“Doctors peek into their patients’ lives using surveys, which to teens feel like more tests to take … I want doctors to ask themselves if they are sure they took enough time with their teen patients and asked the right questions … because issues can get worse if untreated.”
— Carmen Pangilinan, winner of the 2024 Experience Through Art Award
October is National Mental Health Screening Month—a time to shine a light on the importance of checking in on our children’s well-being. Just like physical checkups, mental health screenings help identify challenges early, before they grow into something harder to manage.
But here’s the reality: many young people don’t always share what’s really happening in their lives. They may downplay anxiety, hide eating concerns, or avoid talking about relationships. Sometimes they’re worried about being judged; other times, the questions simply don’t connect with them.
That’s where parents come in. We have the power to ask, to advocate, and to make sure our children get the screenings and support they deserve.
What Kids Need in a Screening Tool
1. Easy to Understand
Kids need questions that fit their age. What works for a 13-year-old won’t always work for an 8-year-old. The best tools are short (under 10 minutes) and simple, with features like text-to-speech or one question per screen.
2. Trustworthy
Parents should be confident that screenings are research-based, reliable, and aligned with national standards—so the results truly reflect what kids are going through.
3. Age- and Risk-Specific
Younger children may struggle to put feelings into words, while older teens may need more targeted questions about stress, depression, or substance use. Good tools adapt to these differences.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
A school counselor shared a story that every parent can learn from:
“I’d been working with that young lady all year. She finally answered yes when asked about suicidal thoughts—and she had a plan. I said, ‘Why didn’t you ever tell me before?’ She answered, ‘Because you never asked me.’”
That story is heartbreaking—but it’s also hopeful. It shows us that when the right questions are asked, kids often do open up.
This Mental Health Screening Month: Join the Movement
One Team, One Mission. Parents, educators, health professionals, and community leaders all have a role to play.
We’re working to reach 1 million youth nationwide to expand schoolwide mental health screening, strengthen support systems, and give families the tools they need.
Want to see what this looks like in action? Rising Together in Colorado: How Two Schools are Leading the Way with Rising Together Schoolwide Mental Health Screening™.
But screening alone isn’t enough. I’m deeply passionate about being the person my kids come to first—because I know how rare and meaningful that connection can be.
Many parents fall into a rhythm where they coexist with their teens but only communicate on the surface—checking in about schedules, meals, and school—without really knowing what’s happening in their world. Asking deeper questions can feel risky, but staying quiet keeps the gap wide.
It doesn’t have to stay this way. There is a path to deeper connection, meaningful conversations, and real trust—before they’re adults.
Start small: just 5 minutes a day for one week. That’s all it takes to begin building a relationship where your teen feels safe enough to share everything.
Ready to take that first step? Learn how right here!