María, an active adolescent, has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. She is having difficulty eating the right foods, taking her insulin, and monitoring her blood sugar.
Max, who is 18-months old, has begun to eat less and less. As a result, he is now considerably underweight and and mealtimes at his home have become battles.
Jenny, a precocious preschooler, has been prescribed a medication only available in pill form. She is frightened of swallowing something so large and refuses to take the medicine.
Paul, an honors middle-school student, is experiencing daily stomachaches that medical evaluations have been unable to explain.
These scenarios highlight the necessity of collaborative care between medical and mental health professionals. They underscore the need for specialists who understand the complex interplay of medical, psychological, and developmental factors in children’s health.
Pediatric psychology is a specialized branch of clinical child psychology focusing specifically on health-related issues. Pediatric psychologists integrate biological, psychological, and social perspectives to address the unique psychological challenges of children and adolescents facing medical conditions. Working closely with pediatricians and interdisciplinary teams, pediatric psychologists provide treatment tailored to the psychological and behavioral aspects of medical illnesses. They empower families by supporting children’s self-care skills and nurturing their competence in managing health-related tasks.
I completed a predoctoral internship in pediatric psychology at Texas Children’s Hospital. After earning my Ph.D., I was invited to continue working there, completing a postdoctoral fellowship and remaining for an additional two years. This invaluable experience deepened my understanding of how to effectively support children with medical complications and their families.
Advancements in medicine have transformed many , significantly impacting families. Parents may struggle with how much responsibility to place on their children, balancing treatment demands with everyday life. Financial stress, frequent hospital visits, missed school, and uncertainty about the future create significant emotional burdens. Pediatric psychologists play a crucial role in helping families cope. They guide them through grieving processes, facilitate effective communication with healthcare providers, and advocate for maintaining a sense of normalcy in the child’s life.
Conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and kidney disease require extensive self-management. Adherence to medical treatments can be particularly challenging for children and adolescents eager for a “normal” life. Pediatric psychologists help young patients overcome barriers such as anxiety, depression, or procedural fears. They promote adherence and healthy behaviors through education, modeling, problem-solving, and parental support.
Pain management is another vital area in pediatric psychology. Psychologists support children experiencing acute pain (injections, dressing changes, medical procedures) or chronic pain (sickle cell disease, juvenile arthritis, migraines). Techniques like relaxation training, mindfulness meditation, distraction, positive self-talk, and cognitive reframing empower children, reducing reliance on medication and increasing their sense of control. Additionally, psychologists address pain arising from emotional distress, guiding children to healthier emotional expression and coping strategies.
Feeding difficulties in young children represent another significant area of pediatric psychology. Whether stemming from early medical complications, painful associations from conditions like gastroesophageal reflux, or family mealtime conflicts, pediatric psychologists thoroughly evaluate the child’s eating behaviors and family dynamics. They provide targeted interventions that transform mealtimes from stressful events into positive, nurturing experiences.
The field of pediatric psychology is diverse, addressing developmental, behavioral, and emotional issues such as elimination disorders, habit disorders, sleep disturbances, trauma, abuse, attention challenges, and developmental disabilities. Pediatric psychologists utilize a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, striving to foster resilience and psychological well-being in the face of medical and psychological challenges.
By partnering with children and families, pediatric psychologists help young individuals like María, Max, Jenny, and Paul successfully navigate their health journeys with confidence and resilience.
