Division 54 of the American Psychological Association
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Who We Are


Pediatric psychology is an integrated field of science and practice in which the principles of psychology are applied within the context of pediatric health. The field aims to promote the health and development of children, adolescents, and their families through use of evidence-based methods.

Founded in 1969, the field has broad interdisciplinary theoretical underpinnings and draws from clinical, developmental, social, cognitive, behavioral, counseling, community and school psychology.

Areas of expertise within the field include, but are not limited to: psychosocial, developmental and contextual factors contributing to the etiology, course and outcome of pediatric medical conditions; assessment and treatment of behavioral and emotional concomitants of illness, injury, and developmental disorders; prevention of illness and injury; promotion of health and health-related behaviors; education, training and mentoring of psychologists and providers of medical care; improvement of health care delivery systems and advocacy for public policy that serves the needs of children, adolescents, and their families.

Vision Statement Approved August 19, 2006


Please contact Karen Roberts, with any questions or comments about this website