| NEWS RELEASE |
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Office of External Communications |
Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Angie Joe |
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FOR THE PUBLIC OFFERED BY UH On National Depression Screening Day, Oct. 7, the Psychological Research and Services Center (PRSC) at the University of Houston will offer free and anonymous mental health screenings to the public. About 35 million Americans, or 16 percent of all adults, will suffer from depression at some point, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Even worse, most of these individuals will not receive adequate treatment, says PRSC clinical assistant professor and coordinator Robin Weill. National Depression Screening Day is a community-based mental health program that provides screening for the most common and frequently co-occurring mental disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. “On Oct. 7, UH will join efforts with mental health clinics, hospitals, private health practitioners and community service organizations to teach the public and clinicians about the signs and symptoms of depression,” Weill said. “Through our outreach, we can determine if someone will benefit from a complete evaluation and possibly treatment.” Each participant will complete a brief questionnaire and view a short video on depression. A trained staff member will then review the questionnaire privately with each person. Individuals will not receive a diagnosis, but will be educated about whether they are exhibiting signs of depression. If follow up is necessary, PRSC staff will make referrals. Screening will occur at the PRSC, located in the Clinical Research Services (CRS) Building at UH. Sessions are anonymous, and the screening is available for all ages. Appointments are not necessary. Parking will be available at Entrance 8 off Cullen at Wheeler.
For more information about the screening call
For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom. |
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