Become An Affiliate
And make a living doing what you love
Health Affiliates Maine supports clinicians in building strong, independent and autonomous practices. Our innovative, collaborative approach is based on the principle of “helping the helpers.” We believe that if we serve behavioral health professionals well, they will serve their clients well, ultimately building healthy, resilient Maine communities.
As a clinician, becoming a HAM Affiliate means you have the autonomy to build the practice you want with the expertise of Health Affiliates Maine behind you. Our affiliate model provides mission-driven administrative and clinical support to independently licensed clinicians practicing via telehealth, in private offices, in schools, and in other community settings.
You choose your clients, schedule, and caseload. We help you navigate the bureaucracy of billing, insurance, payments, paperwork, marketing, and more.
Affiliation with HAM means freedom, flexibility, and support.
Benefits Include:
- Management of MaineCare units so you can continue to see your clients
- Network of trained case managers to refer to
- Credentialing and billing for MaineCare, Medicare, and private insurances
- CAQH updates
- Weekly reimbursement for MaineCare
- Referrals and clinical support
- Free trainings for CEUs and optional consultation groups
- Updates on the latest healthcare policies and regulations, and how they affect your practice
- Professional networking opportunities
Who can become an Affiliate?
LICENSED CLINICIANS:
LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, LCPC-c, LMFT-c, LADC, Licensed Psychologist, Psy.D.
INDEPENDENTLY LICENSED PSYCHIATRIC PROVIDERS:
MD, DO, APRN
To affiliate with HAM, you must also:
- Be licensed to practice in Maine
- Be covered by liability insurance
- Meet all required clinical standards
How do I become an Affiliate?
The first step is to complete our online application. If you meet eligibility requirements and your application is accepted, we will provide a service agreement and begin credentialing. At each stage, we will advise you on what documents are required.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact us! We love talking with you.
The support and guidance that HAM offers is essential for me in private practice. The expert supervision, quality-assurance, trainings, and timely billing services are all components that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish without HAM. HAM helps me better serve my clients and make my work sustainable.
Meghan L. Barker, LCSW
North Star Counseling
Belfast, ME
I love how Health Affiliates Maine cultivates a culture of kindness and compassion. In all of my communication with HAM staff, I feel supported and valued. I also appreciate the great training that HAM offers.
Kimberly J Nagy, LCSW
Still Waters Counseling, LLC
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider the affiliate model for my private practice?
Many clinicians start a private practice in order to gain a greater sense of control over their work day, to provide care how and when they would prefer, and, at times, to better serve the needs of people in their own community. Often, clinicians would like to provide care to clients with MaineCare but are worried about the bureaucracy of billing and/or the risk of low reimbursement. Affiliating with a licensed agency allows more time to devote to client care and less time managing administrative tasks (i.e., billing, audits, etc.). As a practice owner, you can focus on providing high-quality services to clients with minimal insurance-related disruptions.
Why Choose Health Affiliates Maine?
We have a dedicated Affiliate Relations department designed to answer all affiliate questions, act as a liaison to all of HAM’s services, and support you in accessing resources in the community to ensure your success as a private practice clinician.
Can I do this part time?
Yes. Many of our clinicians started with a part-time practice, perhaps on their day off, evenings, or weekends, until they were comfortable with the experience of private practice. Some have continued their practice part-time; others have expanded to full-time. We support clinicians in finding the best work-life balance for themselves.
Can I make a private practice work financially?
We have a waitlist for outpatient and psychiatric services that can assist in building a caseload. If you do not already have a client referral base, it will take time to build a caseload. Our Affiliate Relations team can offer recommendations for marketing your practice.
What about my current clients?
There are a few steps to transition your clients to HAM. Our Credentialing, Billing, and Program Integrity team can support you through the steps as you proceed through the affiliation process.