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  A review of the science underscores that teen mental health is as important as physical health in preparing our youth for success as adults. Because of this compelling body of evidence and community demand for programs and polices to support our youth, there is growing bi-partisan support for mental health screening at the federal, state, and local levels.

“My advice to parents is: we're trying to be good parents, we take our kids for physicals, vaccinations, eye check-ups, dental exams. Take them for a mental health check-up—something that's very easy, confidential, and private. Find out if they have mental health issues, a predisposition to depression, because it may literally save their lives."

U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (OR)
Read what others are saying about mental health screening

 
Teen Mental Health Check-ups Are Good Public Policy

The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, the first federal legislation to address youth suicide prevention, specifically endorses mental health screening as an effective suicide prevention strategy. It was passed by overwhelming majorities in both the U.S. House and Senate. 

Health and education officials in states as diverse as Iowa, Louisiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Nevada, and New York are also working to make voluntary screening available to parents.
Leaders in the American Indian community are working to develop effective screening efforts to address the community’s high rates of teen suicide as well.

Learn more about their successful efforts.

   TeenScreen's Policy Action Center

This center provides contact information for public officials from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. TeenScreen affiliates and supporters of screening may utilize this information to communicate with policy makers on issues pertinent to the critical issues of youth suicide, mental health, and education.

Click here to access TeenScreen's Policy  Action Center.