Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.
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What is a Mental Health Screening?
The MHA Mental Health Screenings are online versions of official screening tools. In some instances, the wording has been altered slightly for clarity. In a few of them, screening instruments were combined to create a better picture of someone's health. You can find out which clinical testing tools are being used by our screenings by clicking on the screening and scrolling to the bottom. There are footnotes with "Source" for every single one.
Who needs a Mental Health Screening?
Our short answer to this question is: EVERYONE.
Mental health screening should be as common as hearing and vision screenings in schools, at regular physicals, and at health fairs.
The brain is connected to the body. There's no health without mental health and we need to make sure we're checking on it ALL. Every one of us experiences times of anxiety, stress, and sadness. Knowing when it's time to seek professional mental health assistance is important.
Recovery happens. Early identification of an issue and getting help SAVES LIVES.
Mental health screening should be as common as hearing and vision screenings in schools, at regular physicals, and at health fairs.
The brain is connected to the body. There's no health without mental health and we need to make sure we're checking on it ALL. Every one of us experiences times of anxiety, stress, and sadness. Knowing when it's time to seek professional mental health assistance is important.
Recovery happens. Early identification of an issue and getting help SAVES LIVES.
What happens at the end of a Mental Health Screening?
At the end of each screening, you'll be told if the tool indicates you should seek professional help.
You'll also see some self-help tools and information. Things like problem-solving skill building exercises, understanding black-and-white thinking and some ideas for reducing stress are just some of the examples we see often. These are part of a robust Screening 2 Supports system that was developed at MHA National. Read more about it here: https://screening.mentalhealthamerica.net/content/about-screening-supports-s2s
You're also led to a resource page populated by MHA Kentucky, if you give a Kentucky zip code. That resource page helps link you to providers in your area. If we haven't received a list of providers in your area yet, you'll get our contact information and advice to call or email us for one-on-one assistance. We answer the phone. We answer emails. This is not a black hole!
You'll also see some self-help tools and information. Things like problem-solving skill building exercises, understanding black-and-white thinking and some ideas for reducing stress are just some of the examples we see often. These are part of a robust Screening 2 Supports system that was developed at MHA National. Read more about it here: https://screening.mentalhealthamerica.net/content/about-screening-supports-s2s
You're also led to a resource page populated by MHA Kentucky, if you give a Kentucky zip code. That resource page helps link you to providers in your area. If we haven't received a list of providers in your area yet, you'll get our contact information and advice to call or email us for one-on-one assistance. We answer the phone. We answer emails. This is not a black hole!
What do you do with my information?
Online screenings through MHA Kentucky are anonymous and completely online. We do not collect personal data such as phone number or address, and we cannot follow up with you on results. If you choose to provide demographic data - race, if you are LGBTQ, zip code, etc. - that information is placed into a database with all other screen-takers who answer those questions. We sometimes use that data to reflect on what trends we see. Are more people uninsured or does everyone have insurance? Are there are a high number of screenings coming back with more severe results in a certain zip code? We look at it from a big picture view, and never do we have a way to identify a single person.
Are you a mental health service provider?
Share your contact information, areas of practice, insurance accepted, and other details to be featured at MHAScreenings.org in the Screenings 2 Support program. When someone in your area takes a free mental health screening, they will be connected with "providers near you" information, if referral is suggested by the screening tool. Complete our Google Form here to make sure your services are listed.