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David Lawrence Centers

Partners With

Dennis Quaid

To Shine Light On

Children’s Mental Health

by David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

rom navigating family dynamics and new stages of growth Maxim Chasanov, the medical director at DLC, Kamela Patton,
and development to a barrage of social media and societal former Collier County superintendent, and Lisa Kahn-Allen, a
F pressures, children and adolescents throughout Southwest Naples parent and mental health advocate.
Florida face monumental challenges that can have a lasting impact “There are so many different health challenges that our kids have
on their mental health and well-being. today,” said Kahn-Allen in the segment. “I know in my own family,
As a national leader in mental and behavioral health, David moods can be mercurial, responses to any type of change in schedule
Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health is honored to be featured … can really upset the apple cart of a family in the morning and
on Viewpoint Project with Dennis Quaid to offer insights on ways throughout the day of a child who struggles with mental health
we can work together to combat the children’s mental health crisis in issues.”
our community. Viewpoint Project has captivated viewers nationwide with its
DLC has experienced an increased need for mental health and engaging content and unique perspectives on various topics. The
wellness services for children, young adults and their families. In project is dedicated to the mission of developing and distributing
2022, nearly 30% of middle and high school students in Collier social and educational programming about our neighbors, our
County reported they felt sad or hopeless for more than two weeks community and the world. Each story has one thing in common –
in a row during the previous year. That was up from approximately changing our lives for the better.
9% in 2016. By shining a light on the mental health crisis impacting youth and
Furthermore, suicide is now the second leading cause of death their families in our community and across the nation, we can raise
among children and young adults nationwide. In 2023, more awareness about DLC’s mission and the array of support available,
than 670 children and teens received critical care through DLC’s giving children experiencing behavioral health challenges the best
Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit for suicidal thoughts, depression chance for a healthy future by eliminating barriers to vital services and
and other behavioral health struggles. providing an evidence-based continuum of care. Through a thoughtful
“At DLC, we’re working in the community to raise awareness, and intentional combination of education, intervention and treatment
decrease stigma and try to help the community better understand that’s holistic and personalized, we can achieve the best results for all
the signs and the symptoms so that we can get early identification children and young adults in need.
of these issues and then early intervention,” said Scott Burgess, Quaid, an Emmy Award-winning and two-time Golden Globe
the chief executive officer at DLC. “We know that makes a big nominee, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Sound Minds event
difference in the short- and long-term prognosis and, with early on March 20. This annual signature event raises critical funding
intervention, we can literally change life trajectories for the better. intended to provide access to quality care for children, families and
With the rise in children’s mental health challenges across the adults throughout Collier County.
country and here in our community, it’s imperative that we address To watch the segment, visit
these needs preventatively.” viewpointproject.com/features-david-lawrence-centers
DLC’s children’s behavioral health care program offers a variety For more information about David Lawrence Centers for
of services for children and their families, including a voluntary day Behavioral Health or our substance use programs,
treatment program, inpatient and outpatient services, and supportive visit DLCenters.org
community resources, such as case management and translation
services.
These lifesaving and life-changing programs were recently
featured on Viewpoint Project, a nationally broadcast television
program hosted by Quaid airing on public television stations. The
episode featured interviews with Scott Burgess, CEO of DLC, Dr.
Scan to learn more

Life in Naples | January 2025 75