |
| LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | 3,000 | MFT National Exam |
| Licensed Psychologist | Licensed Psychologist | 4,000 | EPPP |
Therapy Costs in Maine
The average therapy session in Maine costs $160 — $15 below the national average of $175. Online therapy is typically 20% less.
| Metro Area | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | $165 | $125–$210 |
| Bangor | $150 | $115–$195 |
Telehealth Rules in Maine
PSYPACT Member (since 2020)
PSYPACT member state. Out-of-state psychologists may use APIT credentials. Other providers must hold a Maine license.
Audio-only therapy: Allowed
Medicaid telemental health: Covered
Consent: Verbal, electronic, or written consent acceptable; a copy must be retained in the medical record.
Insurance & Parity in Maine
Parity enforcement: strong (LD 1258 (Mental Health Parity))
Medicaid expanded: Yes (no session cap)
Typical in-network copay: $25–$50
Major insurers: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Community Health Options, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim
Crisis Resources in Maine
Maine Office of Behavioral Health (OBH)
Crisis Lines
Warm Lines (Non-Crisis Support)
Notable Programs
- Maine's Crisis Receiving Centers offer walk-in behavioral health crisis stabilization in multiple regions.
- The Maine Community Mental Health system provides outpatient, assertive community treatment, and peer support services.
- Maine's Children's Behavioral Health Services provides home- and community-based therapeutic services for youth.
Therapy Landscape in Maine
Maine's vast geography and sparse population create real barriers to mental health access, particularly in the northern and western parts of the state. Portland and the southern coast have a healthy supply of therapists, but Aroostook County and the Down East region face significant shortages. Maine has an aging population and high rates of seasonal affective disorder given its long winters, both of which influence demand for mental health services. Out-of-pocket therapy costs typically range from $110 to $175 per session. Anthem and Community Health Options are major insurers. MaineCare, the state Medicaid program, provides comprehensive behavioral health coverage and is an important resource for lower-income residents.
Finding a Therapist in Maine
Maine licenses clinical professional counselors (LCPCs), clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). The Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure oversees counselor credentials. Maine participates in the Counseling Compact and PSYPACT, which expand telehealth options across state lines — a meaningful benefit in a state where the nearest in-person specialist may be hours away.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely available throughout Maine and is effective for depression, anxiety, and seasonal mood changes. For trauma, EMDR providers are concentrated in the Portland area but increasingly accessible via telehealth.
Without insurance, sessions typically cost $110 to $175. Insurance copays range from $20 to $45. Community health centers and university clinics offer reduced-cost options.
Yes. MaineCare covers outpatient mental health services including individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and substance use treatment.
Telehealth is the most accessible option for rural residents. Maine's participation in PSYPACT and the Counseling Compact also allows you to work with providers in other states virtually. Federally qualified health centers in rural areas often include behavioral health.
Yes. Many Maine therapists are experienced with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and its impact on mood and energy. CBT and light therapy are commonly recommended approaches.
Look for LCPC, LCSW, licensed psychologist, or LMFT. All are regulated by Maine licensing boards and require graduate education, supervised clinical hours, and continuing education.
Licensing and Credentials in Maine
Maine licenses clinical professional counselors (LCPCs) through the Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are overseen by the Board of Social Work Licensure. Licensed Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and are regulated by the Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are also available.
Pre-licensed professionals include Conditional Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors working under supervision. Maine participates in both PSYPACT and the Counseling Compact, which is particularly valuable for a state where the nearest in-person specialist may be hours away. Verify credentials through the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Teletherapy Laws in Maine
Maine supports telehealth for mental health services and requires insurers to cover virtual sessions. Both video and audio-only therapy are permitted. Maine's participation in PSYPACT and the Counseling Compact significantly expands cross-state telehealth options — a meaningful benefit in a state with limited in-person specialists in the northern and western regions.
For providers not covered by these compacts, they must hold a Maine license. MaineCare (Medicaid) also covers telehealth behavioral health sessions. Telehealth is especially critical for residents in Aroostook County and the Down East region.
Medicaid and Insurance Coverage in Maine
MaineCare, Maine's Medicaid program, provides comprehensive behavioral health coverage including individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and peer support. Maine expanded Medicaid under the ACA, broadening access for low-income adults.
Anthem and Community Health Options are the major private insurers. Maine has strong mental health parity laws requiring equal coverage for behavioral and physical health. For guidance on navigating therapy costs, see our how to pay for therapy guide.
Cost of Therapy in Maine
Therapy costs in Maine are moderate for the Northeast. Out-of-pocket sessions typically range from $110 to $175. Insurance copays fall between $20 and $45. Community health centers and university clinics offer reduced-cost options.
Federally qualified health centers in rural areas often include behavioral health services at sliding-scale rates. The University of Maine system offers training clinics with affordable sessions. For a nationwide comparison, see our therapy cost by state guide.
Crisis Resources in Maine
If you or someone you know needs help:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for 24/7 support
- Maine 211 — Dial 211 for local mental health services and crisis referrals
- Intentional Peer Support Warmline — 1-866-771-9276 (non-crisis peer support)
- NAMI Maine — 1-800-464-5767 for education, support, and referrals
Maine's community health centers and behavioral health agencies also provide crisis intervention in every region.
How to Get Started with Therapy in Maine
Here is how to begin:
- Check your insurance — Contact Anthem or Community Health Options for in-network providers. If you have MaineCare, behavioral health is included.
- Dial 211 — Maine's 211 system connects you with local mental health services, crisis support, and community resources.
- Use telehealth — Maine's participation in PSYPACT and the Counseling Compact gives you access to providers across state lines. Many Portland-based therapists also see clients statewide via video.
- Contact community health centers — Federally qualified health centers in rural areas provide behavioral health at sliding-scale rates.
- Search directories — Psychology Today and Open Path Collective help you find providers by location and specialty.
For more guidance, read our how to find a therapist guide or our therapy for beginners guide.
Maine's combination of community health resources, telehealth expansion, and interstate compacts is making therapy more accessible across the state. If you are in a rural area, virtual sessions can connect you with quality care without a long drive.