What is 'secondary prevention' in mental health care?

Levels of prevention in health:

Primary: Prevent the condition from occurring — reducing risk factors, health promotion activities (smoking cessation, stress management, social connectedness).

Secondary: Early detection and prompt treatment — screening tools (PHQ-9 for depression, CAGE for alcohol use, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale), identifying at-risk individuals before full criteria are met, initiating treatment early to prevent worsening.

Tertiary: Managing established disease to minimize disability and restore function — mental health rehabilitation, supported employment, community mental health services for those with chronic serious mental illness.

Secondary prevention examples: Universal depression screening at primary care visits; school-based mental health screening programs; screening high-risk groups (postpartum women, chronic pain patients, cancer patients); early cognitive intervention programs for at-risk youth.