Psychology

Our Psychology department includes formally trained and licensed pediatric psychologists who are focused on promoting the health and well-being of children and adolescents with chronic illnesses or complex medical conditions. Our team applies their training as clinical health psychologists to the physical, social and emotional needs of pediatric patients. Direct clinical inpatient and outpatient services are provided to Scottish Rite patients, along with their families and caregivers. We also have a team of dedicated mental health navigators whose primary role is managing our screening and response processes for patients at risk of self-harm. While our psychologists are primarily involved in clinical care, they also contribute to research and provide training to future pediatric psychologists, medical trainees and allied health professionals.

ABOUT OUR PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES

Clinical Care

Research

Training Opportunities

Crisis Resources

As integrated members of the multidisciplinary medical team, our pediatric psychologists are involved in many aspects of patient care including:

Medical decision-making
Pain management
Stress management
Surgery education and preparation
Behavioral intervention for procedural distress
Evaluation of surgical readiness
Post-surgery recovery and rehabilitation
Improving compliance with treatment
Evaluation and acute management of risk and safety concerns
For young athletes, our team helps with return to play, rehabilitation adherence and pain management

Our Psychologists also help patients and families:

Cope with diagnoses and treatment
Identify co-occurring mental health needs and appropriate treatment in the community
Navigate school and academic concerns related to their medical needs

As trained scientist-practitioners, our psychologists are actively involved in research that explores:

The psychosocial impact of physical health conditions and treatment
Ways to improve the treatment experience

They regularly share research findings at state, national and international conferences and publish in leading professional journals. Through research, they aim to advance psychosocial care within pediatric orthopedics, rheumatology, neurology and psychology.

Our Psychology department offers a postdoctoral training opportunity in pediatric psychology. Learn more about our Pediatric Postdoctoral Psychology Fellowship.

Experiencing suicidal thinking can be a scary experience. Talking with others about suicidal thoughts can be challenging, as well. Talking about suicide does not increase a person's likelihood to have or act on such thoughts. In fact, seeking support and talking about suicide can have a positive effect on the person who is experiencing it. Please seek support right away if you believe the danger is immediate and as soon as possible if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Use the resources on this card as a guide to help you.