Free online mental health screening programs available
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March 12, 2013
The program’s goal is to give community leaders across the state the opportunity to help residents learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders and to connect to local treatment options.
Funded by the Department of Public Health, the programs are free to the organizations choosing to host them. Since last fall, programs have been hosted by the city of Somerville, the Needham Health Department, the Wellesley Coalition for Suicide Prevention, the town of Hopkinton, Natick Human Services, Westborough Youth and Family Services, Bedford Youth and Family Services, and Falmouth Human Services.
The 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that 45 million adults in the U.S. experienced mental illness in the past year – almost one in five adults – yet only 17 million of these individuals received treatment.
Through online screenings, people may learn if they are exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a common mental health disorder from the comfort of their home computers. Participants receive their results immediately, and, if appropriate, are directed to resources to take the next step, such as seeking treatment.
Education and early recognition are important; 80 percent of those suffering from depression will respond to some combination of treatments.
“We had participated in a depression screening day in the past and found a lot of stigma attached to those attending in person,” said Sue Baldauf, director of Bedford Youth and Family Services. “The online screening offers privacy and confidentiality while providing the same service.”
Each participating organization is able to access use and demographic reports that show the number of screenings completed and demographics for completed screenings.
All individual screenings remain completely anonymous, however, and are not diagnostic. Participants who test positive for exhibiting signs and symptoms of a given disorder can receive immediate referral information to local resources, such as counseling centers, hospitals or community centers.
The program is offered by Screening for Mental Health Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Wellesley, at no cost.
To participate in the program, contact Project Manager Sara Herman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (781) 591-5233. For more information, visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org.
Sara Herman is program manager at Screening for Mental Health (www.mentalhealthscreening.org).
- Written by Sara Herman
