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Analysis shows rising mental health visits in emergency departments, suggesting a need for system adjustment.
Emergency departments (ED) were not designed to serve as the primary entry point for mental health care, but for many patients facing provider shortages and limited access to outpatient services, they have become exactly that. In early 2026, more than 5% of emergency department visits in the United States were related to mental health concerns.
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Shannon Werb (2026) studied this question.
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