Children experiencing a mental health crisis deserve timely access to the right care in the right setting. Yet across the country, many children remain in emergency departments or hospital inpatient units long after they no longer need hospital-level care because appropriate behavioral health services or placements are unavailable. This practice, known as pediatric mental health boarding, can delay treatment, increase stress on families, and strain hospital resources.
This white paper outlines a practical state policy framework to reduce pediatric mental health boarding and improve access to care. The report highlights evidence-informed strategies for strengthening behavioral health capacity, improving care coordination, aligning Medicaid policy with children's needs, and increasing accountability across child-serving systems.
The paper also features real-world examples from states and children's hospitals that are implementing innovative approaches to help children access timely, appropriate behavioral health care.
The white paper is intended to show how state leaders can improve access, support families, strengthen behavioral health systems, and help ensure children receive the care they need when they need it most.
