The connection between nature and mental wellness has long been recognized, but finding a therapist who formally integrates the healing power of the outdoors into treatment can be challenging, especially in rural areas. That's why AMHC's Calais Outpatient Office is thrilled to welcome Eunice Francis, a counselor whose ecotherapy training offers clients a unique pathway to healing.

Francis brings a distinctive therapeutic approach to Washington County, one that acknowledges what many already know intuitively: time spent in nature can be profoundly restorative. Ecotherapy helps individuals reconnect with the natural world as an integral part of their wellness journey, complementing traditional counseling methods with nature-based interventions.

"I am excited to get started here in Calais," Francis shared. "I am ready to be connecting with patients."

Her path to joining AMHC reflects a breadth of experience across the behavioral health landscape. After earning her bachelor's degree in mental health and human services from the University of Maine at Augusta, Francis went on to complete her master's in counseling at the University of Southern Maine. Her professional journey has included roles that required both clinical skill and the ability to coordinate complex care systems.

Most recently, serving as a behavioral health coordinator at Pleasant Point Health Center in Perry, Maine, Francis developed expertise in helping patients navigate the often-complicated intersection of physical and mental health services. Before that role, she worked as a mental health liaison at Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness in Bangor, connecting community members with essential resources and support.

"Francis has worked in many different parts of the behavioral health field," noted Christy Daggett, AMHC Chief Executive Officer. "Her background in coordinating care makes her well-equipped to provide it. We are grateful to have her."

At the Calais location, Francis will provide counseling services to adults, children, and families, with appointments available in person and via telehealth. She joins a collaborative team of therapists and psychologists who work together with AMHC's broader programs and community partners to deliver comprehensive, person-centered care.

The Calais Outpatient Office offers an array of mental health services designed to meet diverse community needs. Services include individual therapy for all ages, family counseling, substance use treatment, couples therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention. This integrated approach ensures that clients receive coordinated care tailored to their unique circumstances.

Access to care remains central to AMHC's mission. With more than 60 years of service to northeastern Maine, AMHC operates 25 service locations across Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington counties. The organization's 350+ employees serve up to 5,500 clients annually, providing comprehensive services in mental health, substance use treatment, crisis response, sexual assault support, prevention programs, brain injury services, and programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.

The agency accepts most insurance plans and offers a sliding fee schedule based on family size and income. No one is denied services due to an inability to pay, ensuring that financial barriers don't prevent individuals from receiving the support they need.

Francis's arrival strengthens AMHC's capacity to serve Washington County residents with compassionate, evidence-based care that honors the relationship between mental health and the natural environment. Her ecotherapy training adds a valuable dimension to the therapeutic options available at the Calais office, offering clients additional tools for healing and growth.

For those seeking mental health services in Aroostook County, AMHC's 24/7 Call Center can be reached at 1-800-244-6431 for more information about available services and support.