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Naples, Fl –David Lawrence Centers, Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit mental health and addiction treatment center serving children, adults and families, is pleased to announce the receipt of a $150,000 grant, over a two year period, from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. This grant will be used to incorporate more comprehensive, holistic services for children and adolescents residing in the 8-bed inpatient Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit who are experiencing an acute behavioral, emotional or psychiatric crisis. The funding will, in part, be used to employ a full-time Rehabilitation Specialist who will oversee the Children’s Crisis Unit Wellness Program and facilitate daily wellness groups.

David Lawrence Center’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.

David Lawrence Center’s holistic wellness services are designed improve the child’s overall level of functioning by reducing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and trauma and improving their behaviors and attitudes. The goal of the integrated recovery model is to improve the child’s overall quality of life by helping them succeed in school, improve relationships at home and develop healthy social interactions.

The Children’s Wellness Program includes a variety of highly specialized services provided by licensed professionals such as certified fitness training and education services, dietary and nutrition education, occupational therapy and music therapy.

Occupational therapy services utilize an activity-based approach to highlight areas of strength and engage the child in functional and age-appropriate tasks. These group-based services teach children to use the body to calm the mind, become more self- aware and regulate behaviors and emotions.

The music therapy component 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.

Additional wellness therapies include aromatherapy, coping skills groups and therapeutic journaling. Through the wellness program, each child receives a pre and post self- evaluation to monitor progress and outcomes.

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life and improving conditions for children and their families in selected communities across the United States. The foundation funds projects primarily in women and girl empowerment, disadvantaged youth and performing arts and looks for opportunities to assist grantees to achieve financial sustainability and integrate educational opportunities into their programs.

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers is a national leader in providing world-class mental health and substance use 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 220,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call (239) 491-7602 or visit www.DavidLawrenceCenter.org.

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