Rising numbers of children in mental health crisis ending up in A&E
NHS emergency departments are seeing more cases of self-harm, eating disorders and emotional distress in young people.
A surge of children and young people in England requiring urgent mental health support has led to a sharp increase in attendance at A&E units, according to alarming new figures. Between 2019 and 2025, the number of six to 17-year-olds visiting A&E for mental health concerns surged by 36%, according to an analysis by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
In 2025 alone, 75,491 attendances at A&E by children and young people for a mental health concern were recorded, compared to 55,525 in 2019. Some of the most significant rises were seen in children aged six to nine.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health warns that A&Es are not the ideal place for these vulnerable patients, yet a shortage of community support means they have limited alternatives. Doctors report cases involving children brought in by families, carers or the police, with some exhibiting aggressive or challenging behavior due to emotional crises. Over 6,200 children (around 8%) waited more than 12 hours in A&E during 2025.
RCPCH officer for mental health Dr Sam Jones attributes the surge to a lack of crisis support and wider mental health care available in many parts of the country. She calls for better training for staff from key agencies across health, social care and education to assist children facing mental health struggles. Emergency medicine specialist Dr Mark Buchanan notes that children and young people with mental health crises are forced to rely on A&Es as their default care setting.
Gemma Byrne from mental health charity Mind emphasizes that A&E is an intimidating environment for anyone in crisis, and waiting over 12 hours is unacceptable. The charity advocates for expanding the network of young future hubs, which provide comprehensive support covering mental health, employment, sports and volunteering.
The government is set to unveil a new mental health strategy later in the summer, but the Department of Health and Social Care claims improvements are already underway, including investments in mental health teams for schools and over 150 new mental health hubs in community locations. Anna Freud, a mental health charity for children, young people and families, calls for the new strategy to prioritize children's mental health, creating conditions for lifelong positive mental health and accelerated investment in accessible, community-based support.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
