• Home
• Physician Specialty Services
• Dental Program
• Specialized Long Term Care
• Therapy Services
• Feeding Program
• Infant Services
• Nutrition Program
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology and Neuropsychology
• Assistive Technology
• Smart Suite
• Interactive Metronome
• Motion Analysis Lab

Psychology Department

The Psychology Department at Children’s Hospital specializes in working with the psychological needs of children and adolescents related to medical, emotional and behavioral issues. This department also specializes in working closely with a child’s family to fully address both the child and family’s needs.

Services are available for children from birth through age 21. Staff members include licensed clinical psychologists who specialize in pediatric psychology and neuropsychology

Services

Services are offered through various programs and teams throughout the hospital as well as through outpatient referrals. Specific services include:

• Individual and family therapy
• Behavioral consultation
• Psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational evaluations

Psychological Evaluations & Therapy

Initial evaluation and therapy are generally provided through a series of appointments to address:

• Coping with medical conditions
• Adjustment to loss
• Issues of anxiety or depression
• Management of behavior problems
• Compliance with therapy & treatment regimens

Therapy is designed to support the development of coping skills and problem solving, promote appropriate emotional expression, and facilitate communication and interactions within the family. Families are encouraged to follow through with homework as well as recommendations regarding ways to both understand and handle behaviors on a day-to-day basis. Often these services, including testing if necessary to guide on-going psychological treatment, will be covered fully or partially by mental health insurance.

Neuropsychological Evaluation

Neuropsychological evaluation following neurological injury or illness is provided by licensed clinical psychologists. This may involve a series of 3-4 appointments and most charges are covered by many health insurance plans.

Psychoeducational Evaluation

Psychoeducational and psychological evaluations for learning and developmental concerns are also provided. These independent evaluations help obtain a greater understanding of a child’s intellectual abilities, learning style and present academic skills. They also help identify a child’s strengths and weaknesses which guide recommendations for appropriate supports both within and outside the school setting. A typical evaluation includes a clinical interview, several hours of testing, a feedback meeting, and a written report with practical recommendations for improving learning and academic success. These evaluations are often not covered by health insurance and therefore are offered on a self-pay basis. Fees for these services vary depending on the age of the child, as well as the degree of complexity and follow-up requested, and therefore can only be determined by the evaluating psychologist following the initial clinical interview.

Information & Referrals

To direct psychology referrals to the most appropriate services, families receive an intake packet with questionnaires to be completed and returned to Children’s Hospital prior to scheduling an initial appointment. These questionnaires include information about a child’s history, strengths, and difficulties, as well as educational reports/plans and past therapy/psychology evaluations. For information or to make a referral, contact Patient Services at (804) 228-5818.

Note: Children’s Hospital does not provide services for patients in need of treatment for suicidal or homicidal intent; psychosis; substance abuse; or inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.

Related Articles:

The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.