
Foundation Stone:
Young Adult Residential Treatment Center in Portland, Maine
Short-Term Mental Health Stabilization
Sometimes, young adults in crisis need more care than they can get at home. That doesn't necessarily mean they need to undergo an inpatient hospital experience. Cornerstones of Maine founded our short-term residential treatment center to provide our unique mix of clinical excellence and community to young adults in crisis. Whether struggling with depression, anxiety, mild to moderate substance use or another negative coping mechanism, young adults can take the first step to “un-stuck” at Foundation Stone.

Who Comes to Foundation Stone?
Young Adults Looking for a Way Forward
Talk to our team, and you'll hear stories about the different young adults who've found their way to our Portland program:
- College students overwhelmed by anxiety who've had to take medical leave
- Young adults with persistent depression that's keeping them isolated
- People in their 20s struggling with focus, organization, and following through (often those with ADHD and executive function challenges)
- Young adults struggling with feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or lack of motivation
- Young men and women dealing with past trauma that's blocking their ability to move forward
- Individuals who've tried outpatient therapy but need something more intensive
- Young adults stepping down from hospital stays who aren't ready to go directly home
There's no "typical" Foundation Stone client, but many share that feeling of being stuck, with traditional approaches falling short. Our 24/7 supportive environment bridges the gap between weekly therapy sessions and hospital-level care. Most clients stay between 30-90 days, giving them time to stabilize and develop a real plan for moving forward. That may include continuing on within our program, or going somewhere else.
What Happens During Short-Term Residential Treatment?
Daily life at Foundation Stone balances structure with flexibility—a rhythm that provides the security many young adults need to begin the process of healing. Treatment plans are unique to each client, but may include:
The Foundation Stone Experience
Our residential setting feels more like a trusted family member’s home than a facility. Young adults have their own space while being part of a community that understands what they're going through. No matter where they come to us from, our process sets them up for success.

First Things First: Stabilization
When young adults first arrive, they're often in crisis: exhausted, overwhelmed, and doubtful about whether things can improve. Our immediate focus is creating safety and reducing that acute distress. With round-the-clock support, clients begin to experience relief from the intensity of their symptoms while developing practical ways to manage difficult moments. This breathing room creates the foundation for deeper work.

Getting the Full Picture: Assessment
Once the initial crisis has eased, our team works to understand the full story. What's been tried before? What's helped … even a little? What strengths can we build on? This assessment isn't just about diagnosing problems; it's about mapping out possibilities and creating a treatment plan that makes sense for each person's unique situation.

Planning for What's Next: Treatment Recommendations
From day one, we're thinking about what happens after Foundation Stone. Whether that means stepping down to our Stepping Stone transitional living program or returning to community-based care, every client leaves with a concrete plan. Our team coordinates with therapists, doctors, and educational/vocational resources to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
Our Team:
Experience That Matters
Founded by Drs. Jacob Gelles and Joshua Altschule, the entire Cornerstones of Maine programs reflect their decades of experience working with young adults who are capable but struggling. At Foundation Stone, they have built an entire team of dedicated professionals who've chosen to specialize in young adult mental health.
Taking That First Step
If you're a young adult feeling overwhelmed, or you're worried about someone in your life who's struggling, reaching out could be that crucial first move toward change. Every journey to recovery starts with a single move — let this be yours.