Assessing mental health in vulnerable adolescents.

MENTAL illness prevention; MENTAL illness risk factors; PSYCHIATRIC nursing; COMPETENCY assessment (Law); NURSES; NURSING; NURSING assessment; RISK assessment; SUICIDE; OCCUPATIONAL roles; WELL-being; AT-risk people; EARLY medical intervention; NURSING interventions; ADOLESCENCE

A dramatic shift in adolescent risks and behaviors in recent years threatens adolescents' mental well-being more than ever. This article explores vulnerable adolescent populations, describes the importance of nurses in all categories of assessment for adolescent mental health, and identifies assessment strategies and immediate interventions for successful outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]