Mental health screenings are valuable way to ‘look around, look within’

“Look Around, Look Within” is this year’s Mental Health Month theme, and taking a mental health screening is an easy way to put the theme into action. There are numerous free, confidential screening tools available online. 

According to Mental Health America (MHA), “taking an online screening test is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.” MHA also notes that mental health conditions are real, common and treatable, and recovery is possible. 

Take a Mental Health Test, courtesy of MHA’s variety of screening tools – English and Spanish versions are available. Screenings available online include:

• ADHD Test
• Anxiety Test
• Bipolar Test
• Depression Test
• Parent Test: Your Child’s Mental Health
• PTSD Test
• Youth Mental Health Test

Additionally, the SupportLinc web portal provides access to a variety of evidence-based health tools that individuals can use to assess their mental health and well-being:

• PHQ-9: The PHQ-9 is a validated screening tool focusing on symptoms of depression.
• GAD-7: The GAD-7 is a validated screening tool and symptom severity measure focusing on the four most common anxiety disorders.
• Stress and Health Self-Test: The Stress Screener provides feedback regarding your risk of experiencing health consequences due to your stress levels.
• Drinking Pattern Assessment: Answer these questions to find out how your drinking pattern compares to those of other adults.
• Alcohol Use Screening (AUDIT-C): The AUDIT-C is a validated screening tool focusing on symptoms of alcohol dependence.
• Substance Abuse Screening (ASSIST): ASSIST is a brief screening tool that focuses on dependency related to alcohol, tobacco products and other drugs. 

Mental health screenings also are available from other organizations, such as Talkspace, PSYCOM, PsychCentral and Psychology Today.

To learn how mental health testing can help someone, this MHA article offers insight. And while an online mental health screening provides a snapshot of an individual’s mental well-being, it’s important to remember the screenings are only a partial look, and additional assistance from a health care provider/mental health professional might be beneficial. See the MHA article, “What do my mental health test results mean?” for more details. 

Mental health screenings also can be done during an annual physical; some providers include them automatically, but individuals can request them at any time during an appointment.

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES  

To assist faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources, which support the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program, as well as information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students  

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) — medical plan provider for students and graduate students — offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan.   

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app for students.