Uncovering an Epidemic — Screening for Mental Illness in Teens

Interview with Cynthia Montgomery, whose son took his life at the age of 14. (06:58)Download Courtney, a 15-year-old from Portland, Oregon, always knew she was different from the other kids. “I had a sense that something was going on, but I was afraid to say anything because I didn't know anyone else had a similar problem,” she said. Like thousands of U.S. teens, Courtney participated in a mental health screening program that was offered in her school. “Teenagers have a hard time asking for help,” she explained. “Without the screening, I'm not sure how I would have gotten the help I needed.”Before screening, Courtney was part of a silent epidemic of mental illness among . . .