Mental health issues have largest share of Calif. youth hospitalizations

The highest percentage of  hospitalizations among youth ages 0-17 in California was for mental health reasons in 2017, according to Kidsdata.org.

Mental diseases and disorders accounted for 14% of hospitalizations, as measured by discharges. This is almost twice the rate due to asthma/bronchitis (8%) and over three times the rate for pneumonia/pleurisy (4%) and seizures/headaches (4%).

The rate of hospitalization due to mental health issues has been on the rise since 2008. Prior to then, the largest percentage of hospitalizations were asthma-related.

Experts say expanding prevention, diagnosis, and early intervention services can help reduce mental health-related hospitalizations.

Care coordination and discharge planning are also critical in addressing hospital admissions and re-admissions. This includes a standardized, child and family-specific framework for the transition from hospital to home care and a shared care plan created with the family and care team that takes into account the family’s circumstances and capabilities and timely follow up with the family after discharge.