$56 Million Toward New Mental Health Center on Golden Gate Parkway

Collier County commissioners have approved $56 million in funding to build a new behavioral health center on Golden Gate Parkway, marking the largest mental health infrastructure investment in county history

The center, adjacent to the existing David Lawrence Center campus, will feature 87 new psychiatric emergency beds—bringing total county capacity to 120 beds when combined with youth and temporary facilities.

📍 Project Scope & Site Details

• The facility will occupy a 60,000‑square‑foot building located near 60th Street SW

• An 87-bed design specifically addresses individuals under psychiatric emergency acts like Baker and Marchman.

• The project builds on earlier approvals and 19 public hearings, with Collier’s Board of Commissioners passing the plan in a 3–2 vote.

🤝 Partnership & Funding Breakdown

• The David Lawrence Center (DLC) will operate the center.

• Funding stems primarily from the 2018-approved 1‑cent infrastructure sales surtax, though it has since expired.

• Collier will also commit $3 million in FY 2025, including opioid settlement and general fund allocations

• Ongoing annual operating costs are projected to reach $16 million, with a forecast deficit rising to $1.6 million by 2032 .

• DLC has secured roughly $28 million in naming-rights commitments—$1.25 million of which is on deposit .

⏳ Timeline & Next Steps

• Site clearing has begun; the Naples-based contractor DeAngelis Diamond is standing by to proceed once permits are finalized.

• Construction is expected to take around 18 months, targeting a 2027 opening.

• Under governance terms, Collier retains authority to audit DLC’s operations and may waive operational terms depending on future changes .

📣 Why This Matters

• County officials and advocates describe the new center as critical infrastructure in response to Collier’s “greatest mental health crisis”.

• It aims to reduce jail intake and emergency room use by providing timely crisis intervention, potentially saving public funds .

• The added capacity ensures better support for underinsured and uninsured residents, including Medicaid and Medicare patients .

🧾 Summary

Collier’s $56 million investment in an 87-bed behavioral health facility underscores the county’s commitment to addressing an escalating mental health crisis. Built in partnership with the David Lawrence Center and funded largely through voter-approved surtax revenue, it's expected to open in 2027 and significantly improve access to crisis care for residents.