News, articles and updates

By Mary P. Donahue, Ph.D.

COR Representative – Maine 

The Second Amendment – The Right to Bear Arms – just reading those words can elicit a myriad of thoughts and feelings; some logical, some less so, and all nuanced. The fact remains, however, that the right to own firearms is an important part of American culture and, for many, critical to individual identity. Here in Maine, the nation’s most rural state, gun ownership is highly personal to individuals concerned with safety, sports, hunting, and collecting. Regardless of current debates, firearms are here to stay.

Mental health needs are also not going away but, rather, increasing almost exponentially. More than 1 in 5 people nationwide are experiencing mental health issues, with Maine’s population landing in the higher-than-average category at 25% of our population having a mental health condition¹. The suicide rate here is also higher than average: 18.1% vs the national average of 14%^2,3. It is the second leading cause of death for young people. Suicide is indeed a public health crisis.

Now, putting together firearms and mental health, one no doubt sees a strong connection. Research does, in fact, demonstrate that access to firearms is associated with increased suicide risk and that handguns especially elevate that risk⁴, as does keeping handguns loaded when not in use and the use of alcohol in coping⁵. Firearms availability indeed contributes significantly to suicide deaths; there is a positive correlation between ease of access and suicide attempts.

Nationally, firearms are used in more than half of suicide deaths³, and in more than three-quarters of suicide deaths in Maine⁶. Unfortunately, the stigma attached to suicide, and the politics surrounding guns, makes it difficult for many to discuss the issue, even when it pertains to healthy living. Indeed, mental and medical health can talk about smoking, mindfulness, exercise and other beneficial decisions. As mental health professionals, we likely have talked with someone about self-harm and suicidal ideation. We may make safety plans. We are mandated to report. We may have talked about locking up medications or knives, read about bridge barriers, given helpline information…but many hesitate to screen for or specifically discuss suicide and firearms. One reason for this is that many practitioners lack knowledge about how to have such polarizing conversations without putting rapport at risk.

Nevertheless, research demonstrates that having those conversations about suicide and firearms safety can cause actions that directly intervene between the time one decides to act, and the attempt. This is important because we know that this interval can be as short as 5 or 10 minutes⁷. We also know that the method by which one decides to act typically doesn’t change, even when that means is restricted⁸. Finally, studies demonstrate a significant reduction in attempts and deaths when practitioners discuss access to firearms⁹. Thus, practitioners may hold crucial, lifesaving roles when properly educated and informed about safe storage. I wish I had known this myself a few years ago when my own practice was affected by a firearms-related suicide loss.

In the February 2024 APA Council of Representatives meeting, a resolution was adopted entitled, “RESOLUTION ON THE SECURE STORAGE OF FIREARMS AND LETHAL MEANS SAFETY STRATEGIES TO PREVENT SUICIDES.” This resolution calls upon psychologists to seek training in and to promote safe storage of firearms. Note that this is a resolution to encourage, not mandate (as was a concern during debate.) It is, nonetheless, an important consideration in suicide prevention. You can read the entire resolution here:

APA Resolution on the Secure Storage of Firearms and Lethal Means Safety Strategies to Prevent Suicides

Training is affordable, and practitioners are not required to own or advocate for ownership of guns. We need only to know if guns are available to the at-risk client and how we might become more comfortable in discussing safe storage. This can lead to an increase in time between planning and acting. It can save a life.

There are several programs wherein psychologists can find training. For example, the Veterans Affairs office has both written and video trainings available, as well as an online toolkit for use in the community. Additionally, CALMAmerica is an organization based out of New Hampshire, offering both online and in-person training to mental health providers. It addresses how to work collaboratively with at-risk clients and their families on methods for reducing access to firearms and other lethal means. These trainings can take between 1 and 3 hours, and include familiarization with gun safes or lock boxes, biometric storage, and trigger and barrel locks. They discuss reasoning for storing ammunition separately from the firearm as well as how to address off-site storage. Specific aspects of safety plans may also be discussed. In short, it might take very little to make a considerable difference.

To recap, Maine has high firearms ownership and high mental illness rates. Access to firearms increases the risk of suicide deaths. The more time elapsing between suicide plans and suicide actions, the greater chance of an intervention (time, interruption, impulsivity quelled, re-thinking, and reaching out for help, for example) that can save a life. Psychologists have a distinctive opportunity to contribute to that time and space. Training in that area is available and readily accessible.

Mary P. Donahue, Ph.D.
COR Representative – Maine 

References

1. Mental Health in Maine – NAMI Maine Stats and Facts
2. Amid national increase in suicide deaths, Maine sees decline | Maine Public
3. Suicide Data and Statistics | Suicide Prevention | CDC
4. Studdert DM, Zhang Y, Swanson SA, et al. Handgun ownership and suicide in California. N Engl J Med2020;382:2220-2229
5. Army Suicide Prevention Activities Focus on Reducing Lethal Means | Article | The United States Army
6. Report: Maine’s proportion of firearm deaths by suicide is significantly higher than the nation | Maine Public
7. Paashaus L, Forkmann T, Glaesmer H, Juckel G, Rath D, Schönfelder A, Teismann T. From decision to action: Suicidal history and time between decision to die and actual suicide attempt. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2021 Nov;28(6):1427-1434. doi: 10.1002/cpp.2580. Epub 2021 Mar 16. PMID: 33687121.
8. Yip PS, Caine E, Yousuf S, Chang SS, Wu KC, Chen YY. Means Restriction for Suicide Prevention. Lancet. 2012;379(9834):2393-2399.
9. Boggs, J. M., Beck, A., Ritzwoller, D. P., Battaglia, C., Anderson, H. D., & Lindrooth, R. C. (2020). A 62 Quasi-Experimental Analysis of Lethal Means Assessment and Risk for Subsequent 63 Suicide Attempts and Deaths. Journal of general internal medicine, 35(6), 1709–1714. 64 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-05641-4
10. Sale E, Hendricks M, Weil V, Miller C, Perkins S, McCudden S. Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM): An Evaluation of a Suicide Prevention Means Restriction Training Program for Mental Health Providers. Community Ment Health J. 2018;54(3):293-301.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Maine Psychological Association Names Psychologist of the Year 

Freeport – The Maine Psychological Association (MePA) named Dr. Rae Egbert as Psychologist of the Year at its 2023 Annual Conference, which focused on embracing diversity and cultivating equitable and inclusive communities.

More than 50 leading psychologists, researchers and students from across Maine attended the all-day training and educational celebration. The association represents Maine psychologists as it advances its mission to advance psychology as a science, profession, and a means of promoting human welfare.

Dr. Rae Egbert, a licensed psychologist with a strong commitment to fostering healing and growth, believes in the power of community and connectedness, emphasizing the importance of increasing security within oneself and with those closest to them. Using evidence-based approaches, Dr. Egbert helps her clients develop therapy goals tailored to their unique strengths and needs.

With a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University Post, Dr. Egbert also holds a Graduate Certificate in LGBT Health Policy and Practice from The George Washington University, a J.D. with a concentration in Child/Family Law from Capital University Law School, and a B.S. in Justice Studies from James Madison University.

With expertise in working with the LGBTQ+ community, trauma, stress-related disorders, substance use disorders, and addictive behaviors, Dr. Egbert brings a comprehensive and compassionate approach to therapy.

The association also recognized three standout educators for their exceptional work integrating social-emotional wellness into the classroom. Recipients Jeni Frazee (Waterville Public Schools), Joy Jancewicz (RSU 56), and Catherine Newell (Scarborough Public Schools) were celebrated for championing positive student-teacher relationships, blending academic and socioemotional learning, and advocating for mental health awareness within their districts. Praise centered on the compassionate classroom culture established by each teacher, where mutual understanding and respect enable students to feel secure exploring academic challenges.

“These remarkable educators epitomize the future of teaching we envision for Maine schools,” said MePA President Jamie Pratt, PsyD. “By innovating through a lens of psychological adaptation, they have profoundly impacted their students’ wellbeing and potential.”

The Educator Recognition Program aligns with MePA’s mission to promote welfare through psychology and as pioneers in this initiative, Frazee, Jancewicz, and Newell have set a standard to which hundreds of Maine teachers can aspire.

“We embrace a big-tent philosophy," said Executive Director Randy Moser, emphasizing the theme of this year's conference, titled "Embracing a Culture of Equity, Inclusion, and Community." The event centered on principles of radical acceptance, understanding, and a dedication to health equity.

Presenters included Dr. Idella Glenn, a collaborative leader with more than 29 years of higher education experience focusing on diversity and inclusion initiatives, and Quinn Elleen Gormley, Executive Director of MaineTrans.Net, boasting extensive expertise in community organizing and social justice issues.

During the conference, attendees learned methods to foster understanding, skills to effectively communicate with diverse community members and ways to support marginalized communities.

For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.

The Maine Psychological Association’s mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare. The organization’s membership consists of psychologists, academicians, researchers, students, and other professionals committed to the practice of psychology.

In addition, MePA helps consumers identify psychologists around the state for referral and provides a searchable online database at no charge. For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.  

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Dear MePA Members,

As the end of my term as president approaches, composing this message is bittersweet. It truly has been a privilege to serve MePA, and I am indebted to the many members who volunteer their time to advance the science and practice of psychology for the benefit of the people of Maine. I continue to be humbled by the vast expertise within our organization and grateful to belong to an incredibly compassionate and supportive professional community.

The MePA community is invaluable, and we are proud to adopt an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement (on the previous page) to affirm our commitment to a diverse membership and advancing equity and justice for all Mainers. This statement guides our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive community where all members’ voices are valued, advocate for equitable psychological services, and address inequities in Maine. The statement’s value lies in its ability to drive action, and MePA is ready to act under the leadership of our new Executive Director, Randy Moser, incoming President, Jeff Matranga, and our dedicated psychologists on the Policy Council and Committees.

Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion requires prioritizing cultural competence and humility. We recognize the diverse, intersectional identities of Mainers we serve and the implications of intersecting social identities and contexts for well-being. The MePA’s 2023 Annual Conference theme is “Embracing a Culture of Equity, Inclusion, and Community” and today Dr. Idella Glenn facilitates an interactive workshop to explore the impacts of our social identities, self-reflect on intercultural competence, and establish growth plans. Quinn Gormley, Executive Director of MaineTrans.Net, will also provide training to enhance understanding of Maine’s transgender community, shedding light on health disparities, resilience factors, and best gender-affirming support practices.

MePA’s goal is to offer valuable professional development and opportunities for community-building and collegial connections. We also plan to announce the recipient of the MePA Psychologist of the Year Award and celebrate the accomplishments of three exceptional Maine teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting their students’ social-emotional well-being. We are so glad to have you with us today at the beautiful Haraseeket Inn for this time-honored fall tradition!

With care,

Jamie

Dear MePA Members,

As the end of my term as president approaches, composing this message is bittersweet. It truly has been a privilege to serve MePA, and I am indebted to the many members who volunteer their time to advance the science and practice of psychology for the benefit of the people of Maine. I continue to be humbled by the vast expertise within our organization and grateful to belong to an incredibly compassionate and supportive professional community.

The MePA community is invaluable, and we are proud to adopt an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement (on the previous page) to affirm our commitment to a diverse membership and advancing equity and justice for all Mainers. This statement guides our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive community where all members’ voices are valued, advocate for equitable psychological services, and address inequities in Maine. The statement’s value lies in its ability to drive action, and MePA is ready to act under the leadership of our new Executive Director, Randy Moser, incoming President, Jeff Matranga, and our dedicated psychologists on the Policy Council and Committees.

Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion requires prioritizing cultural competence and humility. We recognize the diverse, intersectional identities of Mainers we serve and the implications of intersecting social identities and contexts for well-being. The MePA’s 2023 Annual Conference theme is “Embracing a Culture of Equity, Inclusion, and Community” and today Dr. Idella Glenn facilitates an interactive workshop to explore the impacts of our social identities, self-reflect on intercultural competence, and establish growth plans. Quinn Gormley, Executive Director of MaineTrans.Net, will also provide training to enhance understanding of Maine’s transgender community, shedding light on health disparities, resilience factors, and best gender-affirming support practices.

MePA’s goal is to offer valuable professional development and opportunities for community-building and collegial connections. We also plan to announce the recipient of the MePA Psychologist of the Year Award and celebrate the accomplishments of three exceptional Maine teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting their students’ social-emotional well-being. We are so glad to have you with us today at the beautiful Haraseeket Inn for this time-honored fall tradition!

With care,

Jamie

Freeport – The Maine Psychological Association (MePA) honored three outstanding Maine educators at its Annual Conference on November 3, 2023, during an all-day event at the historic Harraseeket Inn in Freeport that celebrated diversity and excellence in psychology and education.

The MePA Educator Recognition Program recognizes PK-12 educators who prioritize the establishment of positive relationships with their students, effectively integrate social-emotional learning within the classroom, and model leadership and advocacy within their school communities. Recipients of the 2023 Educator Recognition Awards included Jeni Frazee, Waterville Public Schools, Joy Jancewicz, RSU 56, and Catherine Newell, Scarborough Public Schools.

Jeni Frazee, a grade-5 teacher at the Albert S. Hall School, was honored for her trauma-informed approach to supporting students in the classroom. Frazee shows a deep respect for the dignity of all students and adeptness in providing guidance and mentorship to colleagues. She also responds to challenging behaviors in the classroom with empathy and practical coping skill development.

Joy Jancewicz, a grade-4 teacher at Dirigo Elementary School, was recognized for her innovative approach to integrating social-emotional learning into the classroom and commitment to partnering with families to support positive student outcomes. Jancewicz uses “respect circles” to give her students voice and shows unwavering dedication to whole-education and trauma-informed practice.

Elementary Music Educator Catherine Newell received the award for her commitment to the Responsive Classroom approach and skillful integration of self-regulation tools and strategies within the classroom. Newell’s recognition of how traditional classroom expectations may contribute to challenges in emotional and behavioral regulation, coupled with subsequent efforts to create a more inclusive learning environment and curriculum, highlights her dedication to meeting the diverse needs of students.

During the ceremony, MePA President, Jamie Pratt, PsyD congratulated the educators for their exceptionally psychologically minded performance and dedication to advancing positive mental and behavioral health outcomes for Maine students. “These teachers understand the importance of supporting students’ mental and behavioral health and make a tremendous impact by creating psychologically safe environments for learning,” said Pratt.

For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.

The Maine Psychological Association’s mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare. The organization’s membership consists of psychologists, academicians, researchers, students, and other professionals committed to the practice of psychology.  

In addition, MePA helps consumers identify psychologists around the state for referral and provides a searchable online database at no charge. For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.  

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Maine Psychological Association Welcomes Randy Moser as Executive Director

Saco, Maine (Oct. 11, 2023): The Maine Psychological Association (MePA) announced that Randy Moser joined the organization as Executive Director in September 2023. Moser brings more than two decades of executive nonprofit leadership experience to his role at MePA, and his extensive background in communications, development, and program management makes him a valuable addition to the membership organization.

In his previous roles as Marketing Director at Harbor Care in Nashua, New Hampshire and Director of Development and Communications at Crisis and Counseling Centers in Augusta, Maine, Moser led marketing initiatives and developed innovative fundraising strategies. These skills will be instrumental in advancing MePA's mission.

Moser's direct service experiences as Clinical Manager of the Doorway at Concord, New Hampshire and Site Manager at the HIV/HCV Resource Center in Claremont, New Hampshire reflect his commitment to addressing critical behavioral health issues such as substance use disorder and his leadership in the arena of public health.

Moser holds a master’s degree in liberal studies from the University of New Hampshire, a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maine, and a State University of New York Nonprofit Graduate Management Certificate. He demonstrates a commitment to education and professional development.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Moser has been an active volunteer, contributing his expertise to a wide range of organizations, including Brigid's House of Hope, York County Shelter Programs, the United Way of Kennebec Valley, the United Way of Mid-Maine, and the Kennebec Valley Humane Society.

Mr. Moser succeeds Amy Safford, who previously led MePA as its Executive Director for four years.Under Safford’s leadership, the organization implemented a robust online membership database, grew its membership, expanded its continuing education offerings for psychologists, and received the National 2022 American Psychological Association (APA) Advocacy Award. Safford played a key role in securing an APA grant that was critical for the adoption of Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) legislation that allows Maine psychologists to serve out-of-state clients.

“MePA is confident that Randy's leadership, dynamic approach, and exceptional communication skills will propel the organization toward achieving its mission,” said MePA President Jamie Pratt. She added, “His appointment as Executive Director marks a significant milestone in MePA's commitment to promoting psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare in Maine.”

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Founded in 1950,  MePA has a long history of principled leadership in Maine, represents the 600+ psychologists and psychological examiners in Maine, and has a mission to advance psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting human welfare. The organization’s membership consists of psychologists, academicians, researchers, students, and other professionals committed to the practice of psychology. 

In addition, MePA helps consumers identify psychologists around the state for referral and provides a searchable online database at no charge. For more information about MePA and its mission, please visit mepa.org.

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