HOPE Psychology Service

Living with cancer or a blood disease can create stress and unusual situations that may be challenging to navigate. The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles HOPE Psychology Service provides psychological care to children and their families. Our pediatric psychologists use evidence-based methods to support your child’s behavioral and emotional needs during treatment.

Psychology Services for Children With Cancer and Blood Disorders

Many children experience emotional or behavioral issues when living with a complex medical condition. CHLA’s pediatric psychologists are experts in evaluating and treating these issues, ensuring that your child can continue to develop and thrive.

Your child and your family may benefit from our psychology service for help with:

  • Adjusting to a diagnosis
  • Anxiety
  • Behavior problems
  • Coping with treatment
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Parenting a child with a chronic illness

Our Approach to Psychology for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders

The HOPE Psychology Service is an extension of our internationally recognized Cancer and Blood Disease Institute. Your child receives care from experienced psychologists specializing in the unique needs of children, adolescents and young adults.

Highlights of our program include:

  • Evidence-based practice: We use treatments that research studies have shown are effective. Our psychologists work with your child and your family to identify specific treatment goals.
  • Coordination: Psychologists work closely with your child’s medical team to ensure that your child receives integrated care that meets their physical and mental health needs. If we learn that your child is fearful about a specific procedure, we teach coping methods. We also give your child’s doctors and nurses recommendations so they can offer additional support during the procedure.
  • Personalized care: Even if your child is too young to express themselves or has a developmental disability, we can help. Our psychologists are experts in treating children of all ages from birth into adulthood. We use an individualized approach, choosing the treatments and methods that are the best fit for your child and your family.
  • Parenting skills: We support you in parenting your ill child by answering parenting questions and suggesting strategies for comforting your child. Topics we may discuss include how to talk to your child about their diagnosis, re-establish household routines such as bedtimes and ensure that your child feels safe and free from worry.
  • Language support: If English is not your preferred language, help is available from our Interpreting and Translation Services. And some of our psychologists are bilingual and provide care in other languages.

Timely Access to Psychology Services

Some situations requiring psychology services can’t wait. That is why we provide easy access, anywhere your child is receiving treatment, including:

  • Inpatient care: If your child is receiving hospital care, we are at the bedside quickly, sometimes the same day. And our psychologists are available by phone to speak with your child’s care team.
  • Outpatient care: We offer outpatient psychological treatment to patients receiving care in the Cancer and Blood Disease Institute.
  • Outpatient medical clinics: We are available for brief consultations in many of our outpatient medical clinics. Your child may be able to speak with a psychologist on short notice as part of a scheduled medical visit.
  • Virtually: Your child may be able to speak with a psychologist without leaving the comfort of your home. We offer psychological treatment through virtual visits.

Child Psychology Research and Innovation

The psychology services that your child receives reflect the latest research, some of which is taking place at CHLA. We are working alongside other leading pediatric programs to make care more responsive to children’s unique needs.

Find out more about our hematology and oncology research and clinical trials.

Additional Support Services for Children and Their Families

Our Psychology Service is one of the many ways CHLA’s Cancer and Blood Disease Institute supports children, young adults and families.

Additional offerings include:

Resources for Cancer Survivors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

At CHLA, your child receives comprehensive support from diagnosis through age 21. Our services can help your child cope with the psychological impact of cancer, late effects of cancer treatment and transitioning to adult care. Learn more about our Survivorship and Supportive Care Program.

Contact us

The Cancer and Blood Disease Institute welcomes new patients, referrals and second opinions. Please call us to make an appointment.

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