By Dr. Nour Al Ghriwati, Founder & Licensed Clinical Psychologist at CAYA Care

Pediatric psychology is a field of psychology that focuses on the physical, emotional, and behavioral health of children, adolescents, and families. This specialty area involves working with young patients and their families to diagnose and treat a range of mental and physical health conditions, including chronic illnesses, developmental disorders, and mental health concerns.

Pediatric psychologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care to children and their families.

The Role of Pediatric Psychologists

Pediatric psychologists work with children and families to address a range of issues that can impact a child’s overall well-being. Some common concerns that pediatric psychologists may address include:

• Chronic illness management: Pediatric psychologists work with children and families to help manage the emotional and psychological impact of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma, and cancer. They may provide education about the illness, teach coping strategies, and provide support during medical procedures.
• Developmental and learning disorders: Pediatric psychologists can work with children who have developmental disorders, such as autism or ADHD, to help them develop social, emotional, and behavioral skills. They may also work with children who have learning disorders, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, to develop strategies to improve academic performance.
• Behavioral concerns: Pediatric psychologists may work with children and families to address behavioral concerns, such as aggression, anxiety, or depression. They can provide therapy to help children develop coping skills and emotional regulation techniques.
• Trauma and grief: Pediatric psychologists can work with children and families who have experienced traumatic events, such as natural disasters, abuse, or the death of a loved one. They can provide therapy to help children and families process their emotions and develop coping skills.

In addition to providing clinical care, pediatric psychologists also conduct research to better understand the factors that impact children’s health and well-being. This research can inform clinical practice and help identify new strategies for addressing children’s health concerns.

Training and Certification

Pediatric psychologists typically have a doctoral degree in psychology, with specialized training in pediatric psychology. This training may include coursework in child development, pediatric health conditions, and family systems. Additionally, many pediatric psychologists complete a clinical internship and residency program to gain hands-on experience working with young patients and their families.

After completing their training, pediatric psychologists can become board-certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Board certification requires passing a rigorous examination and demonstrating expertise in pediatric psychology.

At CAYA Care, we are THRILLED to have pediatric psychologists on our team. If you would like to request an appointment with a pediatric psychologist to determine if they may be a good fit to work with you or your child, please request a free consultation via our website or call us at 470-610-0414. We look forward to hearing from you.

References:

1. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). What is pediatric psychology? https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/pediatric
2. Society of Pediatric Psychology. (n.d.). What is pediatric psychology? https://societyofpediatricpsychology.org/about-pediatric-psychology/what-is-pediatric-psychology
3. Pediatric Psychology. (n.d.). American Board of Professional Psychology. https://www.abpp.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3301
4. Scherzer, A. L., & Pinkerton, R. (2021). Pediatric psychology. In J. L. Matson (Ed.), Handbook of Childhood Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Assessment (pp. 21-36). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64985-6_2