According to Mental Health America, youth ages 11-17 report the highest rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation of any age group. Intervening with mental health treatment is essential to prevent self-harm and the long-term impact of undiagnosed mental health needs.
Mental health screenings are one way to discover underlying concerns and initiate intervention. For the 2020-21 school year, the Charles E. Kubly Foundation provided a grant to Christian Family Solutions (CFS) to provide on-site mental health screening services at four Wisconsin high schools:
- Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton, Wis.
- Shoreland Lutheran High School, Somers, Wis.
- Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, Jackson, Wis.
Mental health providers met individually with 253 students at these four schools. The funds were used to screen incoming students, helping to identify those who may be struggling with challenges such as depression, self-harm, anxiety, substance abuse, or other issues that may impact their ability to succeed in school.
“These screenings are critical for schools at all levels to consider – especially right now in the midst of the pandemic,” says Dan Nommensen, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, director of the screening services offered to schools. “We are very grateful for this support. It is an essential opportunity to initiate mental health treatment and early intervention with students in need, before symptoms escalate.”
The mental health screening CFS offers in schools is optional and offered to students who have parental consent. Results of the screening are shared with parents and are not reported to school officials. All of the screenings funded by the Charles E. Kubly Foundation grant were conducted in person on site at schools. Screenings can also be completed through a secure video connection between a student and a mental health provider.
Christian Family Solutions works to leverage all available resources to make mental health services accessible to those in need. Generous donations and grants such as this one through the Charles E. Kubly Foundation allow schools, CFS, and parents to create the support systems necessary to help young people in need.
For more information on mental health screenings from Christian Family Solutions, contact Dan Nommensen at info@wlcfs.org.
