05/08/2026
BIG NEWS: Common Ties merges with Sweetser to strengthen behavioral health in Lewiston
Common Ties Mental Health Services, a staple of the Lewiston community for over 40 years, is officially merging into Sweetser, a leading statewide behavioral health organization with a nearly 200-year history.
This strategic partnership establishes Sweetser as the largest Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) provider in the state, ensuring long-term stability and expanded access to care for the entire Lewiston region. The merger comes at a critical inflection point for behavioral health as smaller organizations face rising operational complexities and funding uncertainties from Augusta and Washington.
"This merger was a necessity to ensure we continue to serve the Lewiston area for decades to come. It provides our team and our clients with an incredible sense of security in an otherwise volatile time,” said Karen Bate, Executive Director of Common Ties. "Choosing a partner to carry forward our legacy was a weighty decision, but Sweetser shares our values and our deep commitment to evidence-based treatment. We are thankful for bringing us on board.”
Of the 18 staff at Common Ties, all but 3 are continuing with Sweetser after the merger. All employees were offered roles at Sweetser in addition to Bate retaining a leadership role.
For the approximately 300 individuals receiving treatment through Common Ties, there will be no disruption in care. Clients will continue to work with their case manager but will now have access to a much broader, more coordinated continuum of behavioral health services, a benefit of being served by a much larger nonprofit.
"By uniting as one organization, we are not only growing in size but also strengthening our collective ability to support the mental well-being of individuals and families in need," said Jayne Van Bramer, President & CEO of Sweetser. "For nearly 200 years, Sweetser has adapted to meet the evolving mental health needs of Maine families. This milestone is a vital reminder that we are stronger together, especially as we work to ensure community members don't lose access to essential treatment".
Common Ties housing services will temporarily remain at their 12 Bates Street location in Lewiston, while all other services, including case management, will be based out of Sweetser’s Hope & Healing Center at 20 Mollison Way, next to Just-in-Time Recreation.
