There is a
Children’s
Mental Health

Epidemic in
Southwest Florida.
You can be their advocate.

We’re on a mission to
improve children’s
mental health services

50%

of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14

750:1

Ratio of population to mental health providers in Florida

70%

of youth in the state and local juvenile justice system have a mental health condition
According to Mental Health America, six out of 10 young people who suffer with mental illness don’t get the treatment they need. That’s because there is a critical shortage of pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare services in the U.S. Worse yet, most families struggle to pay for services that are available. This national crisis is affecting children and families in our region of Southwest Florida too. Golisano Children’s Hospital’s mental and behavioral health care fund – Kids’ Minds Matter – is here to help.

Stories of Hope

Hear from mental health advocates and local children on why enhanced mental and behavioral health services are vital.

Recent News and Updates

Our Impact Since 2017

As part of the region’s strategic solution to the children’s mental and behavioral health epidemic in Southwest Florida, Kids’ Minds Matter is bringing improved access to care for families and providing a framework to connect community partners. This is being done by providing psychologists, psychiatrists, child advocates, social workers and care navigators to help children and families access needed behavioral health services and use them more effectively and efficiently. We are also dedicated to fostering partnerships with other local mental health agencies to advocate for expanded children’s mental health services in our region.
0 +%
Increase in
outpatient pediatric
mental health visits
0 %
increase in
providers added
0
Mental Health
Navigators
embedded in
local schools and
healthcare settings
0 +
People trained
through Mental
Health First Aid
0 +
Families served

Download
The Report