Title: The Long Wait: Children in Mental Health Crisis Spend Days Languishing in ERs
The recent study published in JAMA Health Forum has shed light on an alarming issue that children who visit emergency departments due to mental health crises often end up staying there for days. This is a concerning trend, as one out of ten such visits results in extended stays or "boarding" at the ER. The most common reasons behind these prolonged stays were depressive disorders and suicidal thoughts/attempts.
The study analyzed over 250,000 emergency department visits by children on Medicaid across the country. It revealed that in certain states like North Carolina, Florida, and Maine, as many as one out of four mental health visits led to kids boarding at the ER for three to seven days. This issue has been growing over time but has become particularly pronounced in recent years due to the increasing children's behavioral health crisis nationwide.
The findings are not surprising given the current state of our healthcare system, which struggles to keep up with the demand for mental health services. The fact that one out of ten visits by children experiencing a mental health emergency results in extended stays at ERs highlights the urgent need for better resources and support systems for these vulnerable individuals.
As we move forward, it is crucial that policymakers take note of this issue and invest more heavily in improving access to quality mental healthcare services. This includes increasing funding for community-based programs, expanding telehealth options, and training more professionals who specialize in pediatric psychiatry. Only then can we hope to address the growing crisis faced by our nation's children suffering from mental health issues.
In conclusion, this study serves as a stark reminder of how far we still have to go when it comes to providing adequate care for those struggling with their mental well-being. It is time that we prioritize mental healthcare just as much as physical health and ensure that every child in need receives the help they deserve without having to wait days at an ER.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/08/15/nx-s1-5502689/pediatric-mental-health-er-boarding-jama-health-forum) #children
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