FOR CHILDREN Admissions
David Lawrence Center offers prevention education programs that focus on a variety of mental health and substance abuse topics. Children’s prevention programs are targeted towards children, adolescents, parents and preschool educators. These programs provide alternatives, information dissemination and problem identification on substance abuse, suicide, lifeskills, conflict resolution, anger management, behavioral problems and depression. In additon to the psycho-educational groups held onsite at the David Lawrence Center, prevention staff often go into the schools and aftercare programs to provide awareness and training on a variety topics. These can be scheduled through the Speaker’s Bureau.
For youth prevention programs that require an initial assessment, these can be obtained through Admission Services. Youth prevention programs targeted towards adult participants do not require an initial assessment. These services require pre-registration and are offered in Naples and on a limited basis in Immokalee.
Making Positive Choices
Making Positive Choices helps adolescents who are experiencing difficulties making choices that support a healthy lifestyle take their life in the right direction. Whether they’re having problems with their peers, disregarding rules or experimenting with substance use, the Making Positive Choices group can help guide adolescents toward making the right decisions. An initial assessment is required.
Making Positive Choices educates attendees on:
- Value of Good Health
- Decision Making for Health
- Risk-Taking and Substance Abuse
- Media and Health
- Managing Stress, Anger and Other Emotions
- Family Communication
- Healthy Relationships
Youth Mental Health First Aid
In partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Collier County Sherriff’s Office, David Lawrence Center offers the Youth Mental Health First Aid prevention program which certifies adult participants in understanding the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges and the importance of early intervention. The program teaches individuals how to help an adolescent who is in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. The sessions utilize role-playing and simulations over two 4-hour sessions to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
Mental Health First Aid includes education on a five-step action plan:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
The program is open to the public, but can be tailored to support the type of aid provided by special interest groups. Some special interest groups include schools, businesses, child and adult care centers, healthcare networks and public transit operations. Special interest groups can host closed sessions which can be scheduled to fit their availability at the location of their choice.
For more information, contact the Mental Health First Aid Coordinator at 239-354-1437 or via e-mail at mhfirstaid@dlcmhc.com.
Second Step
Second Step teaches kids the skills needed to succeed socially and academically. Classes are available for children in local schools in grades pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The program asssists educators in their efforts to build self-esteem, self-control, respect for the rights of others and responsibility for one’s own actions. PAPY teaches solid, age appropriate prevention, character education and problem solving skills.
Second Step includes education on:
- Social-emotional skills
- Problem solving skills
- Self-Regulation
- Feelings
- Being Fair
- Bullying
- Friendship
- Manners
- Consequences
