Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Three local women have pooled their talents and resources to help others help themselves.
Mari Cochran, psychiatrist, M.D., Dianne Raymond, P-NP (psychiatric nurse practitioner), and Pat Canavan, LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), have all worked together at one time or another, but decided the “time was right” to go into business for themselves.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
CENTRAL AROOSTOOK PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES, LLC (CAPS) recently opened in Presque Isle. Pictured outside their office, located at 181 Academy St., Suite 4, are, from left: Pat Canavan, LCSW (licensed clinical social worker); Mari Cochran, psychiatrist, M.D., and Dianne Raymond, P-NP (psychiatric nurse practitioner). CAPS accepts all insurances, including Maine Care and Medicare, and is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Cochran said that they would all get together occasionally and talk jokingly about starting their own business. Then, last fall, it became a real idea.
“We decided it was something we were probably ready to do at this point in our lives,” she said. “We started talking more and more about it, and did some researching. While it took us six months to pull it all together and find a place, it has now come to fruition.”
Together, the women formed Central Aroostook Psychiatric Services, LLC (CAPS), which opened its doors March 31 in Presque Isle.
“We all do the same jobs now as we did in our previous positions … we just decided to try it on our own,” said Cochran, who diagnoses and treats with medication and psychotherapy.
“I see similar patients … consumers who are 18 years of age and older,” said Raymond. “I do primarily medication management and some supportive therapy.”
Canavan said she primarily sees consumers for psychotherapy.
“I work with people on helping them realize their potential, and how to make the changes they identify within their lives,” she said, noting that she sees adults, adolescents, and children.
Although CAPS treats patients that have a dual diagnosis, their practice does not provide substance abuse treatment specifically or emergency services.
“However, we work very much hand-in-hand with their primary care providers and other existing agencies in the area,” said Canavan.
Having worked in Fort Fairfield for Horizons, Cochran said they decided to name their business “Central Aroostook” to be more centrally located for the people who live in the surrounding communities.
“I also wanted to be more supportive to the local hospital. It was hard to do a consult when I was working in Fort Fairfield. It’s easier for me to see an urgent patient if I’m just down the street, than if I’m 20 minutes away,” she said. “I thought by moving to this location it would provide much better customer service. It’s not only easier for the patients, but the other doctors, as well.”
Canavan said she enjoys being closer to other doctors’ offices.
“It puts us right in line with all the other medical services that are offered in Presque Isle,” she said.
“It helps to integrate psychiatric services within the medical community,” said Raymond.
Despite having only been open for a couple of months, CAPS is already experiencing some growth.
“We’re in the process of hiring a second part-time therapist,” Cochran said. “We are very excited about how rapidly CAPS is growing. Both Dianne and Pat grew up in ‘The County,’ and I have been here for four years now. We’re all committed to staying and being here for our patients.”
CAPS accepts all insurances, including Maine Care and Medicare, and is currently welcoming new patients.
“It may be referrals from a provider, agency, or self-referral,” said Canavan.
“We are committed to continue to take new referrals and not have a long delay for this process,” Cochran said. “Our target is to get our referrals booked within two weeks.”
CAPS is located at 181 Academy St., Suite 4. Office hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays. To make an appointment, call Maggie Pangburn or Linda Hayes at 764-9700.
