EARLY RECOGNITION OF ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AND REFERRAL PATHWAYS IN ROUTINE CARE

This article outlines an evidence-based approach for routine pediatric and primary care settings: (1) normalize confidential conversations and use validated screeners, (2) confirm positives with focused clinical assessment and functional impairment review, (3) stratify risk—especially suicide/self-harm risk—and implement same-day safety steps when needed, and (4) establish stepped referral pathways for counseling, specialty mental health, and urgent services.