Overview: Science to Service

For decades, Columbia University has been at the forefront of new research on the effectiveness of mental health screening. In 2009, the strength of the evidence supporting mental health screening was recognized by an Institute of Medicine Report calling for the early identification and prevention of mental illness in youth. Soon after, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended annual screening for depression for all adolescents ages 12 to 18 when systems are in place to ensure accurate diagnosis and follow-up. These recommendations built on an already strong consensus within the medical community in support of screening.

The TeenScreen National Center is continuing to work with state and federal policymakers, administrators and health plans to develop best practices to implement recommendations and guidelines that support access to mental health screening and follow-up services. This work is a key part of our mission to prevent suicide and improve health outcomes through early identification and intervention for adolescent mental illness.

Advocacy Issues

Fact Sheets, White Papers and Briefs

Fact sheets, white papers and briefs from the TeenScreen National Center are available on a variety of policy-related topics. See the TeenScreen policy library.
 

Policy Partners

Seven of the nation’s leading mental health and family health organizations have joined with the TeenScreen National Center to promote policy changes that will ensure access to mental health screening for every young American. Read more.
 

Policy Events

The TeenScreen National Center hosts policy forums to highlight promising practices and policy solutions:

• November 16, 2011: Capitol Hill Briefing – the Eric Trendell Health Policy Forum on Bridging the Gap through Innovation: Expanding Access to Adolescent Mental Health Services
• November 16, 2010: Capitol Hill Briefing – the Eric Trendell Health Policy Forum on Parity, Prevention and Health Care Reform: Meeting the challenge through adolescent mental health checkups
• June 4, 2009: Health Policy Forum – Adolescent Mental Health Checkups: Recommendations to Realization

What You Can Do

Health providers, policymakers, school professionals, parents and other members of the community can support mental health checkups for youth. Opportunities to educate lawmakers and members of the community to build support, as well as resources to start screening in your community are available. Read more.

Contact: TSPolicy@nyspi.columbia.edu