Kids’ Minds Matter is a movement in Southwest Florida dedicated to strengthening pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare. Established in 2016 and managed by Lee Health Foundation, this initiative is leading the charge to expand care, advocate for sustainable solutions, and connect families with community partners to ensure every child has access to mental health support.
Together with our providers, educators, first responders, community organizations, advocates and donors, we are supporting a brighter future for children and families across our region.
From the highly successful Mental Health Navigator Program to peer-led youth support groups, Kids’ Minds Matter offers a wide range of programs designed to support children, teens, parents, caregivers, and other community members in need.
Kids’ Minds Matter connects you with community mental health resources that support children and families, as well as ways you can advocate for improved access to care. Find out how you can get help and raise awareness for young people’s mental health.
Our annual events, including the Kids’ Minds Matter Signature Gala and Normal is Overrated, raise awareness about children’s mental health. Throughout the year, we offer monthly support with our youth groups, parenting classes, and more.
She Spoke from the Heart
Andrea faced anxiety, trauma, and moments of deep pain—but through therapy, faith, and support, she found healing.
Now, she shares her story to help others know they’re not alone.
families served through our Mental Health Navigator Program
outpatient pediatric mental health visits
Mental Health Navigators and Mental Health Specialists provided support to families, caregivers, and youth
Mental Health Navigator-led Parenting Workshops
recipients of the Kids’ Minds Matter: Florida Continuing Education Scholarship
Kids’ Minds Matter is improving access to pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare in our region. Through our partnerships with local agencies and organizations, we are expanding services, support, and awareness across the region. Our Mental Health Navigators alone provides wrap-around care to children and their families, connecting them to counselors, social workers, community resources, and more to support the whole family unit.
Thanks to the generosity and advocacy of our donors and partners, we are making meaningful progress in addressing the mental health crisis affecting children, teens and young adults in Southwest Florida.
The challenges facing youth in our community are significant and growing. From increased bullying and violence reported to lasting trauma from major hurricanes and a pandemic, these events contribute to a rise in mental health issues like panic disorder and depression. The need for accessible mental healthcare continues to outpace available resources.
Kids’ Minds Matter is focused on expanding care services and providing essential support to kids and their families to ensure every child gets the right help at the right time in the right place.
Let children and teens know that they matter, too.
Adding clinics and providers to serve children and families close to home.
Expanding successful initiatives like the Mental Health Navigator Program.
Establishing an Intensive Outpatient Program for psychiatric and psychological health.
Providing additional education and training for peers and adults to advocate for children’s mental health.
Advancing multidisciplinary behavioral healthcare to meet the complex needs of children and families.
Due to a nationwide shortage of pediatric behavioral health care providers, the competition for high-caliber recruits is intense. And as Southwest Florida population continues to
For children who experience trauma at an early age, the impact can reach far beyond a single moment. It can affect how they learn, how they
As the pediatric behavioral health landscape continues to evolve in Southwest Florida, Kids’ Minds Matter has identified a need for more specialized services to address
