EACH YEAR, AN ESTIMATED 1 IN 5 U.S. CHILDREN EXPERIENCE A MENTAL, EMOTIONAL OR BEHAVIORAL DISORDER, INCLUDING ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS.
70.4% OF YOUTH IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM HAVE A DIAGNOSED MENTAL ILLNESS.
OF THE 400,000-PLUS CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE IN AMERICA, IT’S ESTIMATED THAT NEARLY 80 PERCENT SUFFER FROM A SIGNIFICANT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE.
OUR MISSION
The Dr. Brandt Foundation is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being
of diverse and underserved communities.
OUR STORY
The Dr. Brandt Foundation was established in 2015, in loving memory of the late Dr. Fredric Brandt, who took his own life following a severe, largely silent struggle with depression. In his honor, the Foundation works to destigmatize conversations around mental health so that no one is afraid to seek help, while providing national awareness and mental health support to those in need.
Dr. Brandt was known for his wit, sense of humor, and seemingly endless empathy for others. Highly respected in his field and beloved by patients, colleagues, and friends, his outward appearance made it difficult to perceive the full extent of his struggle, even for those closest to him. By speaking openly about issues like anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention, the Foundation hopes to bring mental health issues into the light, ending silent suffering, and giving hope to those who are struggling. In doing so, we honor the memory of Dr. Brandt as a tireless advocate for well-being.
OUR IMPACT
HEALING PAWS
The Dr. Brandt Foundation leads in innovative healing methods. Amid rising youth mental health challenges, especially for those in complex social situations or with trauma, abuse, or autism, the risk of mental disorders is notably high.
In Miami, the Dr. Brandt Foundation offers certified animal-assisted therapy for at-risk youth in:
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Miami-Dade County Public Schools
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Juvenile Detention Centers
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Foster Care/Group Homes
Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) is a holistic approach that improves mental wellness. Studies show that bonding with animals is therapeutic, reducing anxiety, isolation, and hostility while enhancing social-emotional development. AAI offers unconventional yet effective mental health support for vulnerable youth.
Partnering with Pet Partners, a leading nonprofit for animal-assisted interventions, the Dr. Brandt Foundation promotes AAI. Learn more at www.petpartners.org about becoming a registered therapy animal team.
S P E A K E R S E R I E S
Despite increased public awareness around mental health issues, lingering stigma, especially in under-represented communities, means many still avoid discussing their personal struggles openly.
The Dr. Brandt Foundation’s #SayILoveYou speaker series strategically aims to create safe spaces for frank discussions about mental health. The Foundation invites high-profile individuals, mental health professionals and diverse community voices to discuss issues, share lived experiences and resources for support in order to normalize and destigmatize mental health challenges.
Thank you to our Partners:
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH MICRODERMABRASION
We believe that skincare is part of something much bigger. This philosophy is the culmination of Dr. Brandt's vision and holistic approach to treating the skin, which ensures that not only does skin look good, but people feel good.
For every product in The Dr. BRANDT Microdermabrasion collection sold, a portion of the proceeds are donated to support these mental health and wellness initiatives.
