Psychology service (child/adolescent)
What we do
Psychological support is an important part of the overall care for children, young people and families. Our paediatric psychology service runs at both our sites.
Clinical psychologists are trained to understand how people think, feel and behave. We know that living with a physical health condition can have an impact, not only for the child, but for the whole family and wider system. We work with and alongside our medical colleagues to help children, young people and their families to cope with the psychological aspect of health and living with illness.
We offer a flexible approach, meeting with children and young people either as outpatients or when they are in the hospital. We may only need to meet once, or a number of times. We are able to offer face-to-face or virtual appointments and can discuss the best way to see you when we meet for the first time.
Our team
Our team consists of clinical psychologists, trainee clinical psychologists, an assistant psychologist, and a service secretary. Key staff in our team include:
- Ms Sue Bodger, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Team Lead
- Dr Daniel Wood, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
- Dr Michele Amos, Consultant Clinical Psychologist (West Middlesex site)
We can help with, for example:
- Preparation for hospital procedures
- Coping with treatment
- Coping with pain
- Adjustment to diagnosis and illness
- Problems with taking medicine or sticking to a special diet
- Grief and bereavement
- Difficulties at school
- Recovery following an accident
- Support for the parents and siblings of an unwell or sick child
- Stress-related symptoms
- Difficulties with feeding, sleeping and toilet training
Referrals
Please note: Our service is for patients under the care of our hospitals and we do not accept referrals from GPs or health professionals outside our Trust.
If your child is aged 18 or under and is receiving care at our hospitals, please speak to your doctor or nurse, who can make a referral.
Contact information
Paediatric Psychology Service
Both hospital sites
E: chelwest.paediatric.psychology@nhs.net
Chelsea site
T: 020 3315 8972
What our families say
- Provided tools to help with my child’s specific issues, opportunities to involve us as the parents and a safe environment to discuss issues.
- Listened to our problems and recommended strategies that were useful and actionable
- Kind, understanding and helpful
Helpful resources
If you are interested in further resources to support your child or young person, we recommend the following websites which contain helpful advice and information for children and young people: