Pediatric Psychology at Connecticut Children’s

Often, a diagnosis doesn’t just impact your child’s physical health. It also affects their mental and emotional well-being.

Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologists provide behavioral health support for existing patients who need coordinated, co-managed care from both physicians and mental health clinicians.

Currently, our services are only available to existing patients. If your child isn’t a patient, but you’re looking for mental and behavioral health support, you can find resources here.

Medical Coping Clinic

The Medical Coping Clinic is designed to support children, teens and families managing a chronic illness at Connecticut Children’s. 

Our team of pediatric psychologists are specially trained to help your family manage both the medical and psychological impact of illness on your child. This includes how chronic illness may affect your child’s mood, behavior, education, and relationships, as well as how they adjust to their diagnosis and follow their care plan.

We offer this support both in person and by Video Visit, including individual, group and family sessions. 

Mental and Medical Wellness Program

The Mental and Medical Wellness Program is designed for patients and families who need some additional support to manage their medical and mental health. This unique intensive program is available three days a week, three hours a day, and includes specialists from Connecticut Children’s divisions of pediatric psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and care coordination. 

The program is available to existing Connecticut Children’s patients, both in person and by Video Visit. 

Child and Adolescent Psychology Services

Connecticut Children’s pediatric psychologists are included in a patient’s care team in many of our inpatient and outpatient programs, including:

• Cancer and Blood Disorders
• Gastroenterology
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Obesity and Weight Management
• Pain & Palliative Medicine
• Primary Care
• Rheumatology
• Sleep Center

Research Discoveries for Your Child’s Brightest Future

Connecticut Children’s behavioral health experts lead important research through The Center for Population Health and Outcomes Research. This includes work to reduce the impact and stigma of behavioral health disorders in our community, and to improve quality of life for all children and adolescents.
Learn more about our research >

Pediatric Psychology Locations

Our pediatric psychology services are offered in multiple locations throughout Connecticut. Virtual appointments are also available.
Learn more about our locations >

Meet Our Team

Connecticut Children’s Division of Pediatric Psychology is led by Melissa Santos, PhD, who also serves as president of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. Our team is highly trained to work with children, teens, and young adults who may be affected by a range of mental health conditions related to their diagnosis or treatment.
Learn more about our team >

Resources

Looking for tips to support your child?

• Check out Connecticut Children’s Mental & Behavioral Health Kit, a collection of our favorite resources for families.
• Stay up-to-date with new resources on the Growing Healthy Blog. Find the latest advice from our pediatric psychologists here. To make sure you never miss an article, subscribe here.