CISION PR WIRE
Oct 4, 2018
CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The significant numbers to keep in mind, according to Joronda Montaño, co-founder of Neckup Checkup, are 50, 15 and 10. "Fifty percent of mental illness shows up in a person by age 15 but isn't diagnosed until 10 years later," she said.
Part of the reason for this delay is because we do not treat mental health the way we treat physical wellness. Parents are used to having their children have an annual physical but checking on a child's mental health tends not to come up unless or until there is a crisis.
To meet that gap, Montaño and Katrina Ontiveros started Neckup Checkup, an affordable service that uses a questionnaire to assess the mental health of young children and teens.
"We are trying to normalize mental health checkups," said Montaño. "Every dollar in prevention saves $18 in treatment, according to the latest estimates. That's a tremendous amount of money saved just with a little bit of prevention."
The questionnaire Neckup Checkup uses is commonly available to pediatricians and other healthcare providers. At a cost of $40, it is administered at the child's school. Parents are given the results, which place the child in one of three zones: green, meaning that the child is exhibiting good mental health; yellow, which identifies areas of concern; and red, in which case Neckup Checkup suggests the child see a mental health professional.
The startup, which began in 2016, is working with Chandler Innovations, the city's business incubation, and entrepreneurial development program. Funded by the city, Chandler Innovations offers free assistance to companies looking to start or scale up operations.
In addition to the assessment based on the questionnaire, Neckup Checkup provides suggestions on improving or maintaining a child's mental health, such as physical activity or keeping a journal.
To learn more about Neckup Checkup, go to  www.neckupcheckuptime.com.
About Chandler Innovations: Chandler Innovations is a business incubation program sponsored by the City of Chandler and powered by NACET. Through virtual and live programs, funding access and community events, it promotes the creation and sustainable growth of innovative, tech-focused businesses. Programs are free to those who work, live or own property in Chandler.
SOURCE Neckup Checkup