MHA Screening

 

Increasingly, individuals are turning to the internet to find mental health information and support. Over 5 million individuals visit Mental Health America’s Screening site every year. Many who visit MHA are seeking answers related to mental health disorders. Some of the top 10 Google Keywords that led people to MHA’s website were: “psychosis, depression test, PTSD test, am I depressed, bipolar test, paranoia, and mood disorders.” 

MHA Screening is Mental Health America’s online screening tool (mhascreening.org). MHA Screening supports these individuals by providing an anonymous and confidential place to explore their symptoms, to learn more about mental health, and to get access to treatment. We currently host nine screens – for depression, anxiety, bipolar, youth, parents, alcohol or substance use, psychosis, eating disorders, and PTSD. 

Screening to Supports (S2S)

MHA launched our Online Screening Program in 2014 and has collected nearly 5 million screens to date. This translates to up to 3,000 screenings per day. The vast majorities of these screeners are under the age of twenty-five, screen positive for the condition for which they screen, yet have not ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Most people upon receiving results ask for general help—additional information about mental health; and online program or app; worksheets or coping skills to use at home; referrals to local providers; or a phone number for immediate support or guidance.

We knew we could do more. And we have.

MHA's Screening to Supports (S2S) is an interactive online space for individuals to find tools they can use after screening to better their mental health. S2S provides customized results, drawing from resources in each of four domains: information and resources (“Learn”); information about and referrals to care, services, and supports (“Treatment and Help”); do-it-yourself tools (“DIY”); and online engagement with peers (“Connect”).

Examples of the content to be offered in each domain are as follows:

  • “Learn” information and resources on mental health conditions - MHA creates user friendly content to help educate people on what they need to know to start feeling better. Articles explore both signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and tips and tools to build resiliency and coping skills.

  • “Treatment and Help” information about treatments and services and referrals to care, services, and supports – MHA provides a vetted list of national, local, and online resources available.  Online with opportunities to see people virtually and in person, MHA provides information about treatment options so individuals can become informed when making the best treatment decisions for their recovery.

  • “DIY” do-it-yourself tools – People are searching for online options to support feeling better.  MHA provides a vetted list of worksheets, apps, videos, and other DIY options people can use to learn more and build skills towards recovery. 

  • “Connect” engagement with peers – Individuals should not have to struggle alone.  MHA provides links to online communities, groups, stories, and online connections to people with similar concerns. We believe a collective effort to get well is the best approach to recovery.

Disclaimer: This screening is for educational and informational purposes only. All information on this site is confidential. This is not a substitute for a diagnosis for mental illness. A diagnosis for mental illness can only be made by a clinical evaluation from a healthcare professional.