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
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.
Hooked on Crochet – April 8 | 4-5 pm | 6 weeks | grades 5-9 | free
This program teaches participants the fundamentals of crocheting, from basic stitches to more advanced techniques.
Cooking Class – April 10 | 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.
Family Fun Nights – 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.
Verbal De-escalation Webinar – April 11 | 9-10:30 am
This professional development workshop will focus on how to diffuse tense situations and communicate effectively.
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.
Stepping into Summer: Group Play Therapy Intensive – June 2 | 3-3:30 pm | 2 weeks | ages 3-4 | $45
Special Playtimes for Toddlers: A Play-Based Parenting Program – June 6 | varies | 7 weeks | ages 15 months-23 months for children, adults 18 & up | free
Circle of Friends: Play Therapy Group – June 9 | 1-1:40 pm | 10 weeks | 3rd grade | 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.
Summer Camp – June 9, July 8 | 2 weeks | ages 8-13 | $50
This program provides a supportive and structured environment where children can improve their social skills while being exposed to new activities they may not otherwise be able to experience.
Stepping into Summer: Group Play Therapy Intensive – June 10 | 4-4:40 pm | 2 weeks | 1st grade | $45
Peaceful Pathways: Play Therapy Group for Siblings – June 10 | 1-1:40 pm | 9 weeks | ages 6-11 | free
Shifting Sands: Sandtray Therapy Group – June 20 | 3-3:30 pm | 8 weeks | ages 3-4 | $15
This group aims to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for youth facing challenges at home or school.
Circle of Friends: Play Therapy Group – June 30 | 2-2:40 pm | 8 weeks | 1st grade | 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.
Magical Moments: Play Therapy Group – July 1 | 6-6:45 pm | 6 weeks | ages 6-8 | free
Magical Moments: Play Therapy Group – July 7 | 3:15-3:45 pm | 6 weeks | ages 3.5-5 | free
Circle of Friends: Play Therapy Group – July 11 | 4-4:40 pm | 7 weeks | kindergarten | 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.
Laugh, Love, Play: Group Family Play Therapy Experience – July 15 | varies | 7 weeks | families with children ages 3.5-8 | free
Back-to-School Boost: Group Play Therapy Intensive – July 30 | 12-3 pm | 3 weeks | 2nd grade | $45
Back-to-School Boost: Group Play Therapy Intensive – July 31 | 6-8 pm | 3 weeks | 3rd grade | $45
Back-to-School Boost: Group Play Therapy Intensive – August 1 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | 3 weeks | 1st grade | $45
Back-to-School Boost: Group Play Therapy Intensive – August 4 | 5-5:30 pm | 2 weeks | kindergarten | $45
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.