Mental Health Crisis For Children

A Missouri child psychologist says children’s hospitals are in crisis at every level – outpatient, inpatient, urgent care and emergency care. A Missouri legislative committee is reviewing practices to boost mental health services. During a committee hearing, Dr. Amy Beck, of Children’s Mercy in Kansas City, said children with mental health issues are filling emergency rooms.

Beck said many Missouri counties do not have access to psychologists or psychiatrists – prompting children with mental health issues to instead go to a pediatrician or the emergency room.