Implementing mental health screening within a youth alcohol and other drugs service

Abstract

Background: While clinical studies consistently demonstrate high rates of co-occurring mental health problems among young people with substance use disorders, mental health assessments are not routinely conducted within Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) settings. Aims: To describe the implementation of a universal mental health screening program within a youth AOD service. We report on the adoption of screening by AOD staff over the subsequent 30 months, as well as rates of identified psychological problems. Method: Examination of service data that were collected following implementation of the screening program. Results: Between August 2005 and December 2007, AOD workers completed 383 screens (87.4%) from a total of 438 eligible young people. Two hundred and sixty-eight (70.0%) scored 17 or above on the K10, with the mean score of the sample being 23.4 (SD = 9.6). Twenty-seven per cent reported moderate to severe suicide risk, with 9.9% reporting self-harm in the past month. Conclusion: With appropriate level...