Psychiatry and Psychology Specialists at The Children's Hospital

Doctors

Pediatric Psychiatrist

Pediatric Psychiatrists, or Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, are Medical Doctors (M.D.) who have completed at least five years of post-graduate specialty training in the assessment and treatment of child, adolescent and adult psychiatric disorders.  They are licensed by the state of Colorado , and many are Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Psychiatrists can provide diagnostic assessments, medications, and a broad variety of individual, group and family therapies.

Pediatric Psychologist

Pediatric Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) are licensed by the state of Colorado or psychology interns or externs supervised by licensed psychologists. Psychologists provide psychological diagnostic assessments along with individual, group, and family therapies.

Nurses

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

A PNP is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of children. A PNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment, and follow-up.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

An FNP is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of the entire family. An FNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment, and follow-up.

Clinical Nurse Specialists

A Clinical Nurse Specialist is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in a healthcare specialty area such as cystic fibrosis. Clinical nurse specialists see patients in clinic for follow up, assessment, and treatment.

Other Staff

Clinical Social Worker

A clinical social worker (MSW) is a master’s level therapist who can provide initial assessments, psychotherapies, care coordination, and resource assistance for families.

Nutritionist

A nutritionist (dietitian) provides consultation, evaluation, and diet instruction to parents and children - for those who are well or those who need special therapeutic diets for chronic conditions such as food allergies, CF, diabetes and the acutely ill.

Mental Health Counselor (MHCs)

A Mental Health Counselor is a bachelor’s or master’s level professional who coordinates the milieu based therapies on the inpatient and day treatment units.  These professionals work closely with the nurses to provide safe and therapeutic care for patients in the intensive programs.

Child Life Specialist

A Child Life Specialist is a professional who is specially trained to help children and their families understand and manage challenging life events and stressful healthcare experiences. Child Life Specialists are skilled in providing developmental, educational, and therapeutic interventions for children and their families under stress. Child Life Specialists support growth and development while recognizing family strengths and individuality, and respecting different methods of coping.  At The Children's Hospital, Child Life Specialists may assist with Allergy Skin Testing to make the procedure more comfortable for your child.