David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, a comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health care provider serving children, adults and families in Collier County, kicked off construction of its Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center with a demolition ceremony Friday.
Centers officials said the commencement marks a significant milestone in the organization’s Hope for Collier: Building Stronger Minds Together initiative.
“This marks a pivotal moment for behavioral health care in our community,” said Scott Burgess, CEO of the David Lawrence Centers. “The Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center represents a new era of accessible, integrated and compassionate care. This center will serve as a beacon of hope where individuals can find immediate support, comprehensive services, and a path to lasting wellness.”
Demolition of Building A, which is the oldest building on DLC’s main campus and the current administration building, is necessary to prepare for construction of the Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center.
Once completed, the Diermeier Center will allow DLC to expand access to its evidence-based care to more adults in Southwest Florida. The new center, along with the Collier County Behavioral Health Center, serves as the foundation for the next phase of expansion and innovation for the entire system.
The state-of-the-art 15,000-square-foot building will allow DLC to provide timely care to community members in need. A unique walk-in behavioral health center offering urgent care without an appointment, the center will offer integrated services, allowing individuals to see their mental health and primary care providers in one location, complemented by the ability to fill prescriptions at a separate, on-campus pharmacy.
The center will include a variety of services and programs, including:
- Behavioral Health Urgent Care with onsite and telehealth options
- Real-time behavioral health intervention and assessment with no appointment required
- Integrated mental health and physical health outpatient programming
- Medication-assisted treatment for those struggling with substance use disorders
- Trauma-focused therapy for veterans, including Immersive Therapy
The new center will also support workforce development and training activities, with facilities such as training rooms, clinical group and individual counseling spaces designed to allow observation for clinical supervision and training of nursing, counseling, and social work interns.
The Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center is made possible through a $4 million gift from Collier County philanthropists Jeffrey and Julie Diermeier, $5 million as part of Florida’s fiscal 2024-25 budget, which was secured through the support of Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, and other donors.
The livestream of the ceremony is available to watch at https://youtube.com/live/OwKVhKn5TME?feature=share.
To learn more about the lifesaving and life-changing services and programs offered by David Lawrence Centers, visit DLCenters.org
About David Lawrence Centers
Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents, and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 9,000 people through over 341,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, visit DLCenters.org or call 239-455-8500.