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Interactive Screening Program

Learn about our Interactive Screening Program, which connects individuals to mental health services before crises emerge.

The Interactive Screening Program is revolutionizing the way people connect with mental health services.

The Interactive Screening Program (ISP) is an evidence-based, innovative program that has been widely adopted across institutions of higher education, medical and professional degree schools, organizations, and workplaces. Specifically, ISP is often implemented in hospitals and health systems, physician health programs, law enforcement agencies, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

The program has been put in place at over 200 organizations, and has successfully connected over 280,000 people to professional support.

Breaking down barriers to mental health support

Recognizing that feelings of shame, fear, and embarrassment often hinder individuals from seeking help, the Interactive Screening Program offers a tailored solution. Anonymity is key, enabling individuals to engage with program counselors while maintaining their privacy. The program’s secure and customized online platform provides participants with the opportunity to:

  • Anonymously complete a brief screening questionnaire that asks about stress, depression, and other mental health conditions.
  • Receive a personal response from a dedicated program counselor, staffed by the organization implementing the Interactive Screening Program.  
  • Communicate safely with a program counselor about mental health resources and reducing barriers to help-seeking.

ISP in your community

Endorsements and recognition

AFSP is proud to share that the Interactive Screening Program has received recognition and endorsement from various organizations. It is listed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s Tools and Resources for Physician Well-Being, as a recommended program in the American Hospital Association’s report, “Suicide Prevention: Evidence-Informed Interventions for the Health Care Workforce” and also in the U.S. Surgeon General’s report, “Addressing Health Worker Burnout: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Thriving Health Workforce.

Empowering connection through the Interactive Screening Program’s key principles

AFSP believes in reducing barriers to mental health care and promoting the utilization of available services. The program is built on a foundation of key principles designed to facilitate a positive and supportive experience.

  1. Participant Anonymity: The program prioritizes participant anonymity to create a secure environment where individuals can openly discuss the challenges they face and ask questions without fear.
  2. Personalized Counselor Support: Instead of automated responses, participants receive personalized support from counselors. These dedicated professionals assist individuals in seeking help tailored to their unique circumstances.
  3. Connection to Participants' Experiences: Counselors focus on understanding and empathizing with participants' experiences rather than offering diagnoses or emphasizing the immediate "need" for treatment. This approach promotes a collaborative and non-judgmental atmosphere.
  4. Interactive Engagement: ISP encourages active participation, in which participants and counselors work together to access mental health services. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions about available services and select options that align with their needs and comfort levels.

Together, these principles foster a sense of comfort, connectedness, and positive attitudes toward mental health care. AFSP aims to empower individuals to reach out and access the support they deserve, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.

News and Highlights about ISP

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ENCOURAGING HELP-SEEKING WITH ANONYMOUS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Physicians and residents use ISP’s online self-assessment tool to screen for stress, depression and other mental health concerns, and counselors personally respond to address their specific concerns, provide counseling and share mental health resources.

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VITAL WorkLife Launches American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Interactive Screening Program

ISP is an evidence-based, online screening program that provides a safe and secure method for individuals to anonymously connect to professional support before crises emerge

Jennifer Butler smiles at the camera.

Bringing the Interactive Screening Program to South Carolina

As an adult, working as a social worker in a mental health setting, I lost a colleague to suicide. It made me realize that suicide can affect anyone – even a mental health provider may struggle.

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Connecting Physicians With Confidential Screenings Through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Interactive Screening Program

In February 2020, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention launched a customized version of AFSP’s Interactive Screening Program (ISP) in collaboration with the Tennessee Medical Foundation (TMF) to be used by licensed health professionals served by the TMF’s Physician’s Health Program.

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Turning Research into Solutions: College Students and Mental Health

Through ISP, over 160,000 individuals have connected with a mental health professional.

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Guaranteed Rate Raises More than $5 Million in 5 Days to Support Mental Health

Guaranteed Rate, a leader in retail mortgage lending and digital financial services, raised more than $5 million in just 5 days to make a direct impact on mental health in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Project Healthy Minds and Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).

Christine Moutier and Maggie Mortali

Health Systems Making Suicide Prevention a Priority

Health Systems Making Suicide Prevention a Priority: AFSP’s Christine Moutier and Maggie Mortali discuss programs and tools that support health care workers