Children and Teens Mental Health Services
Comprehensive Mental Health Support for Adolescents
At David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), we offer personalized inpatient and outpatient care for children and teenagers facing mental health challenges. Our evidence-based treatments address a range of emotional, psychiatric, and behavioral concerns, with a strong focus on recovery and overall well-being.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call our 24-hour phone line at (239) DLC-HELP (239-352-4357) or dial 911.
David Lawrence Centers Program Referral Form
Please complete this form, and a member of our team will get back to you promptly. If this is a medical emergency, please call 911. If this is a behavioral health crisis, please call our Mobile Response Team at 239-354-4357.
How We Help
Adolescent Day Program
DLC’s Adolescent Day Program provides medically supervised treatment for teens aged 13 to 17, addressing psychiatric symptoms that impact daily life, such as self-care, school, and relationships. The program aims to improve functioning and reduce the need for hospitalization.
Led by a multidisciplinary team, including a pediatric psychiatrist, licensed clinicians, and a nurse, the program offers structured support and safe coping strategies without the need for inpatient care.
Teens participate in daily therapy and wellness groups, along with individual therapy and family support, ensuring holistic care to promote lasting wellness.
Contact your child’s primary care provider today for a referral to DLC’s Adolescent Day Program
Inpatient Services
Crisis Stabilization & Baker Act Receiving
We provide 24/7 inpatient crisis stabilization and Baker Act receiving for children and teens in urgent need of mental health support. We offer immediate evaluation and care, with personalized treatment plans.
Our team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and other professionals collaborate to provide timely and effective support, addressing a variety of mental health crises such as suicidal thoughts, trauma, severe anxiety, and substance use. Referrals can come from parents, law enforcement, hospitals, or schools. Each child or teen receives an individualized treatment plan and short-term care designed to stabilize their condition and support their recovery.
Florida Mental Health Act (Baker Act)
The Florida Mental Health Act, commonly known as the Baker Act, is a state law that allows for the involuntary examination and treatment of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The Act ensures those who fit the criteria can receive the immediate care and assessment they need.
Criteria for Involuntary Examination Under the Baker Act:
An individual may be taken into custody and transported for involuntary examination under the Baker Act if any of the following conditions are met:
- Danger to Self: The individual expresses a threat to their own life, such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
- Danger to Others: The individual poses a threat of harm to others, such as violent or aggressive behavior due to a mental illness.
- Inability to Care for Self: The individual is unable to meet their own basic needs and make decisions regarding their care and may suffer from neglect due to mental illness.
Outpatient Therapy & Counseling
At David Lawrence Centers, we offer Outpatient Therapy Services for children and teens (ages 3-17) and their families. Our services are designed to address emotional challenges, behavioral issues, and academic struggles caused by psychiatric disorders or life stressors. Outpatient therapy provides short-term support, clinical guidance, and coping strategies to help children and families overcome difficulties and improve overall well-being.
Group Therapy
At David Lawrence Center, we offer specialized group therapy programs for children and teens, addressing a variety of mental health needs. Our structured, evidence-based therapies support youth in developing the skills and resilience needed to overcome challenges and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Substance Use Group Therapy
Our Adolescent Substance Use Intervention Program is a comprehensive, structured group therapy service for youth aged 12-17 who struggle with substance use. This biweekly, eight-week program combines intervention and prevention education to foster substance awareness, teach positive life management skills, and promote personal wellness. Through this program, we empower teens to make healthier choices and unlock their full potential.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Our Adolescent Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program is designed for teens aged 13-17 who are struggling with emotional dysregulation or self-destructive behaviors. DBT combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness and meditative techniques to help adolescents manage intense emotions, reduce stress, and develop self-acceptance.
The program includes weekly one-hour individual therapy sessions and weekly two-hour group therapy for skills training. Additionally, life coaching calls are offered to provide continuous support outside of scheduled therapy sessions.
By teaching essential coping and emotional regulation skills, DBT helps teens lead more meaningful lives, improving their emotional stability and overall well-being.
Psychiatric Services
Evaluation and Management for Children and Teens
Our psychiatric services provide comprehensive outpatient care for children and teens aged 5-17. Led by board-certified child psychiatrists, we offer thorough psychiatric evaluations to assess mental health needs and ensure accurate diagnoses. Based on the evaluation, we provide medication management and ongoing consultations to support your child’s mental well-being.
Community Services
Children’s Community Services are vital for children and adolescents facing mental health or substance use challenges. These services are designed to support young individuals who experience significant functional deficits and require a wide range of resources to meet their needs. Our services are community-based and available throughout Collier County, ensuring accessible, effective support for families and youth in need.
Wrap-Around Collier Program (WRAP)
The Wrap-Around Collier Program (WRAP) offers specialized behavioral health treatment to high-risk youth in Collier County. This program supports individuals who lack access to appropriate funding or care, ensuring they receive necessary behavioral health services. WRAP services are delivered in home, school, and community settings and are designed to help children, adolescents, and young adults with severe mental health and behavioral issues live at home, succeed in school, and thrive in the community. The average treatment duration is 6 to 12 months. Services are funded by Central Florida Behavioral Health Network.
Community Action Team (CAT)
The Community Action Team (CAT) provides comprehensive mental health services coordinated by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, case managers, mentors, and medical professionals. CAT services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, adolescent, or young adult and their family. Delivered in school, home, and community settings, the CAT team focuses on individualized treatment to support emotional, behavioral, and mental health recovery.
Targeted Case Management Services (TCM)
Targeted Case Management (TCM) is a crucial service for children and adolescents with serious mental health or emotional disorders living in the community. TCM connects individuals and families with essential behavioral, educational, medical, and social services. Case management services are personalized, with frequent adjustments to meet the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each youth. Family involvement is key to achieving positive outcomes and ensuring long-term success in treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you or a loved one needs support, we’re here to help.
Call (239) 455-8500 to speak with a mental health professional today.