Behavioral Health Screening Policies in Medicaid Programs Nationwide

This 2003 study examined states' compliance with their Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) mandate that requires states to perform behavioral health screenings on all Medicaid-insured children.  The study found that 23 states had not addressed behavioral health screenings at all and that more states had screening tools for mental health than for substance abuse.  The study also recommends policy options for increasing behavioral health screening rates. 

The study is available from SAMHSA here: http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/pdf/ManagedCare/736.pdf 

Citation: Semansky, R. M., Koyanagi, C., & Vandivort-Warren, R. (2003). Behavioral health screening policies in Medicaid programs nationwide. Psychiatric Services, 54(5), 736-739.