This quick and easy screening tool helps parents check their child’s emotional and behavioural wellbeing. Designed for children aged 4–16 years, it takes only 5 minutes to complete. Based on the validated Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17), this tool can highlight potential attention, emotional, or behavioural concerns.
Screening is completely anonymous and confidential, giving you a safe way to understand your child’s mental health. Early identification of challenges allows children to receive support sooner. Many childhood mental health issues are treatable, and early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Disclaimer:
This is not a diagnostic tool.
It is intended to identify children who may need further evaluation.
Discuss results with your child’s GP or school.
Screening is anonymous and confidential.
Understanding Child Mental Health
Why Child Mental Health Matters
Mental health issues are common in childhood. Research shows that 1 in 6 children aged 5–16 may have a probable mental health condition, yet many go undetected and untreated. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, supporting children in school, friendships, and family life.
What This Screening Checks
The PSC-17 identifies three main areas of concern:
Internalising Problems (Emotional): Anxiety, worry, sadness, social withdrawal, low mood, or unhappiness.
Externalising Problems (Behavioural): Aggression, defiance, difficulty following rules, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
Attention Problems: Difficulty concentrating, easily distracted, trouble finishing tasks, and problems with schoolwork.
Common Childhood Mental Health Issues
These may include anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, conduct disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Early detection helps children get the support they need to thrive.
The Screening Test
To complete the screening, reflect on your child’s behaviour over the past several months. Focus on what is typical for your child, not just one difficult week. Rate how often each behaviour occurs honestly, this helps identify whether your child may need support. Make sure to complete all questions for accurate results.
If you have multiple children, complete a separate screening for each child, as different children may have different needs.
Rating Scale:
Never: 0 points
Sometimes: 1 point
Often: 2 points
The 17 PSC Questions
Please rate how often your child experiences each of the following behaviours. Be honest and reflect on what is typical for your child over the past several months.
Internalising/Emotional Problems
1. Feels sad, unhappy
2. Feels hopeless
3. Is down on him or herself
4. Worries a lot
5. Seems to be having less fun
Attention Problems
6. Fidgety, unable to sit still
7. Daydreams too much
8. Distracted easily
9. Has trouble concentrating
10. Acts as if driven by a motor
Externalizing/Behavioral Problems
11. Fights with other children
12. Does not listen to rules
13. Does not understand other people’s feelings
14. Teases others
15. Blames others for his or her troubles
16. Refuses to share
17. Takes things that do not belong to him or her
Answering all 17 questions will give a complete overview of your child’s emotional, attention, and behavioural patterns. Remember, this tool is for screening purposes only and is not a diagnosis.
Results & Interpretation
How Scoring Works
Total Score: Add up all points (0-34 possible)
Never = 0 points
Sometimes = 1 point
Often = 2 points
Subscale Scores:
Internalising (Questions 1-5): 0-10 points
Attention (Questions 6-10): 0-10 points
Externalising (Questions 11-17): 0-14 points
Interpretation:
Total score 15 or higher: Suggests need for further evaluation
Subscale score 5 or higher (7 for externalising): Concerns in that specific area
If Total Score is 15+ (Needs Further Evaluation)
What this means: Your responses suggest your child may be experiencing emotional, behavioural, or attention difficulties that warrant professional evaluation.
Next steps:
Book an appointment with your child’s GP
Bring your screening results to the appointment
Describe specific behaviours and when they occur
Mention the impact on school, friendships, or home life
Request a referral to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) if needed
What to expect:
The GP will ask detailed questions about your child
They may want to speak with your child directly
They could request information from school
They might refer you to a paediatrician, educational psychologist, or CAMHS
Further assessment will determine your child’s specific needs
Important to know:
Early intervention helps prevent problems from worsening
Many childhood mental health issues are highly treatable
Your child isn’t “bad” – they may be struggling with something beyond their control
Support is available and seeking help is a positive step
If Score in One Subscale is High
High Internalising Score (5+): Suggests emotional difficulties like anxiety or depression
Speak to your GP about your child’s mood
Consider whether there are triggers such as bullying or family stress
A school counsellor may be helpful
High Attention Score (5+): Suggests possible ADHD or attention difficulties
Discuss concerns with your GP and child’s teacher
Request an assessment for ADHD if appropriate
Strategies at home and school can help manage symptoms
High Externalising Score (7+): Suggests behavioural difficulties
Your GP can assess for conduct disorders
Parenting support programmes can be very effective
School behaviour support may be needed
If Total Score is Below 15
What this means: Your child’s symptoms don’t suggest significant mental health concerns at this time. However, trust your instincts as a parent.
Still seek help if:
You’re worried about specific behaviours
There have been recent significant changes in behaviour
Problems are getting worse over time
Issues are impacting school performance significantly
Your child expresses wanting help
You have other concerns about sleep, eating, or friendships
Getting Help for Your Child (250 words)
First Steps
Your child’s GP:
First point of contact for mental health concerns
Can refer to specialist services
May prescribe medication if needed (rare in children)
School:
Speak to class teacher or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
Request assessment if learning affected
School counselling may be available
Educational psychology assessment
Behaviour support plans
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services):
Specialist NHS mental health services for under 18s
Requires GP or school referral
Assessment and treatment for moderate to severe issues
Can take several months for appointment
Treatment Options for Children
Talking therapies:
Play therapy (younger children)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Family therapy
Art or music therapy
Parenting programmes:
Positive parenting strategies
Managing difficult behaviour
Improving parent-child relationship
Available through NHS or charities
School support:
Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Extra support in class
Small group work
Sensory breaks or movement breaks
Medication:
Used cautiously in children
Mainly for ADHD or severe anxiety/depression
Always alongside therapy
Prescribed by specialist, not GP
Support Organisations
Young Minds: Parents’ helpline: 0808 802 5544 Information and advice about child mental health
Family Lives: 0808 800 2222 Parenting support and advice
The Mix (for older children/teens): Support for young people
Place2Be: School-based mental health support
Supporting Your Child at Home
Creating a Supportive Environment
Your child’s GP:
First point of contact for mental health concerns
Can refer to specialist services
May prescribe medication if needed (rare in children)
School:
Speak to the class teacher or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
Request an assessment if learning is affected
School counselling may be available
Educational psychology assessment can be arranged
Behaviour support plans can be implemented
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services):
Specialist NHS mental health services for under 18s
Requires a GP or school referral
Provides assessment and treatment for moderate to severe issues
Waiting times can take several months for an appointment
Treatment Options for Children
Talking therapies:
Play therapy (for younger children)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Family therapy
Art or music therapy
Parenting programmes:
Positive parenting strategies
Managing difficult behaviour
Improving parent-child relationship
Available through the NHS or charities
School support:
Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Extra support in class
Small group work
Sensory breaks or movement breaks
Medication:
Used cautiously in children
Mainly prescribed for ADHD or severe anxiety/depression
Always provided alongside therapy
Prescribed by a specialist, not a GP
Support Organisations
Young Minds: Parents’ helpline: 0808 802 5544 – Information and advice about child mental health
Family Lives: 0808 800 2222 – Parenting support and advice
The Mix (for older children/teens): Support for young people
Place2Be: School-based mental health support
Common Concerns for Parents
Frequently Asked Questions
“Is this just a phase?” Some behaviours are developmental, but if they persist, cause distress, or interfere with daily life, seek advice.
“Will my child be labelled?” Getting support early helps prevent problems worsening. A diagnosis (if needed) opens doors to appropriate help.
“Am I a bad parent?” Mental health issues are not caused by bad parenting. They result from complex factors including genetics, environment, and biology.
“Will medication change my child’s personality?” Medication (rarely used in children) aims to help your child be themselves without debilitating symptoms.
“What if I can’t afford private help?” NHS services are free. Charities also offer support. Don’t let cost prevent seeking help.
“Should I tell my child’s school?” Yes – schools can provide valuable support and understanding.
For Different Age Groups
Age-Specific Considerations
Ages 4-7:
Emotional regulation still developing
May express distress through behaviour
Play therapy often most effective
Parenting strategies crucial
Ages 8-12:
Peer relationships become important
Academic pressure increases
Can engage in talking therapy
School support essential
Ages 13-16:
Adolescent brain development
Identity formation challenges
May resist parent involvement
Want independence in treatment
Peer influence strong
Risk-taking behaviour increases
Different ages require different approaches – discuss with professionals what’s most appropriate for your child’s developmental stage.
Scientific Source & Disclaimer
This screening is based on: Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17)
Reference: Gardner, W., Murphy, M., Childs, G., et al. (1999). The PSC-17: A brief pediatric symptom checklist with psychosocial problem subscales. A report from PROS and ASPN. Ambulatory Child Health, 5(3), 225-236.
Important disclaimer: This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument. It provides guidance only and cannot replace professional evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. This tool helps identify children who may benefit from further assessment. If your child is in immediate danger or experiencing severe symptoms, contact your GP urgently, call 999, or go to A&E. Trust your parental instincts. This tool is for informational purposes only. We do not store personal information (GDPR compliant).
Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
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