David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health Breaks Ground on Innovative Care Facility
The David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, a prominent not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health services to children, adults, and families in Collier County, has officially commenced construction on its highly anticipated Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center. The milestone was celebrated during a demolition ceremony held on Friday.
This significant development is part of the organization’s broader initiative, “Hope for Collier: Building Stronger Minds Together,” which aims to enhance mental health resources in the community. Scott Burgess, the CEO of the David Lawrence Centers, emphasized the importance of this project, describing it as a “pivotal moment for behavioral health care in our community.” He lauded the center as a “beacon of hope,” which will provide accessible, integrated care for individuals seeking immediate support and a pathway to lasting wellness.
The demolition of Building A, the oldest structure on the main campus, is the first step in making way for the new facility. Upon completion, the Diermeier Center is projected to expand access to evidence-based care for adults across Southwest Florida. This state-of-the-art, 15,000-square-foot facility will feature a walk-in behavioral health center, enabling clients to receive urgent care without the need for an appointment. This innovative approach is designed to streamline healthcare and provide one-stop access to both mental health and primary care services, along with a pharmacy to fulfill prescriptions on-site.
In addition to urgent care, the Diermeier Center will offer a range of critical services, including:
– Behavioral Health Urgent Care, accessible through both onsite and telehealth options
– Real-time intervention and assessments without appointment requirements
– Integrated outpatient programming for mental and physical health
– Medication-assisted treatment for individuals with substance use disorders
– Trauma-focused therapy specifically tailored for veterans, including immersive therapy options
Moreover, the center is intended to contribute to workforce development, featuring training rooms and clinical spaces that facilitate the observation and supervision of nursing, counseling, and social work interns. This focus on education will further enhance the skills and competencies of future behavioral health professionals.
The establishment of the Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center has been made possible by a generous million donation from local philanthropists Jeffrey and Julie Diermeier, alongside a million allocation as part of Florida’s fiscal 2024-25 budget, secured with the assistance of State Senator Kathleen Passidomo and other supporters.
The livestream of the groundbreaking ceremony can be accessed online for those interested in witnessing the occasion. More information about the wide array of services provided by the David Lawrence Centers can also be found on their official website.
About David Lawrence Centers
The David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health is a leading nonprofit organization in Southwest Florida, recognized for delivering compassionate and advanced mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions. With services tailored to children, adolescents, and adults, the Centers offer a comprehensive system of care that includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based programs. Annually, the organization serves approximately 9,000 individuals through over 341,000 treatment sessions, underscoring its critical role in the community. For further information, interested parties can visit DLCenters.org or contact them at 239-455-8500.
