Strategic Initiatives
make a donation4Mental Health
Through the integration of primary care and behavioral health services, this strategic initiative creates a system of care that works to identify and prevent children’s mental health issues.
One in six youth experience a mental health disorder each year. Early identification, expert diagnosis and effective individual treatment of childhood psychiatric and behavioral disorders are needed, along with taking away the stigma for children and their families, and empowering them with help, hope and answers.
Since inception in 2012, over 75,000 youth have received effective and coordinated mental health services and treatment with 3,000 children annually screened during their pediatric well visits.
NCEF's Contribution to the Solution
Children’s Mental Health
The goal of the children’s Mental Health Initiative is to address the critical issues surrounding children’s mental health and work towards creating a brighter future for young minds.
David Lawrence Centers (DLC) provides essential, evidence-based specialty behavioral health services, such as outpatient psychiatric care, psychological testing, therapy and case management. DLC also assists in treating children who are experiencing acute psychiatric distress and are under the Baker Act.
The Center for Child Stress & Health was established at the Florida State University College of Medicine and was brought to Immokalee to provide resources to families and health care providers related to the treatment and prevention of toxic stress during childhood.
Golisano Children’s Hospital provides outreach, screening diagnosis, navigation, Applied Behavioral Analysis, support groups and parent training for children and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Healthcare Network (HCN) providers champion the integrated behavioral health care model, which incorporates mental health care and primary medical care services in one setting, producing the best outcomes for children with multiple healthcare needs.
NAMI’s Health Under Guided Systems (HUGS) program provides screening and early identification to children ages two months to 18 years who have current or potential for developing behavioral health problems.
The Threat
While “well visits” are reimbursed and incentivized within the medical payor system, there is no equivalent support for behavioral health. This lack of parity results in poor reimbursement rates, significantly limiting access to care. In Florida, access to mental health care is particularly challenging, with Collier being designated as a health professional shortage area for mental health.
The Need
In 2020, Collier witnessed the highest rate of deaths by suicide ever recorded, surpassing the state average. Additionally, the number of youths examined involuntarily under the Baker Act has significantly increased over the past decade. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency to address mental health challenges in our community.
Strategic Impact
NCEF’s efforts focus on establishing a continuum of care, advocating for awareness, prevention and enhancing service coordination.
David Lawrence Centers (DLC) provides essential, evidence-based specialty behavioral health services, such as outpatient psychiatric care, psychological testing, therapy and case management. DLC also assists in treating children who are experiencing acute psychiatric distress and are under the Baker Act.
The Center for Child Stress & Health was established at the Florida State University College of Medicine and was brought to Immokalee to provide resources to families and health care providers related to the treatment and prevention of toxic stress during childhood.
Golisano Children’s Hospital provides outreach, screening diagnosis, navigation, Applied Behavioral Analysis, support groups and parent training for children and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Healthcare Network (HCN) providers champion the integrated behavioral health care model, which incorporates mental health care and primary medical care services in one setting, producing the best outcomes for children with multiple healthcare needs.
NAMI’s Health Under Guided Systems (HUGS) program provides screening and early identification to children ages two months to 18 years who have current or potential for developing behavioral health problems.
Recognizing that the pediatric primary care setting is the main gateway to access care for children and youth, NCEF has brought together key providers in the community to help shift the provision of mental health services in Collier County to an integrated primary care model.
We are proud to collaborate with esteemed organizations that exemplify the highest efficacy standards.
Our Blueprint Partners include David Lawrence Centers, Florida State University College of Medicine with the Center for Child Stress & Health, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Healthcare Network and NAMI of Collier County. Together, we are committed to making a difference in children’s mental health.
Help Move Our Mission Forward
We encourage you to take an active role in supporting children’s mental health. You can start by learning to recognize and respond helpfully to mental health, substance use and trauma in our community. Stay informed about policy changes and take initiative by joining newsletters or community advocacy groups.
As the need in our community continues to grow, your giving strengthens our ability to achieve our mission. Thank you for support!
