For these reasons, formal screening programs that
detect depression and suicide ideation are recommended.
The New Freedom Commission on Mental
Health recommended screening in multiple settings
as a critical component of a public health approach
to prevention and early intervention for mental
health issues in youth.20 The Commission went so
far as to name the Columbia University TeenScreen
program as a model program for identifying at-risk
youth and linking them to critical intervention services.
TeenScreen is currently implemented in 460
sites in 42 states and involves systematic and supported
assessment of youth mental health needs in
schools along with technical assistance and guidance
on addressing identified needs.29 Other effective programs
such as Dominic30 and the Signs of Suicide
program31 are also widely available. These recommendations
have led to increasing discussion amongmental health providers of the need to advance
mental health screening in schools. A few states,
such as Ohio, Illinois, and New Mexico, have moved
to expand screening in multiple settings as part of
their efforts to transform their child‘s mental health
system.