David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider serving children, adults and families, is pleased to announce the appointment of Meagan Weems as lead child therapist at David Lawrence Centers.

The new role was established in response to the growing need for enhanced, accessible behavioral health services for children and families across Collier County. Weems will provide therapy exclusively to children and adolescents in addition to playing an essential role in building and maintaining community partnerships focused on youth services.

“As our community faces the most severe mental health and substance use crisis in its history, the need for specialized care for children and families as never been greater,” said Angela Lopez, director of medical services & practice management at DLC. “Today’s youth are navigating unprecedented levels of emotional distress, trauma and instability that impact not only their wellbeing but the health of our entire community. We are honored to welcome Meagan, whose experience and dedication will help strengthen the support systems our children and families rely on and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.”

A licensed clinical social worker, Weems brings extensive experience in clinical therapy, crisis intervention and program development across schools, treatment centers and community-based organizations. She has served in leadership positions at the Center for Progress and Excellence and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and worked as a school intervention therapist at Collier County Public Schools.

Weems earned both her master's and bachelor's degrees in social work from Florida Gulf Coast University. She holds clinical licensure through the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work and maintains certifications in crisis intervention, suicide prevention and FEMA emergency management.

"I am excited to join David Lawrence Centers in their mission to serve all our community’s families as the new Lead Child Therapist,” said Weems.” Working alongside all the great teams at DLC—and community partners—we will make a lasting positive change."

For more than 50 years, DLC has been committed to ensuring behavioral health care is available to everyone in need through education, prevention, intervention and treatment. DLC is currently the provider of all publicly funded acute care behavioral health services in Collier County and is an established 988 Lifeline Center. DLC delivers care throughout the community through six distinct centers of operation, including mental health, addiction recovery, emergency services, awareness and prevention, virtual care, and children and young adults.

To learn more about the lifesaving and life-changing services and programs offered by David Lawrence Centers, visit DLCenters.org

About David Lawrence Centers 

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents, and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 8,000 people through over 331,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, visit DLCenters.org or call 239-455-8500.