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Naples, Fl – David Lawrence Centers (DLC), Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit mental health and addiction recovery treatment center serving children, adults and families, is pleased to announce that the Community Foundation of Collier County has awarded the Center a $20,000 healthcare and mental healthcare grant for the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Holistic Wellness Program. The Community Foundation’s healthcare and mental healthcare grants are designed to provide teens with disabilities with mental health services, case management and access to health services.

This grant will help fund the comprehensive, holistic services for children and adolescents residing in the eight-bed inpatient unit who are experiencing an acute behavioral, emotional or psychiatric crisis. To meet the growing demand for 24/7 emergency mental health services, DLC doubled the capacity of the Children’s Crisis Unit in 2017 by adding four additional beds, a new bathroom and a secure, outdoor fitness and recreation area. The grant funding will support the increased holistic services provided as a result of the increased admissions on the new unit.

DLC’s integrated recovery method utilizes a holistic bio-psychosocial treatment approach that combines evidenced-based practices and state-of-the-art medical supervision, while teaching new skills and activities that the individual and family can incorporate into their daily lives after discharge.

The goal of this integrated recovery model is to reduce symptoms related to anxiety, depression and trauma, and improve the child’s overall functioning and quality of life. As a result, the child has a better opportunity to succeed in school and develop healthier relationships at home and in social interactions.

The Children’s Holistic Wellness Program includes a variety of services provided by licensed professionals, including:

• Certified fitness training and education services
• Dietary and nutrition education
• Occupational therapy
• Music therapy
• Aromatherapy
• Coping skills groups
• Therapeutic journaling

The grant funding will specifically support the expansion of the highly-specialized occupational and music therapy services. Occupational therapy utilizes an activity-based approach to highlight areas of strength and engage the child in functional and age-appropriate tasks. These groups teach children to use the body to calm the mind, become more self-aware and regulate behaviors and emotions. Music therapy incorporates live music, improvisation, guided imagery, creative songwriting and lyric analysis to engage the child or adolescent to shape and target behaviors, explore feelings and emotions, address complex clinical issues in a safe forum and address treatment goals and objectives.

David Lawrence Centers wellness services are complementary and are not covered by insurance.

Scott Burgess Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an essential part of mental health recovery, particularly for children. Holistic wellness services provide troubled children and teens a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, and help them practice healthy coping and social skills while residing with us. On behalf of the hundreds of children who will benefit from these enriching and holistic therapies, we offer our sincerest appreciation to the Community Foundation and their supporters for their continued support.”

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers is a national leader in providing world-class mental health and addiction recovery solutions for children, adolescents and adults. The Center’s innovative, integrated treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, David Lawrence Centers creates life-changing wellness for more than 9,000 people through over 225,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call (239) 491-7602 or visit www.DavidLawrenceCenter.org.