Rising numbers of children in mental health crisis ending up in A&E
Summary
The number of children and young people in England going to emergency rooms (A&E) because of mental health crises has risen by 36% from 2019 to 2025. Many face long waits in A&E, which is not designed for mental health care, while experts call for better community support and services.Key Facts
- Children aged 6 to 17 attending A&E for mental health issues rose from 55,525 in 2019 to 75,491 in 2025.
- The overall rise in A&E visits was about 8%, much lower than the rise in mental health cases.
- Some children had to wait more than 12 hours in A&E for help.
- Mental health problems leading to A&E visits include self-harm, eating disorders, and emotional crises.
- Doctors say A&E is not the right place for these children, but there is a lack of community mental health support.
- Mental health experts and charities want more training for staff and more early support services for young people.
- The government plans to release a new mental health strategy and is investing in school mental health teams and community hubs.
- A&E visits often result from children reaching crisis because of a lack of earlier care options.
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