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Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH), the pioneer of mental health screening,
has an existing program that can serve as the cornerstone for states, counties
and communities interested in year-round mental health promotion, screening and
referral. It is easily adapted at the local level in response to community
trauma or disasters.
CommunityResponse integrates mental health and substance abuse
validated screening and referral mechanisms into a comprehensive package
compatible with ongoing local initiatives. This program is intended to provide
immediate start-up and response in large-scale emergencies or can be used as
part of an ongoing mental health campaign.
The CommunityResponse Program is customized and features three
interactive modules that promote early detection and guided intervention.
Community residents can be screened anonymously for depression, bipolar
disorder, a range of alcohol problems, eating disorders, generalized anxiety
and post-traumatic stress disorders via these three modules:
If additional assistance is indicated as a result of self-administered
screenings, the user is referred via a customized referral to specific
community or state-based providers for further evaluation and treatment. If
symptoms do not rise to a clinical level, participants can be triaged to a
location where they can get more information about handling trauma-related
stress. This program serves to reduce an overwhelming burden on limited mental
health services in times of crises, while at the same time directing callers
who need psychological treatment to designated community services.
SMH staff is available to provide ongoing training, technical assistance and
public relations support to participating government agencies.
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