WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is conducting a pair of surveys related to the mental health of youth and young adults living in the Cowboy State.
The questionnaires focus on access to mental health resources, including help with substance use, for young Wyomingites. Questions are designed to help identify gaps and solutions in the mental health system in Wyoming, WDH says.
One survey is seeking responses from parents or guardians of young people, and the other is aimed directly at youth ages 11 to 21. Both surveys are anonymous and should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
“We know there have been increasing discussions about mental health issues affecting our younger residents in Wyoming the last few years,” WDH Youth and Young Adult Health Program Manager Megan Selheim said via press release. “We want to know how we might improve access to care and hope to hear directly from families and youth about their experiences and thoughts.”
The youth survey includes such prompts as, “If you had a need for mental health/behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment services, would you know where to go to access this service?” and, “What is the most useful/ helpful mental health support for youth in your community right now? What is so helpful about this service?”
Over on the parents’ survey, participants are asked, “What are the top three things that Wyoming needs to better meet the mental health needs of children/youth and their families?” and, “Have you had to discontinue mental health care for your child/youth due to cost?”
Access the surveys here.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month in the U.S. The Teton County Department of Health will host two community events to observe the occasion.
