The goal of the pediatric psychology program at University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview is to help children realize improved quality of life.

We provide care for children with psychosocial issues related to medical, developmental and emotional problems, and our program is known for its work with chronically ill and developmentally disabled children.

We also provide excellent care for children with psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and for children with issues related to international adoption.

Families receive our assistance and support, too, as they cope with the stress caused by their children’s conditions.

We help kidney and heart transplant patients and their families prepare emotionally for surgery and plan for treatment that may be needed afterward.

Children with chronic illnesses can turn to us for emotional and social care so they can cope with pain, stress and lifestyle changes.

We evaluate and provide appropriate treatment or referrals for children with developmental problems caused by disease, genetics or prenatal issues. And we counsel children with stress and family related illnesses.

Conditions We Treat

• Psychological and Developmental Issues Related to Chronic and Severe Disease
• Organ Transplants
• Cochlear Implants
• Genetic Disorders
• Metabolic
• Chromosomal
• Teratogenic Disorders
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Prenatal Drug Use
• Cancer
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Infant Failure to Thrive
• Obesity
• Crohn’s and Other Chronic Gastrointestional Diseases
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Diabetes
• Chronic Pain
• Emotional and Developmental Problems of General Pediatrics Patients
• Developmental Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Behavioral Problems, including Attention Deficit Disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Emotional and Developmental Conditions Related to International Adoption

Services and Treatment We Offer

• Evaluation
• Emotional Health
• Developmental Status
• Learning Ability
• Behavioral Health
• Environmental Conditions
• Family Counseling, Therapy, and Support
• Adjustment to Medical/Developmental/Emotional Condition
• Lifestyle Changes/Limitations
• Emotional and Financial Stress
• Independence In Chronically Ill Patients
• Positive Self Image
• Behavior Management
• Stress Management
• Pain Management
• Reintegration to School
    

Current Research

• Long-Term Quality of Life Studies
• Premature Infants
• Renal (Kidney) Transplant Patients
• PKU (Phenylketonuria) Patients
• Neuroimaging in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – in collaboration with Child Psychiatry
• Parenting – Interaction Between Parent and Child

Providers

Our providers are dedicated to expert and compassionate care, research that improves the health of all children, and education of the next generation of pediatricians.

Department Achievements

• National leadership in developmental disorders, psychosocial care of chronic illness, and facilitation of quality of life issues.
• One of the largest centers for diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome.

For Medical Professionals

More information is available at: University of Minnesota Medical School