Aug. 19, 2026 – Healthcare Network has received $366,000 from the Naples Children Foundation (NCF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, to strengthen children’s behavioral health workforce by supporting two full-time post-master’s registered behavioral health clinicians over the next two years.

Through this grant, Healthcare Network will address some of the biggest barriers that keep aspiring behavioral health professionals from pursuing a career in mental health counseling or social work such as providing paid registered internships and offering an accessible way to obtain supervised clinical experience required for licensure. In addition to supporting intern salaries, the funding covers clinical supervision, licensure exam preparation, examination fees, and other professional development resources that help emerging mental health counselors and social workers successfully transition into fully licensed behavioral health providers.

This grant is part of NCF’s innovative Registered Intern Workforce Pilot program, an initiative investing $2 million to address Southwest Florida’s shortage of licensed behavioral health professionals serving children and families. The initiative expands clinical training opportunities, increases access to children’s behavioral health services, and creates a sustainable pipeline of licensed professionals.

Representing an ongoing investment in Healthcare Network’s behavioral health workforce, NCF has supported two additional post-master’s clinicians and provided annual stipends for students completing their master’s internship or bachelor’s practicum since 2024, increasing Healthcare Network’s capacity to provide timely behavioral health care to children and families in Collier County.

“We are grateful to the Naples Children Foundation for its continued investment in our behavioral health program,” said Jamie Ulmer, Chief Executive Officer of Healthcare Network. “This funding makes it possible for more children and families to receive timely behavioral health services while helping us develop the next generation of licensed clinicians. NCF has always been a visionary partner that not only responds to today’s needs but also invests in long-term solutions that will strengthen our community for years to come.”

 For more information on Healthcare Network’s behavioral health program, the services offered or to make an appointment, please visit HealthcareSWFL.org or call 239-658-3000. For inquiries about open register behavioral health intern positions, please contact HResources@HealthcareSWLF.org.

 About Healthcare Network

Since 1977, Healthcare Network has distinguished itself as a premier patient-centered medical and dental home. Offering the highest level of coordinated care to all ages, Healthcare Network plays an integral role in keeping the entire community healthy, providing quality and comprehensive care and financial assistance when needed. With practices located throughout Collier County, primary health care services include family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, dental care and pharmacy as well as behavioral health counseling for both adults and children. Additionally, the organization’s community health workers bring health and social services directly to underserved families. For more information, visit HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.

About Naples Children Foundation

The Naples Children Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, creates transformational change and improves educational, emotional and health outcomes for vulnerable children in Collier County. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCF has impacted nearly 90 of the most effective nonprofits in the local community, providing 420,000 children with the services and resources they need to succeed. Through bold investments, collaborative partnerships, and data-driven solutions, NCF supports programs that ensure every child can thrive. NCF’s unique approach, which bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community – one issue at a time.

For additional information on the Naples Children Foundation, please contact Madison Blasco at madison@napleschildrenfoundation.org or 239-325-2975