Pediatric Mental Health ED Visits Rose Sharply by 2022
Emergency room visits for mental health and suicide increased significantly for U.S. children between 2016 and 2022.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Children’s Health
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New analysis published September 3, 2026, in the Annals of Emergency Medicine shows that pediatric mental health-related emergency department visits rose 24 percent from 2016 to 2022. During the same timeframe, suicide-related visits to emergency departments surged by 74 percent.
Why it matters
These findings highlight a significant escalation in emergency mental health needs for children across the United States. Understanding these visit patterns is essential for assessing how families access urgent care and where clinical resources may be strained.
Researchers analyzed 5,369,821 weighted pediatric mental health-related emergency department visits recorded between 2016 and 2022. The study used data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to identify trends in care access for children aged 5-17.
The players
Annals of Emergency Medicine
A peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research on the delivery and practice of emergency care.
The details
Researchers identified pediatric mental health visits by applying specific diagnosis codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification. Approximately 50.1 percent of these cases occurred at high-volume medical facilities. The study further analyzed how insurance status and demographics, including race and ethnicity, influenced whether children were treated at high-volume or lower-volume emergency departments.
Timeline
2016-2022: Period for analyzed emergency department visits.
2019-2022: Period when race and ethnicity data were available.
September 3, 2026: Study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine.
Health Landscape
This analysis updates historical data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to track the evolving burden of pediatric mental health crises. It provides a clearer view of how care utilization has shifted as emergency systems manage higher volumes of mental health-related presentations.
Parents and caregivers should be aware that high-volume emergency departments are common sites for mental health care, though access patterns vary significantly. Discussing mental health support options and emergency resources with your pediatrician before a crisis occurs is a recommended proactive step.
The takeaway
The sharp increase in suicide-related emergency visits underscores the urgency of addressing pediatric mental health needs. If you are concerned about a child's mental health, consult with a qualified health professional to discuss signs of distress and identify local, accessible support options.
Further reading
For more information on supporting youth wellness, visit Children’s Health.
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Is the quality of pediatric emergency mental healthcare improving equitably across the nation?
