How It Works
Supporting Access and Assistance Program (SAAP) uses a direct-to-client reimbursement model to help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of psychotherapy services for eligible participants in Franklin County, Maine. Rather than assigning clients to specific providers, SAAP helps reimburse approved psychotherapy copays after services have been received and required documentation has been submitted. This approach helps preserve client choice, privacy, and independence while supporting continued access to care.
Your Session
Eligible participants continue working with their chosen licensed mental health provider. After attending a covered psychotherapy session, the participant submits proof of payment for the copay associated with that session.
Review & Approval
SAAP reviews the submitted documentation to confirm that the expense meets program guidelines. Once approved, reimbursement is issued directly to the participant based on the approved amount and available program funding.
Check Mailed
Checks are typically issued by mail within 7–10 business days following approval of an eligible reimbursement request.
Why This Model Matters
Many insured individuals continue to face financial barriers to mental health care despite having health insurance coverage. While insurance can help reduce the overall cost of treatment, psychotherapy copays and other out-of-pocket expenses can still create challenges for individuals seeking consistent access to care. For some, these costs may lead to delayed appointments, interrupted treatment, or difficulty maintaining long-term therapeutic support.
SAAP's direct-to-client reimbursement model was developed to help address these challenges while preserving individual choice and independence. Rather than assigning participants to specific providers or influencing treatment decisions, the program allows individuals to continue working with the licensed mental health professionals they have selected. This approach helps ensure that participants remain in control of their care while receiving financial assistance for eligible psychotherapy copays.
By reimbursing approved copays after services have been received, SAAP can provide support in a manner that is both flexible and accountable. The model helps reduce financial barriers to ongoing therapy while promoting responsible stewardship of program resources. It also helps protect participant privacy by maintaining a clear distinction between financial assistance and clinical care.
At its core, this approach is designed to make continued access to mental health support more affordable for eligible participants while respecting the personal nature of the therapeutic relationship. By helping individuals remain connected to care, SAAP seeks to support long-term well-being and strengthen access to mental health services throughout Franklin County.
Program Funding and Limits
Participants approved for assistance are awarded a designated reimbursement amount based on program guidelines and available funding. As eligible psychotherapy copays are submitted and approved, reimbursement payments are deducted from the participant's approved assistance amount throughout the eligibility period. This approach allows SAAP to provide predictable support while ensuring that available prograParticipants approved for assistance are awarded a designated reimbursement amount based on program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and available funding. This approved amount represents the maximum level of assistance available to the participant during their eligibility period, which is generally one year. As eligible psychotherapy copays are submitted and approved, reimbursement payments are deducted from the participant's remaining assistance balance until the approved amount has been fully utilized or the eligibility period has ended.
This approach allows participants to access support over time as they continue attending therapy rather than receiving assistance through a single payment. By distributing funds in this manner, SAAP can help support ongoing engagement in mental health treatment while providing participants with a clear understanding of the assistance available to them throughout the year. Participants who continue to meet program requirements may be eligible to reapply for assistance at the end of their eligibility period, subject to program guidelines and available funding.
As a nonprofit organization, SAAP relies on donations, grants, fundraising efforts, and other community support to fund participant assistance. Careful management of available resources helps ensure that approved participants receive the support they have been awarded while promoting fairness, accountability, and responsible stewardship of charitable funds. This funding structure also helps SAAP maintain program sustainability and continue serving eligible individuals throughout Franklin County as resources allow.m funds are distributed responsibly and sustainably.
As a nonprofit organization, SAAP relies on donations, grants, fundraising efforts, and other community support to fund participant assistance. Program funding is carefully managed to help ensure that approved participants receive the support they have been awarded while preserving the long-term sustainability of the program and its mission.
Important Note: SAAP is not an insurance provider, healthcare provider, or crisis service. The program helps eligible participants afford psychotherapy services by providing financial assistance for approved copays. All treatment decisions and clinical services remain the responsibility of the participant and their licensed mental health provider.