This report, Emergency Department Use by Connecticut Children and Youth with Behavioral Health Conditions: Improving Care and Promoting Alternatives, examines the issue of youth who are visiting emergency departments (ED) for behavioral health concerns and offers strategies for Connecticut policy makers, hospitals, mental health agencies, and schools to reduce ED use, improve care within EDs, coordinate and integrate care across systems, and advance appropriate alternatives that address the behavioral health needs of these youth.

The report was prepared by CHDI and co-authored by Beacon Health Options and reflects input from a workgroup of family members and representatives of multiple state agencies, hospitals, community behavioral health organizations, schools, and the Connecticut Hospital Association.