Psychosocial Treatment Clinic

Resources and support

When your child is diagnosed with a mental health disorder, the questions, acronyms and sense of worry can seem endless—and sometimes overwhelming. Browse through the sections below for some helpful information that can give you the answers, advice and support you're looking for.
 

Patient resources at Children's

• The Experience Journal, developed by Children’s psychiatrist-in-chief David DeMaso, MD, and his team,is an online collection of stories, photos and anecdotes from patients, their families and their clinicians about coping with a variety of medical experiences. Special sections of the journal are devoted to living with depression, ADHD and grief and bereavement.
   
• Children’s Complex Care Services deliver essential medical care to children with birth defects, genetic disorders and other multifaceted health care needs. Please call 617-355-6162 for more information.
   
• Children’s Behavioral Medicine Clinic helps children who are being treated on an outpatient basis at the hospital—as well as their families—understand and cope with their feelings about:
  • being sick
  • facing uncomfortable procedures
  • handling pain
  • taking medication
  • preparing for surgery
  • changes in friendships and family relationships
  • managing school while dealing with an illness
  • grief and loss

Visit the clinic’s web page or call 617-355-6688 to learn more.

• Children’s Center for Families is dedicated to helping families locate the information and resources they need to better understand their child’s particular condition and take part in their care. All patients, families and health professionals are welcome to use the Center’s services at no extra cost. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call 617-355-6279 for more information.

• The Children’s chaplaincy is a source of spiritual support for parents and family members. Our program includes nearly a dozen clergy members—representing Episcopal, Jewish, Lutheran, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Unitarian and United Church of Christ traditions—who will listen to you, pray with you and help you observe your own faith practices during your child’s treatment.

• Children's International Center is a dedicated resource for patients and families from countries outside the United States. The center can provide assistance with everything from reviewing medical records to setting up appointments and locating lodging. Contact the center by phone at 01-617-355-5209 or via e-mail at international.center@childrens.harvard.edu.