David Lawrence Centers highlights growing mental health needs during Mental Health Awareness Month
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider, is recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month by highlighting the growing need for accessible care across Southwest Florida. This year’s national theme, “More Good Days, Together,” underscores the importance of connection, access to care and community support in helping individuals experience greater stability and well-being.
The statistics are staggering. One in five adults nationwide experience mental illness each year. One in six youth have a mental health condition, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people. More than just numbers, these statistics represent the struggle of family, friends and neighbors and display the growing need for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services.
“At David Lawrence Centers, we see firsthand how mental health challenges impact individuals across our community,” said Scott Burgess, CEO of David Lawrence Centers. “Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to not only raise awareness, but to take meaningful action to reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help and ensure that care is available for everyone who needs it. When we work together as a community, we can help create more good days for individuals and families navigating these challenges.”
For decades, DLC has worked to ensure that those in need have access to the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay. Its impact spans across the community, serving thousands of individuals each year through inpatient, outpatient, residential and community-based programs.
In fiscal year 2025, DLC served 8,000 people through over 331,00 treatment sessions. That included 680 children and teens admitted to DLC’s children’s crisis stabilization unit and 1,465 adults admitted to the adult crisis stabilization unit for suicidal thoughts, depression and other behavioral health programs. These services help individuals move from crisis to stability, creating a stronger foundation for more good days over time.
In addition to direct care, DLC advances education and prevention through the DLC Wellness Institute, equipping community members with tools to support mental well-being and build resilience. In fiscal year 2025, more than 13,000 individuals participated in prevention and education training. Through classroom presentations, community workshops and partnerships across Collier County, the institute delivers resources on stress management, emotional well-being, substance use prevention and suicide awareness. These efforts help individuals recognize early warning signs and take proactive steps, strengthening community wellness and improving outcomes before a crisis occurs.
DLC is also expanding access to services through its Hope for Collier: Building Stronger Minds Together initiative, a community-wide effort to address the growing demand for behavioral health care through both capital improvements and programmatic expansion. The initiative includes the development of the Collier County Behavioral Health Center, which will significantly increase access to crisis care, the Van Domelen Children’s Center for Excellence and the Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center, providing more comprehensive, accessible care for individuals of all ages.
“Expanding access to care is one of the most important steps we can take as a community,” said Burgess. “These investments are about meeting people where they are and ensuring that when someone reaches out for help, the right services are available at the right time. That’s how we create a stronger system of care and more opportunities for individuals to experience stability and improved 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 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 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.
Additional Info
Media Contact : Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, Jenna@GSMA.pro
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