How can pediatric health psychology help my child?
A child's medical condition can affect emotions, behavior, relationships, school, independence, and family life. Pediatric health psychology helps children and families develop practical strategies for managing these challenges.
Depending on your child's needs, treatment may focus on coping skills, emotional regulation, anxiety management, behavioral strategies, adjustment to illness or injury, treatment adherence, communication, pain management, school functioning, or family stress.
Can you help my child cope with a new diagnosis?
Yes. Receiving a new diagnosis can be overwhelming for children and families. We can help children understand and cope with changes in their health while developing age-appropriate strategies for managing emotions, routines, treatment demands, and changes in daily life.
Can you help with anxiety related to medical care?
Yes. Some children experience significant anxiety related to doctors, hospitals, procedures, medications, needles, or other aspects of medical care.
Pediatric health psychology can help children develop coping strategies and skills to make healthcare experiences more manageable.
Can you help my child with chronic pain?
Psychological factors can interact with the experience and management of pain. Pediatric health psychology can help children and families develop evidence-based strategies for coping with pain, managing emotional responses, improving daily functioning, and supporting participation in meaningful activities.
Can you help families dealing with chronic illness?
Yes. Chronic medical conditions can affect the entire family. Parents may experience increased stress, uncertainty, changes in routines, and concerns about their child's future.
Family involvement can be an important part of pediatric health psychology, and services can include parent education, consultation, coping strategies, and support for healthy family functioning.