Pediatric Suicide Crises Reveal Gaps in Emergency Mental

What does the increase in pediatric emergency visits show?

The study, published September 3 in Annals of Emergency Medicine, used the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to examine visits involving children with a primary mental health diagnosis. The analysis represented more than 5 million mental health visits. Researchers from Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital found that approximately half of suicide-related visits occurred in departments handling fewer than 10,000 pediatric visits annually. [Northwestern University research release](https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026/09/childrens-suicide-related-emergency-visits-spiked-by-74-in-the-us-between-2016-2022?fj=1)

These findings should be interpreted as measures of healthcare use. A visit count is not a count of individual children, because a child may attend more than once. It also cannot be read as a suicide death rate. The reported trend alone does not establish why visits increased or isolate the effects of the pandemic, access to outpatient treatment, or changes in recognition and documentation. Although newly published, the analysis ends in 2022 and does not establish the direction of trends since then.

How should emergency departments identify and assess suicide risk?

Screening can identify concerns that a young person has not volunteered, including during visits for physical symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal suicide-risk screening from age 12 when patients can participate medically and developmentally. For ages 8–11, screening is recommended when clinically indicated, such as when a child presents with behavioral concerns or a parent raises worries. Children younger than 8 should receive an assessment when warning signs are present, although routine screening is not recommended. [AAP screening guidance](https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/blueprint-for-youth-suicide-prevention/strategies-for-clinical-settings-for-youth-suicide-prevention/screening-for-suicide-risk-in-clinical-practice/)

A positive screen begins an assessment process; it does not by itself determine whether hospitalization is necessary. The National Institute of Mental Health's emergency department pathway connects screening to a brief suicide safety assessment and, when needed, a fuller mental health evaluation. Children with imminent risk need immediate safety precautions and evaluation before leaving. For others, the assessment guides referrals and safety planning. The practical implication is that screening programs need trained staff and an actionable response whenever a concern is identified. [NIMH emergency department pathway](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/asq-toolkit-materials/youth-ed/suicide-risk-screening-pathway-emergency-department-chart-description)

What can families do during and after a child's mental health crisis?

Parents and caregivers can open a calm conversation by asking directly whether a child is thinking about suicide, then listening without judgment. NIMH states that asking about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior. If a child is having suicidal thoughts now, they need urgent professional assessment and should not be left alone. If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call the local emergency number; in the United States, call 911. U.S. families can also call or text 988 for crisis support and guidance. [NIMH suicide prevention steps](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/5-action-steps-to-help-someone-having-thoughts-of-suicide)

Before a child leaves emergency care, caregivers should understand the assessment, the recommended next steps, and how to seek help if concerns return. NIMH's assessment guidance includes discussing whether caregivers can keep the child safe at home, securing or removing potentially dangerous items such as medications and firearms, and arranging referrals when appropriate. A safety plan should address what to do if suicidal thoughts recur. Continuing contact and helping the child connect with professional support are also central parts of NIMH's prevention advice. [NIMH assessment guidance](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/asq-toolkit-materials/youth-ed/youth-emergency-department-brief-suicide-safety-assessment-worksheet)