Center for Student Develoment

Sarah Carnahan

Director of Mental Health and Counseling Services
Franklin Hall Rm 215
207-778-7091
sarah.carnahan@maine.edu

Biography

Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, UMF alum (’06), and serves as the Director of UMF’s Mental Health & Counseling Services. In addition to her MSW, Sarah has a Master’s in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, both from The Ohio State University. She is also President of The Eating Disorders Association of Maine. Outside of the office, Sarah is passionate about performing in community theater and spoiling her numerous pets.

Sarah graduated from UMF in 2006, with a B.A. in Women’s Studies, and a minor in
Psychology. After graduation, Sarah attended The Ohio State University, where she received an
M.A. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work. While
at OSU, Sarah also taught courses in the Dept of Women’s Studies and completed an internship
in the counseling center. Prior to returning to UMF, Sarah worked as a therapist in Lewiston and
Rumford, Maine. Sarah works with a wide variety of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, eating
disorders/body image, sexuality, gender, life events/transitions, race/ethnicity, and academic
challenges.

Sarah on What to Expect from Counseling:
When you arrive at your first counseling session, you’ll be asked to fill out some basic forms
including general demographic information, a confidentiality statement, and a consent
agreement. You and I will then meet to discuss what brings you to counseling, what your goals
are, and how we can work together to meet those goals. I take a collaborative, person-centered
approach to working with clients, meaning that I will tailor my style to best meet your needs. In
general, I use strengths-based techniques and frequently draw on elements of dialectical behavior
therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. For some students, two or three sessions might be
enough to accomplish your goals, while others prefer a more ongoing relationship.

Email umfcounseling@maine.edu or call 207-778-7034 during open hours to schedule an
appointment.  All students with billable insurance can have up to three visits per semester
without a co-pay charge. After three visits, you will be charged the co-pay amount associated
with your insurance plan. Students with insurance that we cannot bill or who fail to present a
health insurance card will be charged $20 for every visit. Students who have not met their annual
insurance deductible or if your insurance company denies a submitted claim, will be charged $20
for the office visit. Students never have to pay up-front for services; they may have any charges
added to their student account.

Accountability
Any dissatisfaction or complaints may be registered by contacting Any dissatisfaction or
complaints may be registered by contacting Christine Wilson, Vice President of Student Affairs
and Enrollment Management or the State Board of Social Worker Licensure, 35 State House
Station Augusta, (207) 624-8623.

Degrees

2013, Master of Social Work, clinical concentration, The Ohio State University
2006, BA, Women's Studies, The University of Maine Farmington
2009, MA, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University