FILE: Davis School District, Davis County Health Department and Davis Behavioral Health sponsor youth mental screenings. Photo: Matt Gade, Deseret News
FARMINGTON, Utah — Davis HELPS, a suicide prevention coalition, plans to host a free mental health screening for junior high and high school-aged youth on March 29.
This is not Davis County’s first mental health screening event. According to Isa Perry, the Davis4Health Coordinator, the county has conducted annual screenings since 2017.
Christi Blankman, the K-12 Prevention Coordinator for Davis School District, said in a news release that these events aim to make it easier for Davis County families to identify potential mental health issues. They also work to connect them with needed services.
According to Blankmen, Davis County Residents report that accessing behavioral health services is difficult.
“We know that nearly one out of five adolescents in Davis County needs mental health treatment. Also, suicide is the leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 17 in Utah,” Blankmen said.
Participants of screenings will potentially connect with services such as medical treatment, counseling and support groups. A comprehensive list of services is provided for participants, as well as being available through Davis County Health Department website.
From 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Davis HELPS will offer 30-minute virtual appointments to youth and parents who have mental health concerns. A parent or legal guardian must be present during an appointment. Screenings will not serve as a source to receive any clinical diagnoses.
During the week leading up to screenings, youth and their parents receive and complete an online screening survey. The survey, while not a full psychological evaluation, will touch upon depression, anxiety and suicide.
Individuals interested in a screening can sign up here or call Angie Smith in Prevention and Education Programs with Davis Behavioral Health at 801-336-1742.
Davis School District, Davis Courtney Health Department and Davis Behavioral Health sponsor this event.