Bazelon Center Position Statement on Mental Health Screening

Recognizing that mental health is a component of overall health, the Bazelon Center encourages evaluation of mental health needs within the context of healthcare, in accordance with healthcare privacy protections and with the informed consent of the individual. The Center endorses such screening and assessments when they serve to inform the individual of risk factors and of the full array of applicable treatment and support options that will allow the individual to make meaningful choices. The Center does not endorse mandatory universal mental health screening.