DAVIS COUNTY—The Davis County Health Department is offering a free mental health screening for youth aged 11-18 years old March 13 and registration is now open. This event is geared toward parents or guardians who are concerned about their teen’s mental health and need direction or peace of mind. 

This is an opportunity for parents and youth to check in with a mental health professional for free. The screening will address topics such as social and emotional needs, anxiety, depression, trauma, suicide and safety concerns. 

Davis HELPS is hosting the screening and appointments will be in person at South Davis Jr. High, 298 W. 2600 South, in Bountiful on March 13. Appointments are available between 4 p.m.–7p.m. and are 30 minutes long. Sign up by March 6 at https://www.dbhutah.org/screening/ or call Angie Smith from Davis Behavioral Health at 801-336-1742. A parent or guardian must be present during the appointment. 

“I first became involved with this event as a parent worried about my teenager,” said Teresa Smith from the Davis County Health Department. “I was able to make an appointment at one of these free screening events, complete the screening questionnaire with my teen and then talk with a therapist about the results. At the appointment, we discussed some skills we could use at home, received directions on what to do next, and connected with the additional help that we needed.” Teresa now helps plan the event and coordinates the Davis HELPS Coalition.

“Youth are resilient and can overcome mental health struggles with the right support, treatment and resources,” said Christi Blankman, K-12 Prevention Coordinator for the Davis School District. “This event is set up in the community to help all youth and families identify if there are areas of concern and then link them to services.” 

Prior to the appointment, a parent and child will fill out an online screening questionnaire. At the appointment, the clinician will discuss screening questionnaire results and provide direction if follow-up is needed. Both the screening and the meeting are free. The screening is not a full psychological evaluation and a clinical diagnosis will not be made.

If you are a parent in any of the following or similar situations, this event could help:

● I have noticed my son/daughter has been withdrawn and anxious lately. I am

wondering if we need to seek additional help.

● I know my son/daughter needs help but am not sure where to start.

● There have been life changes in our family. I want to check in about my

son/daughter’s mental health.

● I know we need help but we can’t afford traditional therapy. We are looking for

additional resources.

If you are a teen in any of the following or similar situations, this event could help:

● I am struggling to cope with life’s challenges and wondering if I should seek help.

● I know I need help but don’t know where to start.

● I am feeling down and not sure what to do.

● I feel anxious about life, school, my family, or friends and am not sure how to handle it.

This is a community-wide event with support from numerous agencies working to prevent suicide and improve access to behavioral health services. Agencies sponsoring the event include: Davis Behavioral Health, Davis County Health Department, Davis School District, and Utah State University Extension.