Dr. Pia Marancik knew when she was in high school she had an interest in helping people through their problems, and that is why she became a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctorate in counseling, to help people be the best they can be.
She took a course in psychology in high school, before going to college, and at the same time helped her high school friends deal with their problems. “It was then I knew I could help people, and decided what I wanted to be,” she said.
Marancik opened the Midcoast Family Wellness Center this past fall on Route 1 in Edgecomb. The center is just beyond the Cod Cove Inn going toward Damariscotta on the right-hand side in a small, white house. The office is designed with comfortable private therapy spaces for children and adults.
The purpose of the family wellness center is to provide mental health treatment and support to people in the community.
Marancik is very passionate and excited about her work and helping people reach their personal goals. “There is a need for this service. People who are hurting need to talk about it, and we are here to provide our clients counseling and develop solutions for their individual concerns and needs.
“Growing up I came from a family that gave me love and support. I had people close to me that didn’t have that love and support, they were hurting and did not know where to go for help,” Marancik said.
Community education on mental health is a priority for Marancik. “It is important for people who have problems to know where they can get treatment and support. My goal is to be out in the community educating the public on mental health. I want to be part of the community letting people know there is help available,” she said. “I get great joy from helping people.”
The wellness center offers clients help and treatment on issues such as age-related conditions, anxiety, worry or fears; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; autism spectrum disorder; dementia and other cognitive concerns; depression and other mood disorders, and phase and life concerns. Other services offered at the wellness center include adult, child, and family group therapy; couples therapy; career assistance and guidance; elder support; psychological assessment, and much more.
Marancik welcomes invitations to speak at events and at schools on mental health issues in the community. “Not to promote my business, but to help educate the public on the issue,” she said.
Currently the office hours are by appointment only. An appointment can be scheduled by calling 350-9875. The center also offers free consultations.
Marancik, a native of Maryland and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, is now in Maine because she married a Maine native. Her husband, Greg Marancik, is from East Orland and wanted to come home to Maine. “So we packed up and came to Maine,” she said.
They are now living in Jefferson. The couple have a daughter, Elani, just a few months old. Greg Marancik is an educational administrator working for Specialized Education Services Inc. , a nationwide provider of specialized day schools and program services for K-12 students.
For more information about the Midcoast Family Wellness Center, visit www.mfwc.net.
(Correction, Sept. 19, 2017: The original version of this article misspelled Marancik and incorrectly identified Marancik’s home state, alma mater, and a class she took in high school. The Lincoln County News regrets the errors.)
