CMHS developed a Mental Health screening tool that can be administered by qualified somatic healthcare personnel that ensures that all inmates entering the Facility are appropriately screened for acute risk. This Mental Health screening makes inquiry into the inmate's current mental health status, including his/her suicide potential, prior psychiatric treatments, and current and past medications. The Intake Screenings are recorded on standard forms and are completed and signed immediately by medical personnel upon admission.   When indicated, a CMHS Psychiatrist or mid-level provider is available by phone to provide medication orders to ensure continuity of care.  When the inmate's history indicates prior psychiatric hospitalizations, significant outpatient mental healthcare or treatment with psychotropic medications, a signed release of information is obtained and treatment records are requested at the time of receiving.

CMHS ensures that the medical personnel who conduct the Mental Health screenings are trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness (including depression and psychosis), de-escalation techniques, and the indicators of the potential for self harm.  Personnel who screen inmates who are seen as “at-risk” at the time of the Mental Health screening are trained to immediately initiate appropriate levels of observation and make referral for priority assessment by qualified mental health staff. A CMHS Mental Health Professional reviews all screenings and follows-up with those who require further assessment.