Data included in the study were collected from 2014. Although the overall total ED use declined that year when compared to 2010, ED use associated with behavioral health conditions — including mental health and substance abuse disorders — saw a considerable 24 percent increase across the state. Some regions of Massachusetts saw that number rise even more dramatically, more than 50 percent.
The report also revealed ED visits in 2014 that lasted more than eight hours among teens between the ages of 10 and 19 were mostly (more than 50 percent) mental health-related.
Given the data, the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission listed “treating behavioral health conditions, especially via integrated models” among its areas for improvement.
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