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 grow and the demand for services climbs higher, Kids’ Minds Matter is addressing the challenge of meeting the need for more providers – and thereby reducing the wait time for children who need behavioral health care services close to home.
“Recruiting professionals has always been very difficult, but Kids’ Minds Matter has really given us a leg up,” said Jason Sabo, PhD., who is the psychology site lead for Pediatric Behavioral Health at Lee Health. “Since its inception 10 years ago, Kids’ Minds Matter has been able to help by both funding positions and opening offices. – including our new eating disorders clinic.”
To Sabo’s point, a total of 45 mental health professionals, 5 mental health specialists and 11 mental health navigators supported children and teens with more than 23,400 pediatric behavioral health visits through Lee Health in 2025. Those positions wouldn’t exist without the generous support of donors to Kids’ Minds Matter, but the region needs more. As Mark Horton, pediatric system director for Lee Health puts it, “The need for pediatric behavior health services never seems to wane.”
By supporting homegrown talent with scholarships for pediatric behavioral health students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Kids’ Minds Matter is proactively filling the need for future providers.
“Because of Kids’ Minds Matter, we’re able to offer scholarships with Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), which we’ve awarded to two students,” says Dr. Sabo.
Two recent Kids’ Minds Matter scholarship recipients – Diana Burgos and Josie Ansell – are both pursuing their master’s degrees at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Additionally, both students currently work at Lee Health’s Pediatric Behavioral Health office, gaining valuable experience as they complete their education.
“The scholarship provides so much relief, and it’s a great way of helping any of us who are trying to find a way to pursue a career and help our community,” said Diana.
“I’m grateful to Lee Health, Kids’ Minds Matter and all the donors who have been willing to support me and the other students,” Josie agreed. “I’m really excited to see where Kids’ Minds Matter goes in the next10 years.”
In this video, you’ll learn more about these remarkable women who share the same passion and drive as other Kids’ Minds Matter advocates. They are the future of pediatric mental health in Southwest Florida.
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