Developing and Implementing a Depression Screening and Referral Protocol Among College Students

Depression is prevalent among college students but remains underrecognized and undertreated. Evidence supports universal depression screening among college students combined with follow-up systems to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management. Screening tools may include versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire, and follow-up systems may include following up with the current provider or referring the student to a mental health specialist. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to promote the identification of college students with depression and subsequent appropriate referrals. •This project augments the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nurse practitioners and assists in their ability to appropriately screen college students for depression.•This project was implemented in a health clinic at a public university in the United States for 30 business days and included 304 non–mental health student participants.•Of the 304 non–mental health student participants, 21 screened positive for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, 14 screened positive for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and 4 screened positive for thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation.•This article enables the reader to identify appropriate depression screening intervals, depression screening tools, and screening follow-up systems.