The Dialogue e-newsletter

Importance of Screening

Why is mental health screening incredibly important? And why should it be offered as early as adolescence throughout one's life? It could make one significant difference - between life and death. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among children aged 10-14 and the second for youth between 15 and 24 years old. New data indicates that 37 percent of 11-17 year olds screen for severe depression.

Screenings for physical health are done routinely and without question. Screenings for behavioral health are not -- but are no less important. Screening for addictions and mental illness is the first step to early intervention. We know that evidence-based early intervention can often prevent suicide, serious impairment, and overdose, not to mention unemployment, homelessness, and poverty.

October 6th is National Depression Screening Day (see Monthly Health Check above). We are part of the movement to ensure that all patient care providers implement Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). Request a training online or email us.

Additional resources:
SAMHSA resources
SBIRT ATTC
NPR piece on screening in schools
StopASuicide.org

We'd Like to Hear From You

The

Central East ATTC

is committed to meeting the needs of all behavioral health workers in our region (HHS Region III). We would like to know what training, education, and communication needs are most important to you and how we can meet them. Email us or call (240) 645-1145 with any suggestions, requests, or comments so that we can make your work easier and more successful.

SBIRT

National Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment ATTC

As defined by SAMHSA, "SBIRT is an approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment to people with substance use disorders and those at risk of developing these disorders."

Many people use substances, but how do we talk about it better and how can we get people help if they need it? SBIRT is public health and harm reduction model that takes a public health approach to get these questions answered.

SBIRT is:
Screening quickly assesses for the presence of risky substance use, follows positive screens with further assessment of problem use, and identifies the appropriate level of treatment.

Brief intervention focuses on increasing insight and awareness regarding substance use and motivation toward behavioral change.

Referral to treatment provides those identified as needing more extensive treatment with access to specialty care.

The SBIRT ATTC provides a suite of services, including: a National Registry of SBIRT Trainers, webinars, technical assistance, downloadable products, and much more.

Central East ATTC’s eNewsletter

Monthly Health Check

Upcoming Training Events

Importance of Screening

SAMHSA Region III ATTC Webinar Series:

Language Matters

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