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David Lawrence

Centers

Back-to-School:
The Collier County Behavioral Health
T he C ollier C ount y Be ha v ior al He alt h
er
, a par
ent
Center, a partnership between David
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Lawrence Centers and Collier County,
L a w r enc e C ent er s and C ollier C ount y , Supporting Children’s
will nearly triple the number of adults
w ill ne ar l y t r iple t he number of adult s
DLC can serve, including those requiring
DL C c an ser v e , inc ludin g t hose r eq uir in g
inpatient care through the Baker Act and
in pa t ient c ar e t hr ou g h t he Bak er A c t and Mental Health for a
c
hman A
he Mar
the Marchman Act, as well as seniors with
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s senior
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Medicare who Successful Year
Medic
need in pa t ient
need inpatient
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e.
by Jessica Liria, Director of Prevention and Education Services
at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health
or many families, the beginning of a beforehand will allow children to sleep better during the first
new school year offers a fresh start, weeks of school.
F marking the start of an exciting new Designate a homework area: To strengthen focus, designate
chapter with the return to classmates, learning a specific place for homework with limited distractions. Display
and a variety of activities. At David Lawrence artwork or schoolwork proudly to build confidence in their
Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), we academics and create an encouraging environment. Build time into
understand it can also spark a wave of stress, your routine to review their assignments and provide support when
anxiety and worry in both children and their needed.
caregivers, causing a shift in children’s behavior that can affect Be actively engaged: Meet your child’s teachers and
their ability to learn. communicate any important information they may need to know
Mental health issues, especially among youth, have sharply including allergies and medical concerns, or things that help your
increased over the past several years, with nearly 20% of child calm down when they are upset. Get to know the school’s
those who received DLC services in 2024 being children and administrators, youth resource deputy and counselors too.
adolescents. The back-to-school season can trigger or exacerbate Discuss action plans: Before school begins, have conversations
these issues. Common stressors around this time include a busier with your student about what to do if certain situations occur, such
schedule, social conflicts and academic pressures. To combat this, as what to do if they experience bullying, miss the bus or get lost.
DLC wants to ensure caregivers are properly equipped to support Preparing children with safety steps and reassuring messaging can
their students, setting them up for the best possible new school help reduce their anxiety in the moment.
year. Be informed: Acknowledge the fact that your child may be
Preparing your child for a successful back-to-school season exposed to social media apps or websites that you would not
Much of the back-to-school stress can derive from a typically allow at home. Stay current on the apps used most often
change in routine. Children typically thrive with a general, by students and prepare your student on what to expect and
predictable routine, and the end of their summer schedule can be necessary safety precautions. If your child has a cell phone or tablet,
uncomfortable. There are a variety of techniques caregivers can establish an agreement for its use.
use to ease this transition and set their children up for a successful How DLC can support children and families
learning experience, including: DLC is ready to help set up your family for success. Our goal at
School shopping: Make shopping for school supplies and DLC is to give children and teenagers the tools they need to have
new clothes into a fun experience. Getting students excited about a healthy and vibrant future through thoughtful and intentional
their new materials will encourage a more positive outlook on the combinations of education, prevention, intervention and treatment.
school year ahead. Our diverse programs include community-based services, voluntary
Plan ahead: Review the academic calendar before school day programs, psychiatric and medication evaluation, inpatient
starts to identify early release and no school dates and make services and outpatient therapy and counseling as well as holistic
arrangements ahead of time. If possible, maintain your routine therapies such as art and pet therapy, nutrition and structured
these days and build in learning activities. fitness. Through this personalized care, the best-in-class staff at
Ease into a routine: Start transitioning into your school DLC gives children and young adults in need the best chance to
schedule one to two weeks before school starts. Adjusting express themselves.
to earlier wake-up and bedtimes can take time, so practicing To learn more about the work DLC is doing to provide lifesaving
and life-changing behavioral health care to those in need,
visit DLCenters.org
Life in Naples | August, September, October 2025 75