To screen or not to screen? Exploring the value of parent mental health screening in children's rehabilitation services.

While best evidence in the form of a randomized controlled trial in this population does not yet exist, there was evidence to suggest that parent mental health is an important factor in promoting child and family health and well-being and deserves consideration in the practice of family-centered care. If appropriate referral pathways and resources are developed, children's rehabilitation service providers may be in an advantageous position to provide parent mental health screening.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONParents of children with disabilities are at increased risk for depression, stress, and anxiety.Service providers may be well placed to identify mental health concerns through screening.Contextual factors to consider before initiating screening include level of evidence for screening, whether screening would reach target clients, and whether additional supports are available.Children's rehabilitation service providers can be family-centered by attending to parent mental health needs, with the potential to improve the health, development, and well-being of the whole family.