
Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania, has been named one of the nation’s "Top 50" hospitals for pediatric and adolescent behavioral health in the 2026-27 "Best Children’s Hospitals" rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
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The hospital provides a comprehensive range of behavioral health care, including an integrated eating disorders program that offers inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient services for patients aged 10 to 24. It specializes in multidisciplinary care for various chronic and complex behavioral health challenges, such as autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and psychosis. Golisano Children’s Hospital is also involved in significant research initiatives focused on areas like sleep, autism, adolescent development, and mental health treatment services.
James Waxmonsky, chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, emphasized the commitment of the hospital's multidisciplinary team, stating, “This ranking reflects the dedication of our team members who provide compassionate, evidence-based care to children, adolescents, and families every day.”
In efforts to expand access to its services, Golisano Children’s Hospital has recently opened a new child and adolescent inpatient mental health unit at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, adding 21 specialty behavioral health beds in a modern and therapeutic environment. Additionally, the hospital has renovated its child and adolescent partial hospitalization program in downtown Harrisburg, which is the only program of its kind serving Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties, thereby enhancing care quality and capacity.
For these rankings, U.S. News collaborated with RTI International to collect data from 114 children’s hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. The hospitals that received a “Best” designation were recognized for their clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices, and the quality of resources directly related to patient care.