Supporting Youth During Mental Health Boarding: It’s About Time

Over the last decade, pediatric visits to the emergency department (ED) for mental and behavioral health (MBH) have risen sharply, particularly for suicidal thoughts and self-harm.1,2 Ten percent of all pediatric hospitalizations are for a primary mental health diagnosis, and major depression is now the leading reason for pediatric admissions to urban nonteaching hospitals.3,4 Many children experience long waiting periods in the ED or on medical units while awaiting psychiatric admission, a practice known as boarding.

source https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(22)01076-9/fulltext?rss=yes