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 85,000 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 develops resources and treatments for families of children with a history of trauma and adversity, and provides training for healthcare providers and early childhood educators to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral health services.
In addition, Golisano also provides Mental Health Navigators who are unique as they offer case management, peer mentoring, parenting courses and help stabilize families by reducing obstacles to access behavioral health care, including basic needs. These navigators work with families by offering referrals to them directly at the hospital or through the school district.
Healthcare Network implements an integrated behavioral health care model, combining mental health and primary care services in one setting. With a focus on early intervention and holistic support, this approach produces the best outcomes for children with multiple healthcare needs.
NAMI’s Health Under Guided Systems (HUGS) program provides a continuum of care and early interventions to children from two months to 22 years who struggle with mental illness, developmental delays or behavioral difficulties.
Nicklaus Children’s Health System, with support from the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), is expanding pediatric behavioral health services in Collier County. In collaboration with Lighthouse Pediatrics and NCH Naples Comprehensive Health’s pediatric practice, this initiative enhances access to mental health care for underinsured families through screenings, interventions, consultations, and education. Mental health specialists provide community-based support, ensuring children receive the care they need, with connections to local organizations for ongoing assistance.
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
Between 2017-2022 there has been a 100% increase in the number of deaths by suicide for Collier County children aged 10-19. 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 develops resources and treatments for families of children with a history of trauma and adversity, and provides training for healthcare providers and early childhood educators to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral health services.
In addition, Golisano also provides Mental Health Navigators who are unique as they offer case management, peer mentoring, parenting courses and help stabilize families by reducing obstacles to access behavioral health care, including basic needs. These navigators work with families by offering referrals to them directly at the hospital or through the school district.
Healthcare Network implements an integrated behavioral health care model, combining mental health and primary care services in one setting. With a focus on early intervention and holistic support, this approach produces the best outcomes for children with multiple healthcare needs.
NAMI’s Health Under Guided Systems (HUGS) program provides a continuum of care and early interventions to children from two months to 22 years who struggle with mental illness, developmental delays or behavioral difficulties.
Nicklaus Children’s Health System, with support from the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), is expanding pediatric behavioral health services in Collier County. In collaboration with Lighthouse Pediatrics and NCH Naples Comprehensive Health’s pediatric practice, this initiative enhances access to mental health care for underinsured families through screenings, interventions, consultations, and education. Mental health specialists provide community-based support, ensuring children receive the care they need, with connections to local organizations for ongoing assistance.
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, NAMI of Collier County and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. 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!
