A generous $4 million donation will help expand mental health services in Collier County, Florida, aimed at improving access to care for those in need.
The David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) in Collier County has received a significant philanthropic boost from Jeff and Julie Diermeier, who have pledged $4 million to fund the creation of a new integrated care center. The donation will go towards building the Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center, a walk-in mental health facility designed to address the growing need for mental health services in Southwest Florida.
The DLC has long been a key player in tackling the mental health crisis in the region, providing essential care to individuals and families. However, the rising demand for services often leaves many waiting for weeks for appointments. This new facility, modeled as a behavioral health urgent care center, will provide immediate, accessible support for those in need of mental health services but not in immediate danger.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
The Diermeiers, successful philanthropists with careers in investment management, made the substantial donation in hopes of addressing a critical gap in the mental health care system. Jeff Diermeier explained the motivation behind the gift, saying, “We basically made our careers and our money from the investment management industry, which is actually good economic sense to help people, particularly at an early stage.”
Julie Diermeier echoed her husband’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in preventing more severe mental health issues. “It’s one of the areas that is sort of overlooked. It’s kind of an invisible problem,” she said. “If we can identify some mental health issues early, it’s going to save a lot of money. It’s going to save a lot of pain. It’s going to save a lot of anxiety for the community.”
The Diermeier Family Foundation’s donation will specifically fund the construction of a walk-in clinic that allows individuals to access care without the long wait times typical of traditional mental health services. The Diermeiers hope the new center will reduce barriers to care, enabling residents to seek help when they need it most.
A “Behavioral Health Urgent Care” Concept
Scott Burgess, CEO of DLC, highlighted the need for such a facility, describing it as Collier County’s version of a “behavioral health urgent care.” He explained that the center would serve individuals who need immediate mental health support but are not in crisis. This will be an essential resource for those struggling with mental health challenges who might otherwise have to wait weeks for an appointment with a therapist.
“What we want to do is break down every barrier to receiving care,” said Burgess. “If people can just walk into a clinic and receive the support they need, that’s going to be incredibly helpful.”
This initiative comes at a time when mental health care in Florida is facing significant challenges. According to a Forbes Advisor comparison, Florida ranks fourth-worst among all 50 states for mental health care access. The Diermeiers’ donation is seen as a crucial step toward addressing this gap and improving mental health services in Collier County.
A Vision for the Future
The Diermeiers’ commitment to mental health care doesn’t stop with the Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center. Following the completion of this facility, plans are already in place for a dedicated children’s mental health center, the Children’s Center of Excellence, which will further expand access to care for younger residents.
“Let’s see what we can do and make some major strides so that someday that stigma [around mental health] is largely evaporated, and we have robust mental health services in Collier County,” Jeff Diermeier said.
With the Diermeiers’ support, the DLC is poised to make a significant impact on mental health care in Southwest Florida, providing vital services and addressing a growing need in the community.
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