When your child is diagnosed with a heart condition, it may affect not only their physical health but also their emotional and behavioral well-being. Your child may feel, act, or respond differently after a cardiac diagnosis or procedure. Because of the connection between heart and brain development, some children who are born with a heart condition experience challenges with learning and academics, attention, self-regulation, or social skills development. At Riley Children’s Health, the Riley Heart Center offers pediatric cardiovascular psychology services to provide behavioral health services for children and adolescents living with heart conditions.

What is Pediatric Cardiac Psychology

Pediatric cardiovascular psychology is a specialized area of health psychology that focuses on the connection between the brain and the heart. Pediatric cardiac psychologists evaluate and address the emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges children may face after a cardiac event or procedure or as they grow up with a long-term heart condition. They use evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches to help children and families cope with having a heart condition, whether it is stress related to procedures, managing care at home, building emotional resilience, or addressing mental health concerns that arise. Pediatric cardiac psychologists may also coordinate with developmental psychologists, neuropsychologists, and schools to assess and support children’s learning and their participation in school.

Why Riley Children’s for Pediatric Cardiac Psychology

The latest resources in heart health: Riley Children’s is one of only a handful of children’s hospitals in the country with a dedicated pediatric cardiac psychologist who provides behavioral health care for patients coping with a heart diagnosis and treatment.
Comprehensive cardiovascular support: The pediatric cardiac psychologist provides enhanced support for children and families with prolonged hospital admissions. They also partner with our comprehensive team of pediatric cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and other healthcare providers to provide full-service care for congenital heart disease.
In-patient and outpatient services: The pediatric cardiac psychologist supports patients throughout the entire care continuum including when children are admitted as inpatients and when they are seen in the outpatient setting.
We care about your mental and heart health: If your child is at risk for emotional or developmental challenges, pediatric cardiac psychology services may be offered, including, behavioral health assessments, pediatric psychology interventions, and referral to specialty mental health services when needed.

Key Points to Remember

Pediatric cardiovascular psychology is a specialized area of health psychology that focuses on the connection between the brain and the heart.
Pediatric cardiac psychologists evaluate and address the emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges children may face after a cardiac event or procedure or as they grow up with a long-term heart condition.