Enhancing Pediatric Mental Health Assessment in the ED

PMHCAs can share this structured checklist and set of tools to help ED teams conduct comprehensive, efficient assessments for children presenting with mental or behavioral health concerns. The goal is to support consistent communication, documentation, and decision-making to improve safety and continuity of care.

How to Use:

• Use the documentation templates during triage, team huddles, or discharge planning to prompt key considerations.
• Refer to it as a conversation guide when working with caregivers or behavioral health teams.
• Do not use this as an additional form; incorporate relevant information into the electronic medical record as appropriate.
• Collaborate with PMHCA teams, social workers, and behavioral health consultants using this tool as a shared reference.

How PMHCA Can Assist:

• Review and adapt ED assessment processes for pediatric populations.
• Provide examples of effective documentation and communication workflows.
• Assist in identifying local referral and follow-up resources.
• Offer consultation on implementing assessment tools in the EMR systems.

PMHCA Checklist: Pediatric Mental Health Assessment in the ED

Use the checklist to help formulate your questions during assessment and communication with pediatric patients presenting with mental or behavioral health concerns.