Early Mental Health Intervention

Mental health care and substance abuse issues often go untreated in the United States. This is largely a result of undiagnosed disorders. In an effort to improve care and provide early intervention, the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health provided goals that would provide early screening, diagnosis and referral to treatment. “Goal 4: Early Mental Health Screening, Assessment, and Referral to Services are Common Practices” address early intervention. (NAMI, 2015) These goals recommends that screenings be provided to people of all ages, from the very young to the elderly. Recommendations include regular screenings preformed in primary care, schools, and by community healthcare providers allows for the early detection of mental health and substance abuse disorders. Screenings preformed throughout the span of life results in earlier detection, referral to care, better access and improved outcomes.
“Mental health, which includes emotional and behavioral areas of health is a critical component of child well-being.” (Simpson, 2008, p. 1) According to Simpson (2008), the integrated care of children should be included in a comprehensive physical assessment. Mental health disorders can impact physical health, social relationships …show more content…
Federal funds have been made available through the Health Resources and Administration. Funding is available to health centers to expand behavioral health services. “Health centers use these new funds to hire new mental health professionals, add mental health and substance use disorder health services, and employ integrated models of primary care.” (HRSA, 2015) Health centers are audited and assessed by Uniform Data System reviews with depression screening and follow up a quality indicator. Statistics on the patients screened for depression are measured and compared against other health centers on state and national