Alta Bates is offering free mental health screenings in Berkeley, Oakland and online Thursday, Oct. 8, the hospital announced Wednesday.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is offering the free, anonymous screenings in recognition of National Depression Screening Day, which takes place Thursday.
According to a statement released by the hospital, one in 10 people in the United States suffers from depression.
The screenings will be offered at the Alta Bates Campus in Berkeley and at the Summit Campus in Oakland from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday. After completing a screening, participants can receive referral information to local agencies that offer further evaluation and treatment.
An online screening, described as free and anonymous, is also available.
According to the Alta Bates statement, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of all American adults will suffer from deep depression or develop a mental illness in their lifetime.
Symptoms can include changes in appetite, and loss of energy or interest in usual activities.
“Early recognition and treatment offer the best opportunity for recovery,” according to the hospital. “Just like your annual health screening, screening for depression and other mood disorders helps identify warning signs and treatment resources.”
The goal of National Depression Screening Day is to connect the public with in-person and online mental health screenings, and to educate, reduce stigma and screen people for alcohol problems and mood and anxiety disorders.
In-person screening will be available at Alta Bates, 2450 Ashby Ave. in Berkeley, and Summit, 350 Hawthorne Ave. in Oakland, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Online screening is also available. Those who prefer to speak to a counselor on the phone can call 510-204-4405.
