TeenScreen

A mental health screening program for adolescents

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TeenScreen logo

TeenScreen was a national mental health screening program in the United States aimed at identifying mental health issues in adolescents. The program was developed by the Columbia University's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and was implemented in schools, clinics, and other community settings.

Overview

TeenScreen was designed to identify teenagers who might be at risk for mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The program used a questionnaire to assess the mental health status of adolescents, and those who were identified as at risk were referred for further evaluation by a mental health professional.

History

The TeenScreen program was initiated in the late 1990s and gained national attention in the early 2000s. It was part of a broader movement to address the mental health needs of young people in the United States. The program was supported by various mental health advocacy groups and received funding from both public and private sources.

Implementation

TeenScreen was implemented in various settings, including schools, community health centers, and juvenile justice facilities. The screening process was voluntary, and parental consent was required for participation. The program aimed to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and to promote early intervention.

Controversy

Despite its goals, TeenScreen faced criticism from some groups who were concerned about privacy issues and the potential for over-diagnosis and over-medication of adolescents. Critics argued that the program could lead to unnecessary labeling of young people and that it might infringe on parental rights.

Closure

In 2012, the TeenScreen program was discontinued. The decision to end the program was attributed to a lack of sustainable funding and the challenges of implementing the program on a national scale. However, the legacy of TeenScreen continues to influence discussions about adolescent mental health screening and early intervention.

Related pages

• Mental health
• Adolescent psychology
• Suicide prevention
• Public health