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
Fall Programs
Circle of Friends: Play Therapy Group – September 2 | 6:30-7:15 pm | 15 sessions | 4th grade girls | free
This program is based in Child-Centered Group Play Therapy and provides a gentle, supportive space where children can explore emotions and develop social skills through the natural language of play.
Self-Esteem Building Group – September 2 | 3-3:45 pm | 10 weeks | grades 2-5 | free
This group helps students learn more about themselves, discover their strengths, and increase their self-efficacy through art, games, and empowering stories.
*NEW* Middle Ground: A Peer Connection Club – September 2 | 4-4:45 pm | 10 weeks | grades 6-8 | free
Middle ground is a "teen club" designed to help middle school students build confidence, navigate friendships, and support each other through the ups and downs of middle school life.
*NEW* Nurtured Beginnings: FirstPlay Therapy Group for Caregivers and Infants – September 3 | 1-2 pm | 6 weeks | free
This program is based in Child-Centered Group Play Therapy and provides a gentle, supportive space where children can explore emotions and develop social skills through the natural language of play.
Family Fun Nights – September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4 | 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 and engaging in arts and crafts, to enjoying a family-friendly movie.
Game Masters: Board Games and Coping Skills – September 10 | 5-6 pm | 6 weeks | boys in grades 6-8 | free
This program offers a fun, structured way for middle school boys to develop important life skills in an engaging and interactive environment.
Cooking Class – September 11 | 4:30-6 pm | 3 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.
Family Connections: A Play-Based Parenting Program – September 12 | 12:30-2 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 3-10.
Inside Out Explorers: Emotion Regulation Group – September 12 | 3-3:45 pm | 10 weeks | grades K-1 | free
This group provides a safe and supportive environment for children to explore their emotions, improve emotional intelligence, and learn healthy coping skills.
Inside Out Explorers: Emotion Regulation Group – September 12 | 4-4:45 pm | 10 weeks | grades 2-3 | free
This group provides a safe and supportive environment for children to explore their emotions, improve emotional intelligence, and learn healthy coping skills.
Shifting Sands: Sandtray Therapy Group – September 16 | 5:30-6:15 pm | 10 weeks | grades 3-5 | $20
This therapeutic group offers a safe and creative space to explore emotions and build social connections.
*NEW* Shifting Sands: Family Sandtray Therapy Group – September 16 | 4-5 pm | 10 weeks | grades K-2 | $20
This group offers children a safe, imaginative space to strengthen emotional bonds, foster self-expression, and grow resilience.
Hooked on Crochet – September 16 | 4-5 pm | 8 weeks | grades 4-9 | free
This program teaches participants the fundamentals of crocheting, from basic stitches to more advanced techniques.
*NEW* Parenting Workshop: Monthly Drop-In Series – September 19 | 12:30-2 pm | ages 18+ | free
Each month this workshop series will give you practical, easy-to-use strategies you can apply right away.
Art in the Town – September 22 | 4-4:50 pm (ages 6-8) | 5-6 pm (ages 9-12) | 10 weeks | free
This program helps participants enhance their artistic abilities while increasing confidence and social skills.
Tutoring – October 1 | 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.
*NEW* Parenting Workshop: Monthly Drop-In Series – September 19 | 12:30-2 pm | ages 18+ | free
Each month this workshop series will give you practical, easy-to-use strategies you can apply right away.
*NEW* Breaking the Cycle: A Virtual Expressive Arts Group for Parents – October 3 | 4-5 pm | 6 weeks | ages 18+ | free
This supportive, creative group is designed for parents who are raising children while carrying their own stories of childhood trauma.
Trunk or Treat – October 30 | 3:30-5:30 pm | all ages | free
Get ready for a spooktacular time at our annual Trunk or Treat event! Join us for an afternoon of festive fun and frightful treats.
*NEW* Parenting Workshop: Monthly Drop-In Series – November 17 | 12:30-2 pm | ages 18+ | free
Each month this workshop series will give you practical, easy-to-use strategies you can apply right away.
Kids Fall Fest – November 24 | 1-4 pm | ages 6-12 | free
This event will feature fun, fall-themed activities where kids can try something different and make new friends during their fall break.
*NEW* Parenting Workshop: Monthly Drop-In Series – December 17 | 6-7:30 pm | ages 18+ | free
Each month this workshop series will give you practical, easy-to-use strategies you can apply right away.
Mentoring – every other Tuesday | 6-7:30 pm | ages 8-12 | free
Our Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program—now in it's 10th year—meets in a structured group setting and helps children enhance their social skills, confidence, and academic success.