Lessons, Part III: Public Mental Health Screening for Adolescents

From a public health perspective, implementing approaches to prevention requires identification of individuals at risk for the specific problem. This is typically addressed through mass screening to identify and monitor those at risk. Although universal mental health screening has potential drawbacks, the benefits would appear to outweigh those risks. Schools are a keystone of a community, and it is where adolescents spend a majority of their time. Thus, schools are the ideal venue for addressing this mental health crisis. A shift in focus to well-being is recommended. Additionally, the multitiered system of supports (MTSS) creates continuous performance feedback that enables ongoing behavioral monitoring at a group level. By focusing on equitable development and implementation of screening, benefits accrue to the entire community.