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Kids' ER Crisis: New Partnership Fights Mental Health Boarding
9 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Collaboration aims to reduce long ER waits for children in crisis.
- An acute response therapist will connect families with services faster.
- Target is intensive support within 72 hours of referral.
Children's Minnesota and Washburn Center for Children have launched a significant collaboration to combat the escalating issue of emergency department boarding for children facing mental health crises. This joint effort is designed to reduce the prolonged wait times children experience in ERs, ensuring swift access to essential treatments and support.
The partnership involves integrating an acute response therapist from Washburn Center into Children's Minnesota's emergency department. This dedicated role focuses on efficiently connecting families in crisis with critical mental health services, including developing personalized safety and stabilization plans prior to discharge.
This innovative model targets the provision of intensive in-home or community-based support within 72 hours of a referral. By facilitating follow-up therapy, connecting families with resources, and assisting with care coordination, the program aims to optimize hospital resources and improve outcomes for vulnerable youth.
