Children's Hospital Colorado sees 65% spike in mental health ER visits
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Children's Hospital Colorado saw pediatric ER visits involving mental health concerns jump about 65% from 2019 to 2025, and the number could climb even higher this year, hospital officials tell us.
Why it matters: The surge comes as Colorado records some of the highest suicide rates among children and young adults in the country.
State of play: Children's Hospital projects roughly 7,300 mental health-related ER visits among patients 18 and younger this year across its four campuses, child psychiatrist Beau Carubia tells Axios.
- That would be a roughly 74% increase from 2019.
- Inpatient psychiatric admissions — typically reserved for some of the most serious cases — increased 50% between 2019 and 2025, Carubia says.
"Those are the children who have an imminent risk to themselves, to others, or some kind of safety concern where they are not safe to go home," Carubia adds.
Zoom in: It's difficult to pinpoint root causes, but Carubia says inadequate access to treatment is one major concern.
- ER staff can assess patients and connect them with additional mental health services.
- Limited treatment availability, insurance barriers or unaffordable care can leave some young people without ongoing treatment, potentially returning them to the ER.
Yes, but: Getting health insurers to cover behavioral health services can be difficult in Colorado, Carubia says.
- A state law that took effect this year aims to address the problem.
Zoom out: Mental health-related pediatric ER visits rose 24% nationwide among children ages 5 to 17 between 2016 and 2022, a new study from Northwestern University shows.
What's next: Colorado could receive nearly $615 million from the landmark Meta settlement stemming from allegations that the company's platforms harmed children.
- "The funding will make a positive difference for youth mental health," Gov. Jared Polis said in an August statement.
- Carubia says he hopes some of the money can help expand treatment options for young people.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The hotline is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Ayuda disponible en español.