David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider, is proud to announce the launch of the DLC Wellness Institute, a reimagined approach to prevention, education and community wellness services.

            For years, DLC’s prevention and education team has been a driving force behind efforts to promote mental health awareness, prevent substance misuse and build community resilience. As DLC continues to grow and evolve to meet increasing community needs, its prevention and education services has been rebranded to reflect DLC’s belief that prevention is foundational to overall wellness and that healthy communities begin with education, connection and compassion.

            Through interactive presentations and training sessions, team members provide essential tools and resources focused on strengthening emotional well-being and building skills to navigate life’s stressors, while mitigating the risk of behavioral health concerns like substance use and suicide. The DLC Wellness Institute will not only continue delivering these existing prevention and education initiatives, work that reached approximately 13,000 community members in 2025, but also introduce expanded offerings including workshops, wellness series and new initiatives that support everyday mental health practices, ensuring community members have access to the tools they need to live healthier, more resilient lives.

            “As our community’s mental health needs continue to grow, so must our efforts to support them,” said Jessica Liria, director of community wellness and impact, who leads the DLC Wellness Institute. “The Wellness Institute allows us to reach more people, offer more resources and make wellness accessible to every corner of Collier County.”

            This rebrand reflects DLC’s ongoing mission to normalize conversations about wellness, encouraging community members to take small, proactive steps toward healthier living. By reaffirming that everyone deserves access to resources that nurture positive mental health, reduce stigma and build connections, the DLC Wellness Institute marks an important milestone in DLC’s mission to meet the community’s evolving needs and support holistic well-being.

            For more than 55 years, DLC has been committed to ensuring behavioral health care is available to everyone in need through education, prevention, intervention and treatment. DLC delivers care throughout the community through six distinct centers of operation, including: emergency services; children and young adult services; adult services; addiction recovery; awareness and prevention; and virtual care.

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.