Mental Health ED Visits Surge at Colorado Children's Hospital

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Children's Hospital Colorado has reported a 20% increase in emergency department visits related to mental health during the month of April over the past two years. The hospital cared for 5,900 patients in April 2025, which is 12% higher than the number of patients seen in an average month. The increase is believed to follow spring break and could be associated with growing pressures around end-of-year exams, activities, and life transitions.

Why it matters

The surge in mental health-related ED visits at Children's Hospital Colorado reflects a broader trend of rising youth mental health challenges, especially around key academic and life transition periods. This data underscores the need for expanded access to pediatric behavioral health services and integrated care models to better support young patients.

The details

According to the report, Children's Hospital Colorado saw a 20% increase in mental health-related emergency department visits during the month of April over the past two years. In April 2025, the hospital cared for 5,900 patients, which is 12% higher than the average monthly patient volume. Hospital officials believe the spike follows spring break and is linked to the growing pressures that young patients face around end-of-year exams, extracurricular activities, and major life transitions.

• In the past two years, Children's Hospital Colorado has seen a 20% increase in mental health-related ED visits during the month of April.
• In April 2025, the hospital cared for 5,900 patients, which is 12% higher than the average monthly patient volume.

What’s next

Behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges, and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes at the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit in Chicago on November 4-5.