How to Build a Pediatric Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Program

While emergency departments are a vital safety net for all patients, they often fail to meet the unique care needs of pediatric patients presenting with behavioral health emergencies. In response, increasing attention has been directed toward pediatric crisis intervention programs that divert unnecessary emergency department visits and link youth in crisis to more appropriate services. This article outlines key factors to consider in designing a pediatric behavioral health crisis intervention program and presents a practical decision-making framework to guide program selection and implementation.