Empowering Maine’s Behavioral Health Workforce: The Impact of CCSME
Since its founding in 1992, the Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine (CCSME) has been a cornerstone of innovation, education, and advocacy in the behavioral health field. Originally launched through a grant from the Maine Office of Behavioral Health, CCSME has grown into a statewide leader in training, technical assistance, and systems transformation for professionals working in mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation | Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1998, CCSME has played a pivotal role in shaping Maine’s behavioral health landscape. From creating the state’s first co-occurring Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team to developing jail diversion models and co-occurring courts, CCSME has consistently been at the forefront of service innovation. Their work has also included supporting the implementation of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), promoting motivational interviewing, and expanding Centers of Excellence for integrated care. Through partnerships with organizations like NAMI Maine, AdCare, and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, CCSME has led initiatives such as the Maine SUD Learning Community and Strengthening Maine’s Trauma-Informed Learning Community—ensuring that providers across the state have access to evidence-based practices and the latest research.
Training the Workforce of Tomorrow | At the heart of CCSME’s mission is a commitment to professional development. The organization offers a robust calendar of live and on-demand trainings for clinicians, peer support specialists, prescribers, and other behavioral health professionals. These trainings cover a wide range of topics—from motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care to program development and leadership skills. One standout is CCSME’s for the inclusion of the voice of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health (MH) experiences in all aspects of its organization. CCSME’s initial board of incorporators included directors with SUD/MH experiences, one of the first in Maine. This commitment is visible today in its efforts to engage peer support professionals in its programming and for its specific programming for peer support professionals. By offering targeted training and technical assistance, CCSME helps elevate the voices of lived behavioral health experience in behavioral health systems, ensuring that peer support remains a vital and respected component of care.
Collaboration as a Core Value | What sets CCSME apart is its unwavering belief in the power of collaboration. Whether it’s co-developing training with community partners or facilitating cross-sector learning communities, CCSME fosters a culture of shared knowledge and mutual support. This collaborative spirit not only strengthens individual providers but also enhances the overall quality and accessibility of care across Maine.
Looking Ahead | As the behavioral health field continues to evolve, CCSME remains committed to adapting and growing alongside it. With a focus on inclusion, innovation, and sustainability, the organization is poised to continue leading efforts that improve outcomes for individuals and communities across the state. To learn more about CCSME’s programs, upcoming trainings, or to get involved, visit ccsme.org.