- Survey of 34 pediatric health systems across 24 states described current mental health screening practices.
- All systems screened for suicide; most screened for depression (94%), substance use (94%), and anxiety (88%).
- Screening was most common for patients over 12 and in primary care and outpatient psychiatry, highlighting areas for improvement and further research.
Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2026 Oct 15:99228261494442. doi: 10.1177/00099228261494442. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Despite an ongoing youth mental health crisis, mental health screening practices by pediatric health systems are unknown. The aim of the current study is to describe mental health screening practices in pediatric health systems and identify potential targets for improvement. Pediatric health systems enrolled in a quality improvement study regarding mental health services were surveyed regarding mental health screening practices. Thirty-four of 39 enrolled pediatric health systems from 24 states completed the survey. All systems reported screening for suicide, with most also screening for depression (94%), substance use (94%), and anxiety (88%). Screening was most common for patients over 12 and in primary care and outpatient psychiatry settings. Results highlight areas for improvement in pediatric mental health screening practices and underscore the need for further research.
PMID:42877991 | DOI:10.1177/00099228261494442
Share Evidence Blueprint
Save to Google Notes
Search Google Scholar
Save as PDF
⭐ My Revision List
