Conversations around mental health skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the stigma around seeking therapy. But there are still many people who are struggling but don’t reach out for help. Taking the first step to seek out a mental health screening can be one of the most challenging parts of the journey—but it doesn’t have to be.
Fueled by uncertainty and fear, people may delay getting a mental health screening. Yet for many, there’s a sense of relief that comes from making that first call, even before they start services. Here we give you an in-depth view of mental health screenings, how they work, and how you can access one, including the screening we offer at PrairieCare.
If you or a loved one needs a mental health check-in, call our team anytime at 952-826-8475. We’ll walk you through the process with no strings attached. Read on to learn more about the benefits of calling PrairieCare to start your healing journey.
What You’ll Read
- What is a mental health screening, and how does it work?
- Why is early detection through screenings so important for long-term outcomes?
- What kinds of questions are included in a screening?
- How can PrairieCare help you or a loved one take the first step in mental health support?
Quick Read
A mental health screening is much like a physical health check-up. It’s a set of questions that help identify signs of conditions like depression or anxiety. Screenings can be done online or by a healthcare professional, and they provide an early way to notice changes in mood or behavior that may signal it’s time to seek support. By including screenings in routine care, people can take a proactive step toward protecting their mental health.
Screenings are especially important because most mental health conditions begin early in life—about half before age 14 and three-quarters by age 24. Yet, on average, treatment doesn’t begin until more than a decade after symptoms first appear. Catching concerns early often means symptoms are less severe, treatment is shorter, and recovery is more effective.
Anyone at any age can benefit from a mental health screening. Common warning signs include mood changes, loss of interest in activities, trouble focusing, changes in sleep or appetite, or overwhelming fear and sadness. At PrairieCare, we offer a complimentary care questionnaire to help you or a loved one take the first step in finding the right care. Our team listens, supports, and connects you with resources so you can start feeling better sooner. Call us at 952-826-8475 to get started.
What Is a Mental Health Screening?
A mental health screening—just like a screening for any other health condition—is a series of questions that help to understand someone’s behavior and mood to determine if they might have a mental health disorder. Whether done online or with a medical professional, it helps you be proactive in your mental health and guides you when to get help. In a medical setting, a mental health screening can be part of a regular physical exam to ensure a more comprehensive view of someone’s health.
The Purpose of Mental Health Screenings
One of the most significant purposes of a mental health screening is to catch symptoms early and to connect the patient with treatment. A study showed that about 50 percent of mental health conditions start by age 14, and 75 percent start by age 24. Yet, the average delay between when symptoms first emerge, and treatment starts is about 11 years. When mental health screenings are part of regular exams, such as an annual physical, people can get the care they need sooner.
One of the best ways to increase the chances of better outcomes for mental health challenges is to catch the signs early. Delaying treatment allows symptoms to get worse and can cause more disruptions to daily life. Like physical health issues, typically, the earlier you start treatment, the less time you need to spend in treatment, the less severe the symptoms are, and there’s a lower risk of relapse.
In addition, a mental health screening can help a provider determine if the physical symptoms you are experiencing are due to an underlying mental health disorder. For example, a teenager may be having severe stomach pain that’s associated with an anxiety disorder rather than a virus or GI condition. In general, mental health screenings ensure a full-body view for more comprehensive care and can prevent severe circumstances, including loss of life.
Who Benefits from a Mental Health Screening?
Anyone can benefit from a mental health screening at some point in their life, even if it’s just to check in. Whether you’re going in for an annual physical exam anyway or you feel more tired than usual, it’s worth completing a mental health screening to confirm you’re on the right track mentally. It’s important to remember that children and teenagers can also get a screening. So, if your child or loved one starts to act differently or has concerning symptoms, you should advocate for a mental health screening.
Some signs you or a loved one should request a screening include:
- Irritable mood or behavior changes
- Trouble staying focused on tasks
- Feeling sad all the time or not caring
- Not engaging with typical friends or activities
- Use of alcohol or other substances to cope
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Feeling overwhelmed by fear or nervousness
- Thoughts of death, suicide, or harming yourself or others (get immediate help by calling 911)
Sometimes, it isn’t always obvious when a mental health disorder emerges, but a screening is part of the puzzle on the way to start feeling better. The outcome of a screening will not guarantee a high level of care, but maybe a weekly or monthly therapy visit instead. Either way, getting a screening can be empowering and helps you check in mentally the same way you get physical health checkups.
What Is Included in a Mental Health Screening?
During a mental health screening, you are asked a series of questions that help identify where you are in your mental health. For many screenings, this includes questions related to depression, anxiety, substance use, and other disorders. More in-depth screenings, especially those done with a mental health provider, also include questions regarding your daily life, to get more insight into external factors impacting your health.
Once these questions are answered, you will get a recommendation for next steps. Typically, screenings are based on a numerical scale, and if you score on the higher end, the next step is to do an in-depth assessment or reach out to a healthcare provider. An assessment or evaluation is a more comprehensive process with a mental health provider, in which they will recommend a level of care and a treatment plan for your unique needs.
The Importance of Mental Health Screenings
Just last year, in 2023, the United States Preventative Task Force (USPSTF) recommended screenings for anxiety and depression in adults 65 and under, to increase access to care and boost suicide prevention. In response to elevated levels of severe symptoms in youth, for the first time in its history, USPSTF also recommends anxiety screenings for children 8–18. Since 2016, depression screenings for adolescents 12–18 have been recommended
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, yet the majority of people believe it is preventable. Although suicide prevention is a complex issue, proactive mental health screenings during a routine check-up can prevent this trend from escalating further. One study showed that 83 percent of patients who died by suicide received healthcare in the year before their death—with half of those patients visiting their primary care provider. Completing a mental health screening as part of that visit could have made a difference for them.
These numbers are devastating, and reinforce how vital screenings are in a typical health evaluation. Regardless, being a self-advocate for your health or the health of a loved one will help you get the support you need.
How to Get a Mental Health Assessment
So, you’re ready to look into your own or your child’s mental health, but where do you start? There are a couple of options, but the most important thing is to begin the process instead of waiting.
Primary Care Physician
A general practice or family doctor can complete an initial mental health screening for depression and anxiety. Sometimes these screenings are part of regular care, such as a yearly exam or after having a baby. At any time, if you feel mental health symptoms are emerging, ask about a screening or request a referral to a mental health professional.
Mental Health Provider
There are organizations locally and nationally that focus solely on psychiatric care. A good first step is to check what’s in network with your insurance and see if there are specialty programs that fit your needs. You can often contact a company directly to learn more about their services and how to access a screening.
At PrairieCare, we offer various options for starting care. At any time, you can call 952-826-8475 to see what we offer, access a complimentary care questionnaire, and get resources for mental wellness. We also have an immediate care line you can call to get treatment at our hospital for anyone 35 and younger. We understand mental health challenges don’t happen on a schedule, and we’re here for you when you need it most.
Online Screening for Mental Health
One of the most accessible ways to take a mental health screening, especially for youth, is online, but it’s crucial to find a trustworthy resource. If you want to do an online screening for a specific disorder, Mental Health America has guided over 25.6 million people with clinically supported screens. Although experts have reviewed their tests, the screening can’t give you a specific or definitive answer.
When you use an online screening, approach it with caution. It’s best to consider the results as a recommendation, rather than a diagnosis. After the screening, if you get a test score or a message that indicates you could have a disorder, it’s time to reach out to a professional.
The Benefits of a Screening at PrairieCare
When you talk with our team at 952-826-8475, you instantly get support for what you’re experiencing. Since mental health is our whole mission and we offer a full continuum of care, you get unique benefits you may not receive at any other healthcare organization. Here are some of the top reasons you can feel comfortable calling PrairieCare.
You get professional support without paying. It’s been reported that the most common barrier to accessing mental health treatment is lack of affordability. That’s why our team provides no-cost mental health screenings so anyone seeking care can take the first step without worrying if they can afford it. In addition, our screenings are with a real person who can help you with financial options that fit your situation.
You can talk when it’s comfortable for you. If you’ve never talked about your mental health openly, sometimes doing it over the phone can feel less intimidating. Phone screenings give you the flexibility to reach out when and where it’s most comfortable for you. The best part? You’re connected with a professional who is right there with nonjudgmental advice.
Your whole self is considered and appreciated. Unlike online screenings that are put together based on numbers, our screenings are conducted by a caring and empathetic team member who’s there to have a real conversation with you. We understand the complexity of mental health and all the outside influences that can impact how you feel. We’re not a call center; instead, our team works out of our clinics and can consult with mental health providers to ensure you get accurate advice. We pride ourselves in individualizing each call—and truly it’s our joy to be the one to guide you.
You can access more inclusive and specialized care. The great thing about coming to us is that we are a single-specialty organization that has a network of specialists with diverse work and personal experiences. In addition to treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mood disorders, we offer specialized options and services, for conditions including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders or disordered eating. And we can connect you to providers who are trained in working with specific populations, such as LGBTQIA+, immigrants and refugees, BIPOC communities, and more.
You join a system of care that is flexible according to your needs. At PrairieCare, we proudly offer a full continuum of mental health services for all ages. That means we have programs that can meet you where you are in your journey, with the option to increase or decrease the intensity or frequency of care as you progress in treatment. We understand that mental health isn’t always a straight path, and we can work with you to adjust as needed.
You get a sense of relief right away. One of the most common things our team notice is the relief people express on that first call. Unfortunately, many people of all ages feel they need to bottle up what they are experiencing. Callers often share with our screening team how good it feels to finally talk about what’s been bothering them for so long. When you call, you not only get an immense sense of relief, but you also get a path to move forward and start healing. Talking about your mental health can genuinely be freeing.
You’re given a path for support, no matter what. When you call, whether for yourself or a loved one, you will be given the information you need. After a talking with our team, we will have a good idea of what program at PrairieCare fits your needs, what resources can help, or if there’s another program in the community that could be a better option for you. No matter what, you will end the call with options for moving forward in your mental health journey.
Talk with Our Team Today
If you’re looking for mental health services for yourself or a loved one, our care questionnaire is available to all Minnesotans at no cost. Our team can be reached anytime at 952-826-8475, and they will guide you in taking the first step in your healing journey.
You can request a care questionnaire using the button below and filling out the form on the right. Then our team will reach out to you within one business day to get started.
Minnesota’s Leading Mental Health Provider
When you call our team of experts, they draw on a system of care that focuses only on mental health, ensuring you get the specialty care you need to thrive. With several locations in the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Mankato, we can connect people of all ages to therapy that fits their lives.
We offer inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, and multiple outpatient programs. In addition, we have specialty tracks focused on disordered eating, perinatal care, and co-occurring substance use support, to ensure Minnesotans get the care they need. Learn more about our services, and if you have questions, call us at 952-826-8475.
Mental Health Screening FAQs
Can you screen for mental health?
- Yes, you can screen for mental health conditions. The most accurate screenings are completed by a medical professional. They ask questions to determine aspects of someone’s mood and behavior. The results help the provider determine next steps for the patient.
How do I ask for a mental health screening?
- You can ask your primary care provider for a mental health screening. They will help you complete an assessment and refer you to a mental health provider that fits your needs. In Minnesota, you can call 952-826-8475, and our team will help you with finding a program that fits your unique needs.
What is the difference between screening and assessment in mental health?
- A mental health screening is an initial and short process that someone can take to determine if the symptoms they are experiencing should be addressed by a professional. An assessment or evaluation can come after a screening, and is a thorough process to determine a course of action, including a level of care and a treatment plan.
Are mental health screenings worth it?
- Yes, mental health screenings are worth doing as soon as you feel symptoms emerge. The best outcomes come from early detection, and a mental health screening can help determine the best route.
Are mental health screenings accurate?
- It depends on what kind of mental health screening you complete. The most accurate screenings are conducted by a primary care provider.
What happens in a mental health test?
- During a mental health screening, you are asked questions that help determine if you’re experiencing signs of a mental health disorder. Once the screening is completed, the answers will determine what type of support is needed.