Westborough Youth & Family Service & Assabet Valley Counseling Holds National Depression Thursday, October 6th from 10am-7pm

WYFS and Assabet Valley Pastoral Counseling Center

Holds National Depression Screening Day—October 6th

Life continues to present us with difficult reminders of the prevalence of mental illness in this country. We may believe that we know what depression looks like, only to discover that it is closer to us than we recognize. Pain and suffering are not always evident to the eye.

Understanding the need for a community-based mental health screening program, Westborough Youth and Family Services, together with Assabet Valley Pastoral Counseling, will once again offer a free and anonymous screening opportunity on National Depression Screening Day, Thursday, October 6th from 10am—7pm at 45 West Main St., room 21 (second floor.) The purpose of this annual program is to provide education, raise awareness, and screen for four common and treatable mental health disorders. The screening will provide information related to major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. All printed materials are free of charge, and we welcome the public to come and learn more about mental health.

The screening appointment will provide an opportunity to complete a written screening questionnaire, discuss the results with a mental health counselor, receive a list of service providers in the area, browse through pamphlets and brochures, and access information about helping friends and loved ones who may be experiencing a mental health challenge. Screenings are provided for informational purposes, and are not diagnostic. They can provide clarity about whether the symptoms one is experiencing are consistent with these common mental health disorders. Please allow about 30 minutes for your screening appointment.

So that we may provide you with adequate time for your screening, kindly phone or email us in advance to reserve a time slot: 508.366.3090 or yfs@town.westborough.ma.us

It this is not possible, walk-ins are welcomed as well. Screenings for children require a parent to be present. Parents are also an important part of screenings for adolescents, and we welcome them to accompany their teens, if at all possible. Should anyone wish to browse the free materials or schedule a screening for another day, this can be arranged.