Your work demands extraordinary strength and resilience. We’re here to support your emotional well-being, so you can thrive in every part of your life.
At Guiding Light Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate, expert mental health care for Maine’s first responders and their families. Let us help you reduce stress, heal from trauma, and regain a sense of peace.
At Guiding Light Behavioral Health, our mission is to empower first responders and their families to achieve emotional health and resilience. We believe mental well-being is essential for those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
Led by Maine’s first Emergency Responder and Public Safety Certified Clinician (ERPSCC), we offer specialized, confidential care that addresses the unique challenges of high-stakes professions. You deserve a space to process your experiences and find lasting peace—and we’re here to provide it.
We understand the demands of your job and the toll it takes on your mental health. That’s why first responders across Maine trust us:
Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol
Sarah is the owner and CEO of Guiding Light Behavioral Health and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
As Maine’s first Emergency Responder and Public Safety Certified Clinician (ERPSCC), she is an expert and visionary in the field of prevention and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Injury in first responders.
Sarah studied sociology and political science as an undergraduate at the University of New England where she found her passion for making an impact in the lives of others. She continued to study the complexities of our society at the UNE and earned her Master of Social Work degree in 2015.
As the wife of a firefighter, she quickly experienced both the positive and negative implications public safety careers have on individuals and their families.
Sarah is also a mom, a native Mainer, a disc golf enthusiast, and a fan of all things outdoor recreation.
Amy graduated from the University of Maine in 2000 with a Master’s in Counselor Education. She is licensed as an LCPC in Maine and an LCMHC in New Hampshire. Amy has specialized in trauma treatment for over 24 years and is a certified first responder counselor, certified clinical trauma professional, certified mental health integrative medicine provider, and is ASAP, CISM and Peer Support trained.
When Amy is not working to educate and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health with the first responder community, she enjoys doing yoga and reading, and of course spending time with her pups and husband.
Maria has extensive experience in the fields of nursing and addictions and brings added layers of wellness assistance to the team.
She retired from her career as a VA clinician for the Army in 2020 and now spends her off time with her grandchildren, in a kayak, or in the crossfit gym!
She has been working with clients at Guiding Light Behavioral Health since 2023.
Ernie is an Australian Shepherd trained as a therapy dog for first responders. When he is not working, he loves spending time with his little brother, teasing his cat and chasing his favorite red ball with his family.
Amy graduated from the University of Maine in Farmington in 2022 with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in Creative Arts. She is a Brainspotting practitioner and recently completed training as a Certified Trauma Professional. As a US Army Reserves Veteran, serving as a Combat Medic, as well as the wife of a USAF (Ret.) Veteran, her dream in going back for her Masters was to be able to “help the helpers”. She believes that teamwork and community are essential to the well-being of all those who are part of the military and first responder cultures. Amy also enjoys using art in session, taking advantage of its many therapeutic qualities. She is enthusiastic about working with first responders, veterans and has a special interest in working with family members.
Erica is a 4th year Psychology student at the University of Maine in Orono, with a minor in Mental Health Rehabilitation. After graduation, Erica hopes to obtain her master’s degree as an LCPC and begin working as a counselor for first responders experiencing PTSD and related mental health disorders. Erica comes from a first responder household, her father being a career firefighter and paramedic and her mother an EMT. This upbringing has ignited a passion in her to one day provide services to those on the front lines, a population that is often overlooked.
When she is not studying, Erica spends her time making art and reading books. She is also a huge fan of music and its therapeutic qualities.
Tony has been a part of the Public Safety family for over 34 years and has worked in most facets of it. In his retirement he wants to help educate the next generation on the effects of cumulative trauma. He loves the outdoors and is also a Registered Maine Guide. He is happily married and has two daughters.
Peter is a former Police Officer who worked in a Southern Maine city for 18 years. In 2023, he medically retired from police work due to PTSD and Anxiety. He has been open about his mental health struggles in police work and the lack of assistance with mental health in the first responder field. He looks forward to helping others navigate the challenges that can come with seeking assistance. Most days you can find Peter cycling in many areas of Southern Maine. When not cycling, he enjoys trying new things, like open water swimming and kayaking. Peter is married and has two sons.
Guiding Light Behavioral Health offers a range of services designed to support first responders and their families:
Each service is focused on helping you overcome challenges and find lasting solutions that fit your life.
We specialize in first responder mental health, offering tailored care backed by both clinical expertise and personal experience with the demands of your profession.
Absolutely. We prioritize your privacy, ensuring every session is a safe, secure space for you to share and heal.
Yes. We offer family counseling to help loved ones navigate the unique challenges of supporting a first responder.
Click on “Book Your Consultation Now” to get started. The process is quick, easy, and designed with your convenience in mind.
Taking the first step toward mental wellness can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for trauma therapy, family support, or strategies to manage stress, Guiding Light Behavioral Health is here for you.
Let us help you rediscover balance, peace, and strength—starting today.
Asking for help isn’t always easy, but therapy can help. Our licensed experts provide specialized services to meet your needs. Together, we will get to the root of your challenges and provide you with support and tools to build resilience and avoid Emergency Responder Exhaustion Syndrome.
If your behavioral health is being impacted by the things you hear, do, and see as part of your job, don’t wait — contact us so you can start to heal and feel more like you.
Click on the button below to schedule an appointment with Guiding Light Counseling