What is the goal of the My Mental Health Assessment?
(a) To proactively identify risk factors and match students with wellness, mental health and illness services that will optimize their mental health.
(b) To identify risk factors and provide resources to students before they reach crisis.
How long does the assessment take on average?
Given the adaptive nature of the assessment, it differs in length for each participant. On average, the assessment takes about 8-15 minutes.
What is the name of the screening assessment being used, and who created it?
The screening assessment is the Computerized Adaptive Test for Mental Health (CAT-MH™), created by Adaptive Testing Technologies.
Who will be sent the assessment?
During the 2024 – 2025 Academic Year the assessment will be sent to first, second, and third year undergraduate and graduate students.
What does the assessment invitation email look like?
The assessment will only be sent via an email from the USC Department of Psychiatry, mymentalhealth@usc.edu, with the subject “You are invited to complete the USC My Mental Health Assessment,” in your @usc.edu email inbox. The email will contain a unique assessment link. In addition, reminder emails with the unique link will be sent to students who have not completed the assessment.
If I wasn’t sent the assessment invite via email, am I still able to participate?
Yes! We have created a new web address – mymentalhealth.usc.edu/start – for any USC student to log in and complete the My Mental Health Assessment at any time.
Is there an incentive to participate in the questionnaire?
Students who complete the questionnaire will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Amazon eGift Card. There will be five $50 gift cards available each week the questionnaire is sent out during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. Gift card prize winners will be notified via their USC email.
Am I required to participate?
No, the assessment is optional, but we highly encourage students to complete the assessment as it will support our university’s mental health program planning, analysis, and resources, and help to enact change for those at risk. Students who do choose to participate may exit the assessment at any time.
What types of questions does the assessment ask?
The assessment will ask a number of questions about mood, habits, thinking patterns, and lifestyle. Specifically, the assessment will consist of the following subject areas from the CAT-MH™: adult ADHD, anxiety, depression, mania/hypomania, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis, substance use disorder, and suicidality. Please note that some questions may include sensitive subject matter that may be challenging to engage and respond to.
What happens after I submit my assessment, and will my answers be confidential?
Assessment results will be handled sensitively and in accordance with HIPAA and FERPA privacy rules pertaining to student health records. Results not linked to the student may be used for health research approved and monitored by an independent committee.
Will I be contacted after completing the assessment?
Based on student responses to the My Mental Health Assessment, our Counseling and Mental Health team may reach out to ensure student’s safety or to offer recommendations to improve their mental health. If students are interested in pursuing treatment, our team will work to connect them to a provider and offer appropriate support resources.
Why is the My Mental Health Assessment being rolled out in stages?
In the initial phase of our program launch, we will be analyzing the variability in response rates, diagnoses, and illness severity, to determine our needs for clinical services as we continue to scale the program.
When can I expect to receive the My Mental Health Assessment email invitation email?
Invited students will be receiving an invitation to participate in the assessment via email, starting August 26th, 2024. Emails will be sent on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. As a reminder, students can take the assessment at any time, via our My Mental Health portal mymentalhealth.usc.edu/start.
Are there resources for students that do not pay the Student Health Center Fee?
Online students are eligible, but not obligated, to pay the Student Health Fee. You may refer to the Student Health web page “For Online Degree Program Students” for additional information, or reach out to the Counseling and Mental Health (CMH) Counseling Referral Coordinator through the student health portal MySHR to ask about referral resources.
Where should technical problems or general questions regarding the assessment be directed?
Individuals may contact the Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences Administrative Team via email at mymentalhealth@usc.edu, and someone will respond within 3 business days.
Where should questions regarding the clinical care services at Counseling and Mental Health be directed?
Individuals may contact Counseling and Mental Health Services at USC Student Health at 213-740-WELL (9355) or through the MySHR portal.