Riskmanagement

Student Mental Health Screening: A Risk Management Perspective
Karen-Ann Broe, Esq., Senior Risk Analyst, United Educators Insurance

“In recent years, increasing numbers of students who are enrolled in higher education are seeking help for mental health problems. The problems may arise from depression, anxiety, sleep ,eating or alcohol use disorders, substance abuse, and impulsive behaviors such as sexual promiscuity and self-injury. These conditions may lead to a drug or alcohol overdose, high-risk behavior that leads to injuries or death, as well as suicidal thoughts, attempts, or a completed suicide.

In fulfilling the fundamental mission of educating students, colleges and universities need to help them manage their personal lives and behavior. In our view, screening tools are an excellent way for students to recognize their problems and connect them with beneficial resources. Screening tools offer valuable information in a private and anonymous way. Students are referred to on or off-campus counseling and health or treatment centers. Effective screening can lead to referral and potential treatment which can address mental health problems, and increase the opportunities for students to succeed in their academic program. All higher education institutions should consider implementing screening for depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and other conditions. However it is important to note that screening does not provide a diagnosis and is not a substitute for a complete evaluation, but rather an indication that someone may be suffering from a mental health disorder.”

Screening for Mental Health’s Online Screening Liability Statement

The online screening tool can be used as a prevention education program by colleges and universities to demonstrate the institution’s commitment to providing mental health
resources on campus.

The anonymous screenings allow the participant to learn more about his/her mental health status and connect with the services provided by the institution. Screening for Mental Health does not store any identifying information about the participants who take the screening. Institutions only receive aggregate data about their screened population and cannot identify specific members of the community.

Screening for Mental Health has had hundreds of Fortune 500 Companies, healthcare companies, and colleges participate in the program since its inception in 2001.

NOTE TO SITE COORDINATORS: You may want to share this information with others on campus who are in a position to decide when and how to use the screening program (e.g., Freshman Orientation Coordinator, Dean of Students, Athletic Director, Director of Health Services).