A mental health screening is like a quick checkup for your brain. It’s a set of questions that can help a health care provider get a snapshot of your emotional and mental well-being. Just like a physical exam checks your body, a mental health screening checks on your mind. 

You can think of a mental health screening as a conversation starter. It’s a chance to talk about how you’re feeling and learn more about mental health. A screening isn’t an official diagnosis, but it can identify potential issues early on. 

Mental health screenings are important because they can help catch “problems” before they become bigger issues. More than half of Americans will experience a mental health condition at some point during their lives, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Many mental health conditions are treatable, and early detection can make a big difference. 

Why “mental health problem” isn’t always helpful

While it’s incredibly important to talk openly about mental health conditions, using the term “mental health problems” can sometimes be misleading or even harmful. Here’s why:

• Stigma — The word “problem” carries negative connotations, suggesting that something in you is wrong or broken. This can create stigma and discourage people from getting the help they deserve.
• Negative focus — Focusing on the issue rather than the person experiencing it can lead to feelings of shame or inadequacy. 
• Experience oversimplification — Mental health is complex and varies from person to person. Labeling it as a “problem” doesn’t fully capture the range of experiences people have. 

It can be more helpful to use language that places emphasis on well-being and support, such as “mental health challenge” or “mental health condition.” Using this kind of language helps promote inclusivity and help reduce stigma. 

What conditions can a mental health screening detect?

Mental health screenings are designed to help identify potential signs of a variety of mental health conditions. Some conditions that can be detected through screening include:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorders
• Specific phobias
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Anorexia
• Bulimia
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Borderline personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Avoidant personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Schizophrenia

These and other mental health conditions can affect people of all ages. There may be specific mental health screenings designed for children or adults, depending on the particular condition being assessed. 

What is a mental health screening used for?

A mental health screening can be used for:

• Providing early detection — A mental health screening can help find potential mental health concerns early on, when they’re easier to treat. 
• Understanding your mental health — A mental health screening can give you and your provider a better picture of your emotional well-being. 
• Getting help — If your mental health screening shows that something may be off, it can help you get connected with the right people for support. 

What happens during a mental health screening?

A mental health screening is like a quick check-in about how you’re doing and feeling. It’s a chance for you to share what’s going on in your head. Here’s what you can expect:

• A set of questions — You’ll answer questions about your mood, feelings, sleep, energy levels, appetite and how you can handle stress. These questions will help your health care provider get a sense of your overall mental well-being. 
• A discussion about your life — You may talk about your school, work or home life, and how these areas are affecting you emotionally. 
• A physical exam — If your primary care provider is doing your screening, they may also do a brief physical exam or blood tests to rule out any physical causes of your symptoms. 
• A review of your medical history — You may be asked about any past or current medical conditions, medications you’re taking, and family history of mental health issues. 
• A discussion about your support system — You may be asked about your friends, family and other people who support you. 
• Information about coping strategies — You may be asked about how you handle stress or difficult situations. 

There are no right or wrong answers for a mental health screening. You want to be as honest as possible, to help meet the goal of getting a better understanding of how you’re doing. 

Who can do a mental health screening?

While there are a plethora of online assessments, these assessments cannot provide an actual diagnosis. To help you have a thorough mental health screening, you need to have one done by a qualified professional, such as a:

• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Licensed clinical social worker
• Primary care provider
• School counselor

What happens after a mental health screening?

After your mental health screening, you’ll get some information about what your results mean. Here’s what may happen next:

• Understanding your results — You’ll learn more about how you scored on the screening and what that means. 
• Taking the next step — If indicated, you’ll be guided toward getting more help or support. 
• Talking about treatment — You may discuss different options like therapy, medication or self-care strategies. 
• Creating a plan — You and your health care provider may work together to create a plan to address your concerns. 

Taking the initial step to get help is a sign of great strength. There is nothing wrong with you or broken inside of you. Your brain may just be working a little differently and that’s OK. 

Let Lightfully Behavioral Health be your partner in mental health on your journey to mental well-being

At Lightfully Behavioral Health, we understand the importance of understanding your mental health. That’s why we offer comprehensive mental health screenings to help you assess your well-being. We can also help you if you’ve had a mental health screening and aren’t sure what to do next. After your screening, our compassionate experts will guide you through the next steps, creating a personalized treatment plan using our unique approach, tailored to your unique needs. With a focus on providing whole-person-centered care, we offer a variety of levels of care that can address a wide range of mental health conditions. We can be your partner to help you achieve optimal mental health. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.