The number of young people experiencing psychiatric emergencies in the German state of Saarland is rising, placing significant strain on local resources. What was once a caseload of two to three cases per day a decade ago has now increased to four or five daily emergencies requiring immediate attention, according to Eva Möhler, head of child and adolescent psychiatry at the Homburg clinic. This surge in critical cases, ranging from self-harm and threats to others to acute psychosis, highlights a growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents and the challenges in providing timely care.
The situation is particularly acute for those needing ongoing, non-emergency psychiatric support. While immediate crises are addressed in Saarbrücken and Homburg around the clock, accessing longer-term therapy can involve waiting times of four to five months for an appointment at one of the region’s specialized clinics in Saarbrücken, Homburg, Sankt Wendel, and Merzig. These facilities provide care for cases too complex for general practitioners, leaving many families facing prolonged uncertainty and difficulty in securing the assist their children necessitate. Approximately 8,500 children and young people receive ambulatory treatment annually at these institutes.
Long Waits and Limited Access to Care
The extended wait times aren’t due to a lack of facilities, but rather an overwhelming demand for specialized care. Children and adolescents with less severe conditions, such as those requiring assessments for autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are typically referred to private physicians after an initial evaluation by their pediatrician. This system, while functional, adds another layer of delay for families navigating a complex healthcare landscape. The increasing demand is stretching resources thin, impacting the ability to provide preventative care and early intervention.
The Impact of Excessive Screen Time
Dr. Möhler also points to a significant contributing factor to the rising rates of mental health concerns: excessive media consumption. She explains that high levels of screen time—more than three to four hours per day—can interfere with accurate psychiatric diagnoses. “With children who have more than three to four hours of media consumption per day, we can no longer validly test their brain functions,” she stated. This interference stems from the impact of prolonged screen exposure on cognitive development and emotional regulation.
Dr. Möhler recommends limiting screen time to a maximum of 30 minutes daily for elementary school children and 60 minutes for teenagers. Reducing media consumption is seen as a crucial first step in assessing and addressing underlying psychological issues. This recommendation reflects growing concerns among medical professionals about the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on children’s mental and neurological development.
A Growing Crisis Demands Attention
The increase in emergency cases and the lengthy wait times for treatment underscore a critical need for increased investment in child and adolescent mental healthcare services in Saarland and beyond. The challenges faced by families in the region are not unique, mirroring a broader trend of rising mental health concerns among young people globally. The situation demands a multi-faceted approach, including increased funding for mental health services, improved access to care, and preventative measures to address the root causes of these issues.
The issue of children’s mental health and the impact of social media leverage is gaining attention internationally. In Australia, a new law came into effect in 2025 prohibiting social media use for those under 16, a measure supported by experts like Dr. Möhler as a way to protect young people. SR.de reports that the law applies to platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Eva Möhler is a German specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy and a university professor at the University of Heidelberg. According to Wikipedia, she is also the chief physician at the SHG Clinics for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.
The University of Saarland’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, led by Professor Dr. Eva Möhler, continues to conduct research and provide clinical services to the region. More information about the department can be found on the university’s website.
Looking ahead, the Saarland government is expected to address the growing demand for mental health services in an upcoming budget review scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. This review will be a critical opportunity to allocate resources and implement strategies to improve access to care for children and adolescents in the region.
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