The urgent need for equity and accessibility in pediatric mental health care

KevinMD November 15, 2024
Robyn Riseberg, MD

Recently, I encountered a stark reminder of the challenges facing our mental health care system. A 16-year-old Black boy came to us at Boston Community Pediatrics (BCP) in a state of crisis, expressing suicidal thoughts and a deep sense of fear. As part of our integrated behavioral health model, my mental health colleague and I immediately recognized the urgency of his situation. We arranged for an Uber to transport him and his mother to the hospital, understanding that in a moment of distress, the last thing they needed was the added burden of finding a ride.

However, once they arrived at the emergency room, they faced an entirely different challenge: nine hours of waiting with no care in sight. At...

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