Houston children’s hospital sees record-breaking surge in young patients seeking emergency mental health care

HOUSTON — A growing crisis is unfolding at Texas Children’s Hospital, where more children are seeking help for mental health issues. The hospital reports that last month saw an unprecedented number of young patients in crisis, with many expressing suicidal thoughts.

Doctors have noted a sharp increase in mental health emergencies, with patients as young as nine years old. Dr. Karin Price, chief psychologist at the hospital, said, “We had our highest ever number of people coming to the emergency room in mental health crisis, 647.”

Most patients are between 12 and 17 years old, but the age is dropping, according to Price. She said, “We are starting to see the kids younger—9 years old, 10 years.”

This trend is not new. Price mentioned April was also the highest month last year, attributing the surge to factors such as academic stress, final exams, and uncertainties about summer jobs.

For Kim Hass, these numbers are personal. She lost her daughter Cassidy to suicide. “It’s heartbreaking,” Hass said. “Suicide, as you know, is the second leading cause of death for young children 10-24.”

Hass and her family have since started a teen suicide prevention group. Her message to other parents is clear: “Get them to talk to you. Open that line of communication; that is your lifeline.”

Warning signs include extreme mood changes, sadness, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and social withdrawal. Price advises, “If you are concerned, get help. The first step can be talking with a pediatrician. We need to educate and engage to do these screenings and get help quickly.”

For parents unsure of where to begin, Diane from the Houston Area Suicide Prevention Coalition offers reassurance: “You are not alone. It’s important for you as a family to start seeking help.”

This issue affects all communities, according to Price.

Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs of suicide and taking them seriously. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

If you or anyone you know is in need of help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text the lifeline at 741741 or chat online here.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

You can also reach out to UT Physicians here.