David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider, was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Moorings Park Foundation to support increased services for uninsured and underinsured seniors.

Funds from the grant will be used to help DLC provide inpatient and/or outpatient behavioral health services for 15 clients ages 60 and older who cannot afford care. Services include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention and stabilization.

“We are extremely grateful to receive this generous grant from the Moorings Park Foundation to ensure we can continue expanding crucial support for underserved seniors throughout Collier County,” said Kimberly Dye, vice president of advancement at DLC. “At DLC, we understand the unique life changes that can impact the mental health of our older population, including retirement, serious illness, physical changes, loss of a loved one, relocation and isolation. Positive mental health is essential to healthy aging and these funds will allow us to reach more vulnerable seniors in need.”

DLC continues to see a growing need for services to support seniors. Older adults are at higher risk for mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, dementia, substance use and suicide. According to the National Council on Aging, up to 25% of adults 65 and older experience a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. However, less than half of older adults with mental illness or substance use issues receive treatment.

Mental illness and addictive diseases tend to be chronic and marked by episodes requiring acute care. These services often require inpatient admissions and outpatient support.

“David Lawrence Centers provides unique services in our community irrespective of ability to pay,” said Dave Rutstein, chair of the Moorings Park Foundation. “We are proud to support their work."

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