In 2010, technology reigns. The latest information on everything from international headlines to last night’s game is at your fingertips. While smart phones and laptops keep us informed and media savvy, these new technologies can also help assess our mental health.
Research from a 2009 University of Connecticut independent study, found that confidential mental health online screenings, which are easily accessible and non-threatening to users, help connect people with treatment options. According to the research, 55 percent of study participants who completed an online depression screening sought treatment within three months. Moreover, the vast majority of participants were still in treatment three months following the screening, and a majority of those in treatment reported their symptoms had improved, particularly those taking antidepressant medication.
“Individuals are spending more and more time online,” said Douglas G. Jacobs, M.D., associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and founder of Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH). “The trick is to meet people where they are, online, to make it easy for them to assess their mental well-being.”
Screening for Mental Health’s innovative online screening program allows community organizations to offer unlimited, year-round, anonymous online screenings for mood and anxiety disorders, alcohol use disorders and eating disorders. Last year, 26,826 people took SMH’s community screening online.”
“SMH’s program enables us to offer a confidential and evidence-based education screening tool to our community,” said Mary McParlane, director of community outreach & consumer education at the Mental Health Association of Erie County, Inc.
“The Internet is the primary source of information in today’s society. People do not open a phone book, but go directly to the Internet for a great deal of information. We need to be able to meet those needs by providing this tool online.”
Through the online screening, community members can learn about local clinics or hospitals and receive referrals for evaluation and treatment.
“What is especially important (about the online screening program) is that users are able to identify local resources available to them,” says Cara Hansen from Mental Health America of Wisconsin. “Because of the ability to customize the tool, we are able to direct people to our online Agency Resource Directory, Therapist Directory and Support Group Directory. We can also direct them to other areas of our website for additional information or to our information and referral specialist if they prefer to talk to someone by phone.”
Each organization that utilizes SMH’s online screening can customize an online module with their logo, company colors and a personalized welcome and referral message, directing users to the appropriate treatment resources. Organizations can also generate utilization reports providing information on usage, results and user demographics. This information allows organizations to better understand and assess the mental health needs of their members.
“(The online screening program) is convenient, low-maintenance and provides great service to users. The reporting system is very easy to use,” said Karen Berry, program coordinator at Mental Health America of Franklin County. “The program attracts people to our organization. We’ve had calls from individuals that have taken the screening and want a referral for treatment or more information about support groups.”
SMH also provides marketing support for organizations looking for help promoting online screening to their members. Organizations can take advantage of a variety of ready-made marketing materials such as customizable press releases and promotional emails.
To view a sample of the online screening, click here.
For more information on how to promote your online screening program or to register, visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org to download a registration brochure, or email Sara Herman at [email protected] or 781-239-0071.