MaineStay Youth & Family Services
Giving hope. Creating possibilities. Transforming lives.MaineStay Youth & Family Services is an award-winning department that has been serving the mental health needs of our community for 50 years. Our mission is to support the growth of healthier families in the Maine Township community by providing affordable strength-based counseling and comprehensive programs focused on prevention and education. Since our founding in 1975, we have worked diligently to ensure that all Maine Township residents have access to treatment because lack of financial resources should not be a barrier to accessing mental health services. All our programs are either free or low-cost. We offer flexible payment options to accommodate your financial situation. Counseling services are available only to those who live in Maine Township or attend a Maine Township school. Our other programs are available to non-residents for a higher fee (space permitting).
Counseling
MaineStay offers high-quality, compassionate counseling services for the whole family both in person and via telehealth. Our family therapists use a respectful, strength-based counseling approach designed to assist you in meeting your goals as quickly as possible. We work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Services are available at a reduced cost using a sliding fee scale.
Full Program Schedule and Online Registration
Upcoming Programs
Tutoring – February 12 | 4:30-6:30 pm (1-hour sessions) | 10 weeks | grades 1-8 | $50
This program provides personalized assistance designed to improve academic success. Using a small-group format, our experienced tutors, who are also certified teachers, work with students to improve academic skills and self-confidence.
Cooking Class – February 13 | 4:30-6 pm | 5 weeks | ages 8-17 | $12/week
This class, taught by an experienced chef, will teach different cooking techniques, knife safety, and culinary concepts, designed to encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
Social Wellness Nights – February 27 | grades K-5 | free
This program supports youth in socializing with peers, promotes positive mental health, and includes a pizza dinner and a variety of activities to help children connect, have fun, and learn important social skills.
More Than Just Sober – March 4 | 7-8:30 pm
This community education seminar will discuss the idea of recovery versus simply abstinence.
Family Fun Nights – March 6, April 10, May 12 | 6-7:30 pm | families with children ages 5 and up | free
This drop-in event is designed to help families connect by choosing from activities that suit their interests—from playing games, engaging in arts and crafts, or enjoying a family-friendly movie.
*NEW* Circle of Friends: Play Therapy Group – March 10 | 4-4:45 pm | 12 weeks | grades 1-2 | free
This program is based in Group Child-Centered Play Therapy and provides a gentle, supportive space where children can explore emotions and develop social skills through the natural language of play.
*NEW* Imagination and Ink: A Creative Writing Journey – March 11 | 4-5 pm | 6 weeks | grades 6-8 | free
This program is designed to spark your child's imagination and hone their creative writing skills. During the program, we explore different genres and styles, from fiction and poetry to creative non-fiction.
*NEW* Circle of Friends: Play Therapy Group – March 12 | 4-4:45 pm | 12 weeks | grades K-1 | free
This program is based in Group Child-Centered Play Therapy and provides a gentle, supportive space where children can explore emotions and develop social skills through the natural language of play.
*NEW* Spring into Play: Group Play Therapy Intensive – March 21 | 12-12:40 pm | 7 days | 1st grade | free
This intensive program focuses on emotional healing and personal growth through play therapy in a nurturing, child-led environment.
*NEW* Spring into Play: Group Play Therapy Intensive – March 21 | 1-1:40 pm | 7 days | 2nd grade | free
This intensive program focuses on emotional healing and personal growth through play therapy in a nurturing, child-led environment.
*NEW* Spring into Play: Group Play Therapy Intensive – March 21 | 6-6:40 pm | 7 days | Kindergarten | free
This intensive program focuses on emotional healing and personal growth through play therapy in a nurturing, child-led environment.
Kids Spring Fest – March 28 | 1-4 pm | ages 6-12 | free
This event will feature fun, spring-themed activities where kids can try something different and make new friends during their spring break.
YAM Squad: Frustration Tolerance Group – April 1 | 4:15-5 pm | 10 weeks | grades 3-5 | $40
This group teaches practical skills on how to deal with anger and frustration in a healthy manner.
Anxiety Coping Skills Group – April 1 | 4:15-5 pm | 10 weeks | grades 3-5 | $40
This group helps participants learn effective ways to deal with stress and anxiety and emphasizes putting these skills into practice in real life situations.
Shifting Sands: Sandtray Group – April 1 | 5:15-6:15 pm | 10 weeks | boys in grades 6-8 | $20
This group aims to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for youth facing challenges at home or school.
Family Connections: A Play-Based Parenting Program – April 1 | 7-8 pm | 10 weeks | $25
This play-based parenting program is an instructional group designed to enhance and strengthen the emotional bond between parents and their children between ages 2-10. This evidence-based program empowers parents with the skills to respond effectively to their child's emotional and behavioral needs, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment.
Workshop Improv Theatre – April 2 | 6-7 pm | 8 weeks | ages 8-13 | free
This program focuses on confidence-building and expressiveness, as participants step outside their comfort zone and learn skills such as listening, public speaking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Parenting Class – April 3 | 6-7:30 pm | 6 weeks | $40
This class uses an informative blend of video and discussion to help parents learn fun and practical ways to parent with more energy and less stress.
Bluey's Big Feelings Fun: Emotion Regulation Group – April 24 | 3:30-4:15 pm | 6 weeks | 3-6 years | free
This play-based program uses the world of Bluey to help young children explore and manage their emotions.
Mother's Day Paint and Snack – May 8 | 6-7:30 pm | ages 5+ | free
Join us for a delightful evening of creativity and fun to celebrate women everywhere.
Mentoring – every other Tuesday | 6-7:30 pm | ages 8-12 | free
Our award-winning Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program meets in a structured group setting and helps children enhance their social skills, confidence, and academic success.