Today, staff members of FSA informed me about TeenScreen and I was immediately compelled to share it here. This innovative and promising program was developed at Colombia University to raise awareness of the important struggles teens face and to promote their mental wellness. TeenScreen is a 12-minute self-administered computer questionnaire that includes screening for depression, suicidal thinking and attempts, anxiety, social phobia, substance use, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders and general health problems, followed by a short interview with a counselor. When a significant number of flags are raised, students are called in for a longer, clinical interview, and when the counselor believes there is further evaluation needed, they will provide local referrals and resources for the student and his or her family.

Family Service Agency screened Sophomores at Drake and Redwood High Schools in 2008/2009, where about 20% of students were screened upon parental approval. 36 went on to the longer, clinical interview and 23 of them were offered case management or referral for further follow-up. Exit surveys at Redwood found the majority of students who were screened had found the program helpful and had learned more about themselves and their own coping skills.

It is extremely important for parents to stay aware of their teen’s mental health –depression, anxiety and stress in teens can lead to suicidal thoughts, drug abuse, eating disorders, among other dangers. Depression in teens can be difficult to detect, because they may not seem sad.

Depressed teens may:

• Feel restless, irritated, or tired.
• Become socially isolated.
• Have frequent school absences/poor grades.
• Abuse alcohol or drugs.
• Display reckless behavior.
• Stop doing sports and being with friends.
• Lose weight or gain weight.
• Sleep too much or too little.
• Feel sad and cry a lot.
• Have thoughts about death and suicide.

FSA is now able to screen teens individually at our main office in San Rafael.  If you or a teen you know is feeling anxious or depressed, or is at-risk for alcohol or drug abuse, please don’t hesitate to find out more about this quick and simple screening.

For more information about TeenScreen, call (415) 491-5700.

Take good care of yourself! All the best.

Alissa Steiner