83. Emergency Departments: The Unintended Frontline for Pediatric Behavioral Health (Part 2 of 4)

As mental health and addiction services surpass basic healthcare concerns in rural communities, Emergency Departments have become the default access points for pediatric behavioral health care. In this episode, we explore the growing role of EDs as makeshift access centers—offering screening, referrals, and pre-treatment support for children and youth in crisis. With data showing that non-acute behavioral health referrals are driving ED overuse, we discuss the challenges of long wait times, inappropriate placements, and the dire need for sustainable solutions. Tune in as we break down the statistics, explore the realities of ED boarding, and lay the groundwork for next steps in addressing this crisis.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover effective strategies for navigating behavioral health system challenges.
• Learn how to improve pediatric behavioral health access for your child's well-being.
• Gain insights into managing taxes for small business owners, ensuring financial stability.
• Explore the development of access centers for mental health to support your community.
• Uncover valuable strategies for avoiding caregiver burnout and maintaining your well-being.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to Behavioral Health Systems
00:00:44 - Tax Season Woes
00:03:13 - Role of Emergency Departments
00:07:10 - Concept of Access Centers
00:11:00 - Challenges in Accessing Care for Kids
00:13:10 - Challenges in Mental Health Access
00:14:09 - Data on Outpatient Visits
00:16:02 - Increased Pediatric ER Visits
00:17:38 - Impact on Caregivers
00:22:40 - Solutions and Access Centers
00:25:56 - Tax Season Woes
00:26:08 - Overuse of Emergency Room for Pediatrics
00:26:40 - Access Center Solutions
00:27:03 - Call to Action
00:27:36 - Future of Behavioral Health System

Links:

• Emergency Department Use by Children and Youth with Mental Health Conditions: A Health Equity Agenda
• Household Pulse Survey, 2020–2025. Anxiety and Depression
• Addressing the Pediatric Mental Health Crisis in Emergency Departments in the US: Findings of a National Pediatric Boarding Consensus Panel 
• Rural Healthy People 2030; Common Challenges, Rural Nuances  

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZjRdNIAaoz0