TeenScreen

TeenScreen

What is TeenScreen?

The TeenScreen Program screens for risk factors that are associated with depression and other mental illnesses but does not make a formal diagnosis. Parents of youth found to be at possible risk are notified and helped with identifying and connecting to local mental health services.

Why Use TeenScreen?

* Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-19 year olds and the cause of medical services for 520,000 teens per year due to their attempted suicide

* Deaths from suicide outnumber those from all other physical diseases combined

* It is estimated that 750,000 teens in the U.S. suffer from depression

How Does It Work?

TeenScreen is a voluntary program and parental and teen consent are always obtained before a screening The screening is a 10-15 minute computerized, self-administered questionnaire that screens for major depression, suicidality, alcohol and drug abuse, panic disorder, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Once the screening is completed teens are asked if they wish to speak to a counselor. Approximately, 1/3 of the teens will screen as needing a follow-up interview with a counselor. About 1/2 of those who are interviewed will need referred for further services. Confidentiality is safeguarded.

How can I obtain more information regarding screenings in my area?

For more information about TeenScreen please contact Stacie Sebastian at Outreach: ssebastian@outreachteen.org or call (412) 561-5405; or visit Columbia University's TeenScreen Program: www.teenscreen.org.

Outreach is proud to be associated with this effort to save teens' lives and to point them to treatment before issues develop into much more serious problems.