Columbia University Teen Screen

Teen Screen screens for the risk factors that are associated with depression and other mental illnesses but does not make a diagnosis.  Parents of youth found to be at possible risk are notified and helped with identifying and connecting to local mental health services where they can obtain a complete diagnostic assessment by a qualified mental health counselor.  The results of the screen are kept confidential and are not shared with teachers or school administrators.

 

Teen Screen helps youth and their parents through the early identification of mental health problems such as depression.  Parental consent is required for a student to participate in the screening, and is obtained again if a referral for further evaluation is made for the youth.

 

Youth complete a validated screening questionnaire and, based on the score, either meet one-on-one with a Family Resource Center Prevention Educator to debrief the process or be referred to a Mental Health Counselor to determine if the teen may be at possible risk for depression, suicide, or other mental health problems.

 

Target Population: Middle School and High School-Aged Youth

Program Length: Self-Completion of a Short Screening Questionnaire, Brief 

Meeting with Screening Staff