Pediatric cardiac psychologist brings a new level of expertise to Riley Heart Center

In some cases, genetic syndromes can affect both cardiac and neurodevelopment. Early evaluation is important to lower these risks. Providing mental health services when challenges first emerge can significantly improve patients’ emotional resilience, learning and social outcomes, and ability to manage their heart condition long-term.

At Riley Children’s Health, Michele Tsai Owens, PHD, HSPP, is leading the way as Indiana’s first pediatric cardiac psychologist to offer psychology services to pediatric cardiology patients. The pediatric heart program at Riley Children’s is one of about 20 pediatric heart programs in the nation to integrate pediatric cardiac psychology into its continuum of care.

Dr. Tsai Owens works closely with cardiac patients and their families both at outpatient appointments and when patients are admitted to the Heart Center at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. For patients seen in the cardiac transplant, Fontan follow-up, and pulmonary hypertension clinics, she meets with patients and their families during their interdisciplinary clinic appointment to screen patients’ emotional, social, academic, and neurocognitive functioning; and to discuss any behavioral health concerns that families may have. Based on identified needs, she then makes recommendations that can include psychotherapy, psychiatric medication consultation, and/or neuropsychological assessment services.

Dr. Tsai Owens also meets with patients with a wide range of cardiac conditions in her pediatric cardiac psychology clinic for short-term therapy services focused on coping with and managing their heart conditions. Within the Riley Heart Center, she provides inpatient consultative services when patients, their families, or their medical teams identify a behavioral health need.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Tsai Owens conducts research related to mental health screening in patients with cardiac conditions and prepares teenagers and young adults to take on more responsibilities for managing their chronic medical conditions.

Through recognition of the neurodevelopmental and psychological needs of cardiac patients, Dr. Tsai Owens and the pediatric heart program at Riley Children’s are addressing the growing need for pediatric mental health services.

If you suspect your patient to have a mental health need or they are at risk of challenges related to their cardiac condition, call 317.944.8906 or refer a patient online.