TV Segment: How 988 Supports LGBTQ+

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Access to compassionate, understanding mental health support can make all the difference for LGBTQ+ youth. In this WMTW Mental Health Moment, Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette discusses the importance of specialized crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people, the role of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and why connecting individuals with trained, affirming counselors can help reduce stigma and encourage those in need to seek help.

In recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month, Justin also highlights resources available to LGBTQ+ youth and their families, including The Trevor Project and Sweetser’s crisis services, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where everyone feels heard and understood.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

TV Segment: Health Benefits of Laughter

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

They say laughter is the best medicine, but can a good laugh really improve your mental health? Research suggests it can!

In this WMTW Mental Health Moment, Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette discusses the mental health benefits of laughter, from reducing stress and boosting mood to strengthening social connections. He also shares simple ways to incorporate more humor into everyday life.

Justin also highlights the upcoming Smiles for Sweetser Comedy Show on Friday, October 23, at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. Featuring four comedians, the evening promises plenty of laughs while raising funds to support mental health treatment for Mainers in need.

Serving Hope at Flatbread

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Tuesday, November 10th
5:00pm – 9:00pm
Flatbread Co., 72 Commercial St. #5, Portland, ME

🍕 A slice of hope goes a long way!

Join us on Tuesday, November 10, at Flatbread Company in Portland for another delicious Serving Hope for Sweetser fundraiser!

From 5–9 p.m., a portion of proceeds for all pizzas sold will help support Sweetser’s mission of providing hope and healing to Maine people. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and enjoy some pizza for a great cause! Every slice makes a difference.

Serving Hope: Sip, Savor, Support

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Wednesday, November 4th
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Definitive Brewing, 35 Industrial Way, Portland, ME

🍻 Raise a glass to hope and healing!

We’re teaming up with Definitive Brewing Company in Portland for Serving Hope: Sip, Savor, Support on Wednesday, November 4!

From 6–8 p.m., 20% of all draft sales will be donated to Sweetser, helping us continue providing critical behavioral health services to communities across Maine. Come out, enjoy a local brew, and support a great cause. Cheers to making a difference together!

TV Segment: Understanding Psychosis vs. Schizophrenia

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Experiencing psychosis doesn’t automatically mean someone has schizophrenia. Understanding the difference is an important step toward reducing stigma and connecting people with the right care.

In this WMTW Mental Health Moment, Sweetser’s Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Medical Director, Dr. Abhilasha Khurana, explains the differences between psychosis and schizophrenia, common warning signs, and how early intervention and individualized treatment can help people manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Dr. Khurana also highlights her upcoming Sweetser Training Institute workshop, Demystifying Psychosis, designed to help clinicians better understand, assess, and respond to symptoms of psychosis with greater confidence. Learn more and register at Sweetser.org/Training.

Ghoulish Golf at Aquaboggan

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Friday, October 30th
6:00pm – 9:30pm
Aquaboggan, 980 Portland Road, Saco, ME

Join us for Ghoulish Golf, a Halloween-themed mini golf event hosted by Aquaboggan in support of Sweetser’s mental health services!

Enjoy an evening of spooky fun for all ages, with fried dough, warm apple cider, popcorn, and more. Bring your family, friends, and co-workers for a spooky night of fun, and wear a costume to receive $2 off admission! All while supporting mental health services in our community.

All ticket sales support Sweetser’s mental health services. We hope to see you there!

New Sweetser PSA Brings Hope to TV Screens Across Maine

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Sweetser is proud to continue our ongoing media partnership with NEWS CENTER Maine through its Let’s Talk About It campaign—an initiative dedicated to normalizing conversations about mental health, sharing trusted information, and reducing stigma across our state. We are the exclusive and only behavioral health provider working with the station on this initiative.

Through this partnership, Sweetser leaders and team members have helped Mainers better understand mental health challenges, recognize when someone may need support, and learn about the resources available to them. Our collaboration has included news stories, expert interviews, community events, and public service announcements that bring messages of hope and healing directly into homes across Maine.

Our President & CEO, Jayne Van Bramer, has been featured in a brand-new TV PSA filmed at our Brunswick Hope & Healing Center. The spot reminds viewers that hope is more than a feeling—it takes action. Every day, Sweetser employees put that message into practice by helping children, adults, and families take meaningful steps toward greater well-being.

This statewide visibility is an important opportunity to reach people who may be struggling, encourage them to seek support, and reinforce that no one has to navigate a mental health or recovery challenge alone.

When viewers see our new PSA, they are seeing a reflection of the life-changing work happening throughout our organization every day.

Watch Sweetser’s new PSA below:

Thank You, Pizza By Alex!

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

A big THANK YOU to Pizza By Alex for serving up some hope for Sweetser!



We’re so grateful to Pizza by Alex in Biddeford for hosting this special fundraiser in support of Sweetser and our mission to provide hope and healing to children, adults, and families across Maine.



And thank you to everyone who stopped by, grabbed a pizza, and supported Sweetser! Your participation helps make a meaningful difference in our communities.

TV Segment: Supporting Mainers on the Road to Recovery

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Maine is seeing encouraging progress in reducing fatal overdoses, but the work to support people impacted by substance use disorder continues.

In this WMTW Mental Health Moment, Sweetser Chief Growth Officer Joanne Grant discusses what Maine’s latest overdose data can tell us, the importance of compassionate and stigma-free support, and why continuing education is critical for professionals across behavioral health, healthcare, schools, and community services. Joanne also highlights Sweetser Training Institute’s Substance Use Disorder Professional Development Certificate, designed to give professionals practical skills and a stronger foundation for supporting people throughout their recovery journey.

Learn more and explore upcoming trainings at Sweetser.org/Training.