Sweetser News & Events

Sweetser, PROTEA Behavioral Health Services Join Forces

Posted on 07/01/2006 at 01:26 pm

On July 1, Sweetser acquired Bangor-based PROTEA Behavioral Health Services. PROTEA, which specializes in outpatient community-based services, now operates as PROTEA, a division of Sweetser, and transitions from a for-profit entity to fall under Sweetser's non-profit umbrella.

Founded in 2001, PROTEA operates outpatient mental health clinics in Bangor, Brunswick, Calais, Damariscotta, Hallowell, Machias, Portland, Rangeley, Saco, Waterville and Wilton. Additional clinics will soon be opened in Sanford, Lewiston and Houlton.

PROTEA has also established a network of more than 200 licensed mental health professionals in more than 75 communities across the state. This network includes psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, clinical professional counselors, and alcohol and drug counselors. These clinicians offer services to the chronically under-served MaineCare-eligible population, as well as to clients with private insurance coverage. PROTEA provides a referral network, quality assurance support, professional development training and billing services in addition to other administrative support services.

"We feel confident that our acquisition of PROTEA-a leader in the delivery of outpatient services-further strengthens our ability to provide top-notched, accessible care to Maine people," said Sweetser CEO Carl Pendleton.

With a history dating back to 1828, Sweetser is Maine's most comprehensive behavioral healthcare organization dedicated to serving children, adults and families. Sweetser offers services that address emotional disturbances, mental illnesses, behavioral disorders and learning disabilities through an array of educational programs, preventive services, community-based support services and residential services.

Learn more about Sweetser's Outpatient Services.

Contact: Celeste Viger, Director of Government & Public Relations, cviger@sweetser.org 207-294-4454 or 207-604-0610