The Case for School-Based Depression Screening: Evidence From Established Programs.

This paper reviews the evidence base supporting early detection of depression through school-based screening. An overview of the rationale for school-based depression screening is presented. Evaluation highlights from established screening programs based in secondary schools that have been reviewed in the mental health, public health, and educational literatures are described. Presented in greater detail is the University of Washington's Developmental Pathways Screening Program including a summary of research findings that have supported its development and implementation.