Conducting Universal Mental Health Screening for Children and Youth

Depression affects about 20% of adolescents, and teen suicide is the second leading cause of death among people age 10-24 in the United States. Because of the capacity in which they serve youth, OST programs are in a unique position to identify those who are struggling and direct them to the support they need. 

In partnership with colleagues at the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW), NIOST can help you conduct mental health screenings for children and youth in your program. WCW Senior Research Scientist Tracy Gladstone is one of the foremost experts in the U.S. on depression prevention and has spent years developing effective, evidence-based programs. She has implemented comprehensive depression education and screening programs for middle school and high school students in Holliston, Massachusetts and Natick, Massachusetts, providing support to schools for prevention, intervention, and access to treatment. 

NIOST can implement mental health screenings tailored to your program and the population you serve. By working together, we can help ensure that children and youth at risk for depression do not fall through the cracks.