The new edition names 86 top pediatric hospitals, includes the second annual evaluation of pediatric and adolescent behavioral health programs.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, today announced the 19th edition of Best Children's Hospitals, an annual evaluation of pediatric hospitals by specialty and by location.

U.S. News has been evaluating specialty care at pediatric hospitals since 2007. Best Children's Hospitals is designed to assist parents and caregivers, along with their physicians, in navigating the challenges of finding the best possible care for children with serious illnesses or complex medical needs. A hospital that has earned a "Best" designation may be a good option for families to consider, in consultation with their child's medical provider(s) and care team.

U.S. News now evaluates 11 pediatric specialties. The 2025-2026 edition includes the second annual evaluation of the Best Children's Hospitals for Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health , in which U.S. News evaluated hospitals for their care of children and teens in mental and behavioral health conditions such as autism, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, language and learning disorders, and substance abuse and addiction.

"U.S. News has long assisted parents and caregivers in finding the best possible care for children with serious illnesses or complex medical needs. Our annual rankings of pediatric hospitals provide a roadmap to exceptional care for families, not just by specialty, but also by region and state," said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News.

"The data are clear: one in five U.S. children has a mental, emotional, behavioral or developmental disorder and nearly one in three youth ages 12 to 17 are navigating a mental or behavioral health condition," Harder added. "U.S. News' continued evaluation of the top hospitals for pediatric and adolescent behavioral health empowers families with the information they need to make the most informed decisions for their child's well-being and health."

Top Pediatric Hospitals by Region

Mid-Atlantic
1. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia – tie
1. Children's National Hospital (Washington, D.C.) – tie

Midwest
1. Cincinnati Children's – tie
1. Nationwide Children's Hospital (Columbus) – tie

New England
1. Boston Children's Hospital

Pacific
1. Children's Hospital Los Angeles – tie
1. Rady Children's Hospital (San Diego) – tie
1. Seattle Children's Hospital – tie

Rocky Mountain
1. Children's Hospital Colorado (Aurora, CO)

Southeast
1. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta – tie
1. Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center (Durham, NC) – tie
1. Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt (Nashville) – tie

Southwest
1. Texas Children's Hospital (Houston)

Top Five Pediatric Hospitals in Selected Specialties

Pediatric Cancer