Modesto JC launches free, anonymous mental health screener for students, community

In a partnership with Aiberry, Modesto Junior College Health Services has launched a virtual, anonymous and free mental health self-screening tool for students, staff and community members.

“Since wellness is essential to both academic and personal success, MJC looked for a tool that allows all students access without coming to campus in person, and Aiberry’s self-screener does that,” said Mayra Magallanes, the college’s interim mental health and wellness coordinator.

The Aiberry website calls it “an innovative and practical mental health assessment platform that uses cutting-edge AI technology to analyze user text, audio, and video cues during a short conversation to deliver a quantified risk score and other health insights in real time.”

The service grants users access to 11 mental health screeners; campus, local and national mental health resources; and information about lifestyle factors that can impact one’s well-being. The tool is not meant to diagnose mental health conditions, but rather to help users understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and take steps to improve their mental health.

The service does not require login information, usernames or other MJC-specific credentials, making it anonymous and accessible to the broader community. However, MJC Health Services notes that the resource is geared toward MJC students.

A survey conducted in spring 2023 prompted the MJC and Aiberry’s partnership. It revealed that an estimated 64% of students at MJC are experiencing symptoms of at least one significant mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts, self-injury, or eating disorders.

“The immediate need for mental health services is prevalent everywhere, and MJC is no exception,” Magallanes said. “Research from the Healthy Minds Network shows that students facing mental health challenges are twice as likely to leave college before completing their degrees.”

In addition to the mental health screener, MJC is providing one-on-one counseling for students, 24/7 virtual mental health support, group therapy sessions and wellness-focused events and presentations. In addition to already existing resources, a new on-campus wellness center is set to open during the 2025-26 academic year. The initiatives are being funded by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

“Expanding access to evidence-based care and preventive services can play a vital role in improving student retention and success,” Magallanes said. “By continuing to invest in and promote mental health support, MJC aims to foster a healthier, more resilient student body equipped to meet the demands of college life and beyond.”

The mental health screener and other resources from MJC’s Health Services can be accessed at www.mjc.edu/news/selfscreening.html.