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Naples, Fl – David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider serving children, adults and families, will host a series of educational opportunities throughout the month of May to enhance children’s mental health education at no cost to the community in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month and Children’s Mental Health Day on May 11, 2023. The goal of these events is to help prevent crises, suicidal thoughts and suffering among the growing number children and adolescents in Collier County who are struggling with anxiety, depression and hopelessness.

A Growing Crisis

For many adults, the first two decades of existence are associated with memories of being carefree and adventurous. It was a time to play, have fun and focus only on the present. As we grow into adulthood, life gets busier and more stressful; there are careers to build, families to raise, bills to pay and so little time to do it all. Sadly, the reality is that youth today often do not feel these positive thoughts about their lives and their mental health is suffering.

According to the CDC, 26% of high school students experienced feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness in 2009; this grew to 37% in 2019, and 44% in 2021. By 2018, suicide became the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-24.

The state of local youth mental health is evident in demand for DLC’s crisis care. DLC operates the only Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CCSU) in Collier County. This facility provides immediate access to a safe place for anyone experiencing thoughts of harming themselves or in a mental health emergency. CCSU admissions have increased steadily since 2013. From fiscal year 2021 to 2022, there was an 18% increase in the need for this service.

“This is a time for everyone to pay attention, get involved, and offer hope,” said DLC CEO Scott Burgess. “As a society, we must work together to ensure the wellness and resilience of our future leaders and community members. By acknowledging the challenges faced and looking for solutions, we can all take part in changing these staggering statistics.”

SCHEDULE OF PRESENTATIONS (Learn more and register at DLCenters.org/Events)

Building the Foundation: Infant Mental Health

• This virtual presentation will feature an overview of the cognitive changes that occur in the brains of children ages birth to 3 years. Participants will learn about 10 developmental leaps and strategies to incorporate into their interaction with young children. Self-care tips and emotion management techniques will be discussed and resources will be provided.
  • Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: May 11, 2023 | 8:30-9:15am and 1:00-1:45pm

Shining the Light on Youth Mental Health

• This virtual presentation will review statistics and data related to the mental health of children and adolescents and will address common challenges for youth, including most prevalent diagnoses. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, address concerns, and utilize resources available in the community.
  • May 9^th, 2023 | 12-12:45pm
  • Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: May 11, 2023 | 9:45 – 10:30am and 2:30 – 3:15pm

Let’s Talk About It!

• This virtual presentation discusses some of the biggest safety concerns among youth: social media, substance use and violence. Participants will learn about prevalence data and trends, and how to have preventative conversations with children and adolescents related to these topics.

• • May 10, 2023 | 12 – 12:45pm
  • Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: May 11, 2023 |11 – 11:45am and 4 – 4:45pm

The Power of Community (Question, Persuade, Refer [QPR] Suicide Prevention Training)

• This in-person presentation features an overview of mental health, common challenges and warning signs, how to discuss concerns with others, and available resources. Each attendee will be trained in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR): an evidence-based suicide prevention certification. A tour of DLC and refreshments will be provided.
  • May 20, 2023 | 10am – 12:30pm at the Telford Building on DLC’s Main Campus

Youth Mental Health First Aid

• Through this in-depth interactive training, attendees earn a three-year certification and will learn to identify concerns by better understanding signs and symptoms and risk factors. By focusing on real-life scenarios, participants will develop, and practice, the skills learned to support and intervene in crisis situations. Trainings include two hours of self-paced content, followed by a 4.5-hour, instructor-led session.
  • May 26, 2023 | 9am to 2pm

Event Registration

To learn more about these events or to register, visit DLCenters.org/events or call 239-455-8500.

Education Partner

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day presentations on May 11th are being supported by the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF). As a leader in NCEF’s Mental Health Initiative, David Lawrence Centers collaborates with other nonprofits to implement groundbreaking programs that aids in identifying and preventing children’s mental health issues. NCEF Blueprint Partners exemplify the highest efficacy standards, and also include Florida State University College of Medicine, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Healthcare Network and NAMI of Collier County.

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 more than 9,000 people through over 314,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org.