Psychology:
Pediatric Behavioral Health

Scope of Care

It is our belief that all children and their families who experience disability, special health needs, chronic illness, or behavioral/psychological difficulties should have the opportunity to achieve optimal health, development, psychosocial functioning and participation in community across the life span. It is the mission of the Pediatric Behavioral Health program to improve the psychological, behavioral, emotional and social well being of children, adolescents and young adults who experience disability, special health needs, behavioral/psychological difficulties, or chronic illness through education, evaluation and intervention. We have a special commitment to maximizing quality of life for children and their families.

The Pediatric Behavioral Health program focuses on the strengths of individuals and families, and builds on those strengths in fostering adjustment and adaptive coping with disability, special health needs, chronic illness, and behavioral/psychological difficulties. We understand and capitalize on the relationship between social support, health status, and health behaviors. We are committed to focusing on the whole person and ensuring that we appreciate the interplay between psychosocial and other medical or developmental issues. As such, we readily and regularly consult with medical or other health care providers as appropriate, and defer to other disciplines on those issues that do not fall under the rubric of psychology as a discipline. In addition, we provide the highest quality services by using those that are supported by research, represent the most current practice standards, and take into account individual differences.

Services We Provide

The faculty of the Pediatric Behavioral Health program has expertise in child development, child psychology, pediatric psychology, and behavioral/psychological difficulties of childhood as well as family-based psychosocial and behavioral interventions for youth. Patients are evaluated and treated by the Pediatric Psychologist with the most appropriate expertise. Treatment may include individual therapy, family therapy, behavioral parent-oriented services, consultation, or some combination of these services.

Service Providers

A Pediatric Psychologist with expertise in family-based care of youth with chronic health conditions directs the Pediatric Behavioral Health program. All the other Pediatric Behavioral Health program faculty are Pediatric Psychologists with specialties in, but not limited to:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Neuropsychological Assessment
• Behavior Problems
• Toileting Difficulties
• Sleep Disorders
• Depression and Anxiety Disorders
• Feeding Problems
• Pain Management
• Attention and Learning Problems
• Habit and Tic Disorders
• Adherence to both Demanding and Complex Medical Regimens

Faculty have particular strength in appreciating the interplay between presenting psychosocial challenges and medical or developmental problems.

How to make a Referral

Your child's primary care physician, pediatrician, or subspecialty physician (e.g., pediatric neurologist, pediatric oncologist, pediatric diabetologist) may initiate referral to the Pediatric Behavioral Health program. In addition, you may call the Pediatric Behavioral Health program directly for services through the CDRC's central intake office at (503)494-8095 or (800)452-3563. Our faculty will be happy to speak with you directly should you have questions about our services prior to obtaining them from the Pediatric Behavioral Health program.

Resources

The following links are provided as a service:

Behavioral Pediatric Treatment Services
http://www.ohsu.edu/outreach/cdrc/clinical/portland/bpts.html

CDRC Pre-Doctoral Psychology Training Program
http://www.ohsu.edu/oidd/LEND/fellowships/psych/lendpsychint.cfm

Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners
http://www.obpe.state.or.us/OBPE/

American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org/

Society of Pediatric Psychology
http://societyofpediatricpsychology.org/

Research

Research is integrated into the Pediatric Behavioral Health program in two notable ways. First, the faculty within the program use an evidence-based approach when working with children, youth, and families. That is, we turn to research and clinical experience to ensure that we offer best practices for presenting concerns.

Further, many faculty are actively involved in clinical research. Topics vary and include such issues as psychosocial interventions for children with chronic medical conditions, diagnostic processes for individuals with disabilities, medical-behavioral links among children with specific conditions, sleep and bedtime concerns, and parenting practices, just to name the focus of a few recent projects. The overarching goal of research conducted by the faculty of the Pediatric Behavioral Health program is to investigate aspects of clinical care so as to add knowledge to the field's understanding of best practices.

Training

The Pediatric Behavioral Health program is a key aspect of a well-established nationally accredited training program for pre- and post-doctoral students in clinical psychology. Through models of co-therapy and direct supervision by a licensed psychologist, pre- and post-doctoral students assist in providing services within the Pediatric Behavioral Health program.