Health Department Launches Mental Health Assessment Tool During Mental Health Awareness Month

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Long Beach youth participating in activities at Bluff Park that promote mental health and wellness.

Long Beach, CA - In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is encouraging residents to prioritize their mental well-being and check out the newly launched SmartScreen Long Beach Assessment, a free online mental health screening tool available through the City's new online mental health wellness hub powered by CredibleMind.

"We are excited to launch the City's Mental Health Is Just Health CredibleMind website to raise awareness about mental health and connect residents with support resources," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This campaign encourages people to learn more about mental health, support loved ones and access tools that promote overall well-being."

The SmartScreen Long Beach Assessment is designed to help community members better understand their mental health and connect to resources tailored to their needs, including online, local and national services that support different age groups, substance use, eating disorders, veteran support, domestic violence, housing and trauma/PTSD. In approximately 10 minutes, users can complete a confidential screening and receive personalized recommendations for local and online mental health support services.

Confidential and available 24/7, CredibleMind offers users opportunities to build coping skills, understand their mental health, take mental health assessments and browse thousands of mental well-being resources, including expert-rated and vetted videos, podcasts, apps, books, and articles, all in one easy-to-use place. This platform includes science-based resources intended to support services and strengthen connections to care for Long Beach residents.

Community members ages 18 and older who complete the SmartScreen Long Beach Assessment through CredibleMind during the month of May will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card provided by CredibleMind. Personal information, including names, email addresses and assessment responses, will not be shared with the City of Long Beach. CredibleMind follows HIPAA-compliant privacy and security practices.

"Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health," said Health and Human Services Director Alison King. "Through this campaign and the launch of CredibleMind, we are making it easier for Long Beach residents to access trusted resources and seek support without stigma."

The launch of the CredibleMind wellness hub also supports the ongoing implementation of the Long Beach Mental Health Report and was made possible through grant funding from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Health Department also launched the "Mental Health is Just Health" awareness campaign focused on young people ages 14 to 24. Developed in partnership with the City's Youth Advisory Council, the campaign features Long Beach youth participating in activities such as reading, drawing, walking along the beach, yoga and talking with friends to promote mental health and wellness.

Throughout May and June, the campaign is being promoted across a variety of platforms and locations throughout the community, including social media, local movie theaters, featured on streaming radio stations such as KROQ and KEarth 101, bus shelters, Long Beach Transit buses, local newspapers and light pole banners throughout the community.

Although mental health is often associated with complex emotions such as anxiety, depression and stress, it is a vital part of overall well-being. Daily functioning, eating habits and job or relationship satisfaction can all directly affect mental health.

The Mental Health is Just Health campaign aligns with Goal 4 of Long Beach's Racial and Reconciliation Initiative, which supports increased investment in mental health and trauma services, including facilities, professionals, community responses and culturally tailored resources.

For more information on mental health resources, to access CredibleMind or to complete the SmartScreen Long Beach Assessment, visit longbeach.gov/mentalhealth.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Health Department is available at longbeach.gov/health and on social on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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