FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Treatment, Transitional Living,
and More
Admissions & Young Adult Clients
What types of young adults are a good fit for Cornerstones of Maine?
We support young adults (ages 18-30) who are bright, capable, and motivated for change but need structure, guidance, and support to move toward independence. Our program is ideal for those struggling with executive functioning challenges, social anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, or a history of setbacks in school or work.
Who would not be a good fit for the program?
While we strive to be inclusive, we are not a clinical match for individuals with active psychosis requiring hospitalization, severe eating disorders, severe substance use disorder requiring detox, aggressive behaviors, or active self-harm that requires 24/7 medical monitoring.
Do clients need to have completed a previous treatment program before coming to Cornerstones?
Not necessarily. While many of our clients have attended therapy, intensive outpatient, residential treatment, or wilderness programs, others are transitioning directly from home after facing challenges in school, work, or relationships.
What does the admissions process look like?
First, start the conversation. Reach out to our team through a phone call, message, or chat here on our website. We’ll listen to your story and help you begin to decide which level of our program could be right for you or your loved one. After an initial consultation, we’ll review clinical and educational history as needed to get the full picture. Virtual or in-person tours are available, and we can collaborate with referring professionals as needed. Finally, we’ll walk you through any financial obligations and enrollment logistics to make the intake process smooth and welcoming.
Young Adult Programs: Daily Life & Structure
What does a typical day look like in the program?
Structured scheduling is an important therapeutic tool for many of our clients. By simulating a "9-to-5" schedule with free time on weekends, we can help clients work towards an independent life and career.
While at Cornerstones, every client’s schedule is built to match their needs, goals, and progress. Each day is a custom balance of structured clinical support, practical skill-building, and real-life experiences in the therapeutic milieu. Schedules may include:
- Group meetings on useful topics like budgeting, cooking, or time management
- Individual therapy sessions
- Clinically supervised group therapy
- Academic support
- Vocational coaching
- Outdoor activities like surfing or kayaking
- Wellness activities
- And More
How much free time do clients have?
Structured scheduling is an important therapeutic tool for many of our clients. By simulating a "9-to-5" schedule with free time on weekends, we can help clients work towards an independent life and career.
Are clients required to work or attend school while in the program?
When you're enrolled in our Residential Treatment Center, you'll focus on intensive therapy, which means you won't be able to work or attend school during this time. However, in our Transitional Living Program, as you're getting closer to living independently, things like school, jobs, and volunteer work become really important. We strongly encourage these activities as they play a key role in your path to independence. We’ll be there to support you every step of the way as you figure out what works best for you.
What happens if a client struggles to meet expectations?
Cornerstones of Maine believes that behavior changes through support, encouragement, and learning—not punishment. When a client is struggling, we work together to identify their current challenges and build solutions to overcome them. Successes and setbacks are equally valuable as learning opportunities.
Residential Treatment Center & Young Adult Transitional Living Community
Do clients have roommates?
Clients in our Transitional Living program typically have roommates. Sharing space helps build communication, accountability, and social skills.
At the Residential Treatment Center, there are a few dedicated single rooms. At the Apartment Living Program, they have a single room.
Private rooms may be available on a case-by-case basis depending on the program and client needs.
Are meals provided?
Residential Treatment Center
Yes, meals are provided. Clients are encouraged to participate in meal planning and preparation to the extent appropriate for their level of care. Staff provide additional support as needed.
Transitional Living Program
Meal planning and preparation are essential life skills—and ones we help clients cultivate. Clients grocery shop, cook, and eat together, with staff support and nutrition education as needed.
Apartment Living Program
Clients receive a weekly grocery card and are responsible for their own grocery shopping and meal planning. In Aftercare, clients are not living in Cornerstones housing, and are entirely responsible for their groceries and meals.
How does the program help clients learn to build social connections?
Our entire community is designed to help clients develop and strengthen healthy relationships. Through shared living arrangements, collaborative learning, and structured group activities, clients gain skills in communication, boundary-setting, and emotional regulation.
These experiences build a strong foundation for greater independence in later phases of the program, including apartment living and aftercare.
In Apartment Living, clients are encouraged to spend time together outside of required programming, but they organize and plan on their own. Cornerstones offers a monthly gathering for clients in Apartment Living and those in Aftercare as a way of exposing clients to various activities in the Portland area.
What is the age range of the household?
Most residents are between 18–28 years old, with occasional consideration for clients up to age 30. The average resident age is 21.
What is the typical length of stay?
- Residential Treatment Center (RTC): 30–90 days
- Transitional Living Program: 6–12 months
- Apartment Living Program: 3 months* (optional phase within the Transitional Living Program)
- Aftercare Program: 3–12 months
Please note:
The Apartment Living Program is an optional phase within the Transitional Living Program designed to foster greater independence. Clients live in shared apartments without on-site staff while continuing to receive therapeutic and life skills support.
Completion of the Transitional Living Program is required to be eligible for Apartment Living. However, not all clients participate in this phase, and it is not offered at a reduced cost.
Clients may begin at either the Residential Treatment Center or the Transitional Living Program depending on their needs.
How often is the house supervised by staff?
All houses are staffed 24-7, with sleep-in staff at night.
Can a client have a phone and computer?
- Residential Treatment Center: Structured access is permitted during the day, with the possibility of increased access on weekends if approved by the Treatment Team. This environment is designed to support in-person connection, mental clarity, and personal growth.
- Transitional Living Program: Clients may bring their own devices. Technology use is structured and monitored. Limits may be imposed if use interferes with progress.
- Apartment Living Program: Clients manage their own technology use, with periodic staff coaching and accountability check-ins.
How much independence and autonomy does each client have?
We are an individualized, client-centered program. Upon admission, each client has an individualized program that will dictate their level of independence and autonomy.
Can clients bring cars?
Yes.
Are you LGBTQIA+ friendly?
Yes. We provide all-gender accommodations that are LGBTQIA+ affirming. We also have weekly gender-inclusive, sex-positive education.
Is medication management available?
Yes. Our psychiatric providers work closely with clients to provide medication management as needed, ensuring that all treatment decisions are collaborative and individualized.
Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
What is neurodivergent-affirming care?
Neurodivergence should be valued and supported. Our neurodivergent-affirming transitional living program helps clients learn skills to build relationships, pursue education, achieve career goals, and thrive in independent living — all while celebrating their natural strengths.
Our Neurodivergent-Affirming Track (Rubedo) is unique in that it provides tailored support for these young adults with ASD, ADHD, NVLD, and executive functioning challenges, including:
- A dedicated neurodivergent-affirming residence
- Sensory-friendly environments
- An on-site occupational therapist and executive functioning coaching
- Social skills training and more
Paying for Residential Treatment and Transitional Living
Do you accept insurance?
Our residential treatment center can accept out of network benefits. Our transitional living program is a private pay program. We do support insurance reimbursement for our clinical services. We can provide superbills for monthly program costs related to direct clinical services.
Can clients bring money?
We provide restrictions on what clients can bring and how much their families can support them financially. This enables us to build a successful budgeting program for our clients.
How much does it cost to join the Cornerstones of Maine Community?
Tuition at Cornerstones of Maine varies by stage and decreases as clients progress.
Residential Treatment Center
The daily rate for the RTC is $2,000 per day, with length of stay ranging from 30-90 days. The RTC program does support families to bill insurance, however no guarantee is made that insurance will reimburse our services. Families may take advantage of scholarship rates through our Financial Aid Application. The minimum daily rate with the maximum financial aid allotment is $1,250 a day.
Young Adult Transitional Living Program
The Transitional Living Program daily rate is $567 per day ($17,000 a month), with an average length of 10 months. The Transitional Living Program does not accept insurance, but will support families’ efforts to seek reimbursement for clinical services. Tuition for the first 30 days is due before enrollment and is billed on a monthly basis, 15 days prior to each enrolled month.
Aftercare Program
The Aftercare Program daily rate is $133.00 a day ($4,000 a month), with an average length of 3 months. The Aftercare Program does not accept insurance, but will support families’ efforts to seek reimbursement for clinical services. Tuition for the first 30 days is due before enrollment and is billed on a monthly basis 15 days prior to each enrolled month.
We’re Here to Help
Have other questions that you don’t see listed here? Our team of young adult experts is standing by to help you find the clarity, support, and confidence you need to move forward.