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Mental Health Screening
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Mental Health Screening

A mental health screening is a standard set of questions used to check for signs of mental disorders, helping providers catch conditions early and determine if further diagnostic testing is needed.

What is a mental health screening?

A mental health screening is a standard set of questions that a person answers to help a health care provider check for signs of a mental disorder. The questions help the provider learn about a person's mood, thinking, behavior, and memory.

A mental health screening is a way to catch mental health conditions early. If the screening shows signs of a disorder, more testing is usually needed to diagnose a specific mental disorder. Mental disorders are also called mental illnesses, and a mental health screening may be called a "mental illness test" or a "psychology test."

More than half of all Americans will have a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Their symptoms may range from mild to severe. Common mental disorders include:

  • Mood disorders, which include depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and self-harm.
  • Anxiety disorders, which include panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Anxiety is a common disorder in children.
  • Eating disorders, which include anorexia and bulimia.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders in children. It can also continue into adulthood.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Personality disorders.
  • Substance use disorders, which include alcohol use disorder and drug use and addiction.
  • Psychotic disorders, which include schizophrenia.

These and other mental disorders affect people of all ages, including children. So, there are special mental health screening tests designed for children, teenagers, and older adults. Some screening tests look for general signs of the most common mental disorders. Other screening tests look for signs related to specific types of disorders.

Mental health screening can be an important part of your total health at every stage of life. Mental health symptoms can be a sign of certain physical conditions. And certain mental disorders can increase the risk of developing physical health problems. With proper mental health screening, diagnosis, and treatment, people with mental health disorders can get better and many recover completely.

What is it used for?

A mental health screening is usually used as the first step to find out if a person has signs of a mental disorder. It may be part of a routine checkup. A screening test is used to see whether a person:

  • Has a risk for developing a mental disorder
  • Needs more testing to diagnose or rule out a mental health disorder
  • Needs mental health care right away, before diagnostic testing can be finished

Mental health screening may also be used to see if treatment for a mental disorder is working.

Why do I need a mental health screening?

You or your child may need a mental health screening if you have symptoms of a mental disorder. General symptoms may include:

  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little
  • Pulling away from people and usual activities
  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Feeling helpless, hopeless, or numb like nothing matters
  • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
  • Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, nervous, angry, worried, or scared
  • Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
  • Thoughts and memories that you can't get out of your head
  • Hearing voices or believing things that aren't true
  • Thinking about death, suicide or harming yourself or others

Signs of mental disorders in children may also include:

  • Frequent tantrums and other behavior problems
  • Frequent stomachaches or headaches without a known medical cause
  • Difficulty in school
  • Repeating actions or constantly checking things out of fear that something bad will happen
  • Talking a lot about fears, worries, death, or suicide

Immediate Help

If you or someone you know needs immediate help for a mental health disorder:

  • Call 911 or go to your local emergency room
  • Contact a crisis hotline. In the United States, you can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time:
    • Call or text 988
    • Chat online with Lifeline Chat
    • TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
  • Veterans can contact the Veterans Crisis Line:
    • Call 988 then press 1
    • Text 838255
    • Chat online

What happens during a mental health screening?

If you are having a mental health screening, you'll answer a set of questions about your symptoms. A provider may ask you the questions or you may fill out a questionnaire. If your primary care provider is doing the screening, you may also have a physical exam and blood tests to rule out physical conditions, such as thyroid disease or an electrolyte imbalance.

If your child is having a mental health screening, the test will be geared to your child's age and abilities. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your child's behavior.

What do the results mean?

If the results show signs of a mental health disorder, the next steps depend on the type of disorder and how serious it may be. A provider may talk with you about treatments, order tests to check for other health problems, or refer you or your child to a mental health provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your initial screening is negative, you generally do not need to repeat it immediately unless your symptoms change or worsen. However, many providers recommend annual screenings as part of routine primary care, especially if you have a family history of mental illness or are experiencing significant life stressors. For children and adolescents, screenings are often repeated at regular well-child visits to monitor developmental changes.
No, a screening tool only identifies risk or the presence of symptoms that warrant further investigation. It is not a diagnostic test. If your screening score indicates a potential issue, your provider will conduct a more detailed clinical interview and may use additional diagnostic criteria to determine if you meet the specific requirements for a diagnosis such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
To get the most accurate results, try to answer questions honestly about your current state rather than how you think you "should" feel. It helps to keep a brief log of your sleep patterns, mood changes, and any specific triggers or stressors in the weeks leading up to the appointment. Be prepared to discuss your medication history, including over-the-counter supplements, as these can influence mood and behavior.
high-risk result triggers a referral for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. This usually involves a longer conversation with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who will explore your symptoms in depth, rule out medical causes, and discuss treatment options. It does not automatically mean you have a disorder, but it confirms that a deeper look is necessary to ensure your safety and well-being.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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