David Lawrence Centers Addresses Children’s Mental Health Crisis on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid

David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider, is honored to be featured on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid. The segment, which airs on public television stations nationwide, focuses on the mental health crisis affecting children and adolescents. 

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on the mental health crisis impacting youth in our communities,” said DLC CEO Scott Burgess. “One of the things we’re doing is working to raise awareness, decrease stigma and help the community better understand the signs and symptoms, so we can identify issues and provide early intervention. We must change our attitudes toward mental health, especially among children and young people, for meaningful change to be made.”

As a national leader in mental and behavioral health, DLC continues to see an increased need for services among children and young adults. In 2023, more than 670 children and teens received critical care through the organization’s children’s crisis stabilization unit for suicidal thoughts, depression and other behavioral health struggles.

Nationwide, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children.

DLC offers a variety of services for children and their families, including partial hospitalization, a voluntary day treatment program, inpatient and outpatient services, and supportive community resources, such as case management and translation services. 

“We know that prevention and early intervention makes a big difference not only in the short- and long-term prognosis, but also in treatment,” said Burgess. “By raising awareness of our mission and the array of support available, we can give children experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges the best chance for a healthy future.”

The segment also features Dr. Maxim Chasanov, the medical director at DLC, former Collier County Public Schools Superintendent Kamela Patton, and Lisa Kahn-Allen, a Naples parent and mental health advocate. 

“There are so many different health challenges, I think, that our kids have today,” said Kahn-Allen in the segment. “I know in my own family, moods can be mercurial, responses to any types of change in schedule … can really upset the apple cart of a family in the morning and throughout the day of a child who struggles with mental health issues.”

Viewpoint Project has captivated viewers nationwide with its engaging content and unique perspectives on various topics. 

Quaid, an Emmy Award-winning and two-time Golden Globe nominee, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Sound Minds event on March 20. This annual signature event raises critical funding intended to provide access to quality care for children, families and adults throughout Collier County. 

To watch the segment, visit viewpointproject.com/features-david-lawrence-centers. 

For more than 50 years, DLC has been committed to ensuring behavioral health care is available to everyone in need through education, prevention, intervention and treatment. DLC delivers care throughout the community through six distinct centers of operation, including mental health, addiction recovery, emergency services, awareness and prevention, virtual care, and children and young adults. 

To learn more about the lifesaving and life-changing services and programs offered by David Lawrence Centers, visit DLCenters.org