2025 Impact
RISING TOGETHER FOR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH
Kids’ Minds Matter continues to rise to meet the growing demand for pediatric and behavioral healthcare in Southwest Florida, fueled by the generosity and support of donors, advocates, and community partners.
Since 2016, we have worked together, united in our goal to ensure children receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time – strengthening the continuum of care so children can thrive.
Stepping into The Light
Andrea’s mental health journey began in high school, when a sudden panic attack left her in tears and overwhelmed. With professional support and therapy, Andrea learned coping strategies, addressed deeper trauma, and discovered that her past did not define her.
Andrea bravely shared her story at the 2025 Normal is Overrated, inspiring other teens to seek help and speak openly about mental health. Today, she is carrying those lessons forward and stepping confidently into her future.
THE MENTAL HEALTH NAVIGATOR PROGRAM
Helping Children & Families Overcome Barriers to Care
reduction in school absences
reduction in hospitalizations
families served
in 2025
Expanding Access to Care
We’re lighting the way by expanding team capacity, illuminating more pathways for children and families to receive timely, needed support:
- 45 mental health professionals, including 8 new pediatric behavioral health providers.
- 11 Mental Health Navigators serving families across the region.
- 6 Florida Gulf Coast University interns supporting workforce development in Southwest Florida.
- Expanding outpatient care with the opening of the Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health at Bimini Square in Cape Coral.
- Establishing the Managing Emotions Group offering structured, in-person clinical support.
- SB 1620, signed into law, strengthens youth behavioral health through standardized assessments, improved crisis response, and enhanced discharge planning.
- F.S. 394.493, clarifying target populations for child and adolescent behavioral health services and allows providers to retain sliding scale funds locally to expand care.
pediatric behavioral
health visits
participants at 69 community presentations
connections with community residents
Building Resilience
Helping children and their families develop the tools they need to navigate challenges to shape a brighter future.
- 31 youth group and sessions, empowering children and teens to build coping skills and form peer connections.
- 16 parenting classes supporting families and caregivers.
- 400 parenting workshops delivered through the Mental Health Navigator program.
- 6 Mental Health First Aid classes to train adults to recognize and respond to youth mental health needs.
- 2 Therapeutic Crisis Intervention trainings supporting effective crisis response in our communities.
- HB 969, signed into law, requiring the State of Florida to measure how effectively school-based behavioral health programs support students.
- 2 Kids’ Minds Matter: Florida Continuing Education Scholarship recipients, investing in the future of mental health professionals.
Reducing the Stigma
Through education, advocacy, and open conversation, we’re breaking down barriers and building brighter connections.
- 86 community events and presentations, reaching thousands of people in Southwest Florida, connecting them to education and community resources.
- 120 teens and advocates attended Normal is Overrated in 2025, elevating youth voices and raising mental health awareness.
- HB 1091 & SB 1240, fortifying crisis care by adding the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as a core service and improving coordination between 988 and 911.
SHINING A LIGHT ON THE FUTURE
As Kids’ Minds Matter celebrates its 10th anniversary, we remain focused on strengthening pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare in Southwest Florida. Together, we are creating a brighter future for children and their families by:
- Developing multidisciplinary outpatient and inpatient programs to address complex pediatric behavioral health needs.
- Expanding the Mental Health Navigator Program, including adding a bilingual navigator.
- Increasing access to group therapy and ongoing education for children, teens, and families.
- Establishing an Intensive Outpatient Program for Psychiatric and Psychological Health.
- Addressing workforce shortages through Graduate Medical Education and statewide initiatives.
- Advocating for insurance equity and fair mental health coverage.
- Growing access to care by expanding the reach of Golisano clinics and outpatient programs.
- Preparing for the next decade of impact through strong and sustainable partnerships, resources, and programs to meet demand.
Rising to Meet the Need for Care
The need for mental and behavioral healthcare continues to grow across Southwest Florida. From housing shortages and natural disasters to the impact of violence and social isolation, children and their families are facing increasing pressures and strain. The escalating rate of disordered eating and other complex behavioral health conditions is further driving demand for more specialized care and support programs.
We are making progress, but the wait times for a pediatric behavioral health appointment remain a challenge.
300+
children on the wait list
6-9
Months
for a psychology appointment.
18
Months
for play therapy.
7 ½
Months
12
Weeks
for an urgent psychiatry appointment.
