Pediatrics Psychology Services at KITES: Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychology for Children’s Emotional, Cognitive and Behavioral Well-Being

At KITES, we provide comprehensive Psychology Services to support pediatric clients, with a focus on Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation Psychology. Our evidence-based therapies are tailored to meet the unique emotional, behavioral, and cognitive needs of children, including those with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and other conditions. By integrating clinical interventions and rehabilitation support, we help children and their families navigate life’s challenges, improve mental health, and foster long-term emotional well-being.

Our Holistic Approach to Pediatric Psychology

At KITES, we recognize that the psychological needs of children are complex and multifaceted. We integrate Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation Psychology to provide a comprehensive approach to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral health. Whether a child is coping with developmental delays, emotional struggles, trauma recovery, or behavioral challenges, our therapists focus on treating the whole child to promote well-rounded growth and resilience.

Types of Psychological Services Offered

1. Clinical Psychology: Addressing Emotional, Behavioral, and Psychological Challenges

Clinical Psychology at KITES focuses on diagnosing and treating emotional, behavioral, and psychological conditions that impact children’s ability to engage with the world around them. Our clinical psychologists use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help children manage emotions, address behavioral concerns, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

• Focus Areas:
  • Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Treating anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression, and mood swings using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions.
  • Behavioral Disorders: Addressing challenging behaviors associated with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder, and Oppositional Defiant Behaviors (ODB) through behavioral interventions and family therapy.
  • Trauma and PTSD: Providing trauma-informed care to help children process traumatic experiences and recover emotionally.
  • Emotional Regulation: Helping children recognize and manage their emotions, including anger, sadness, anxiety, and frustration.
• Techniques Used:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented therapy to help children identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive coping strategies.
  • Play Therapy: A therapeutic method that allows children to express their feelings, thoughts, and concerns through play, helping them process emotions in a non-threatening environment.
  • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching children how to use mindfulness practices to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve focus.
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): Focusing on improving the parent-child relationship and providing parents with effective tools to manage difficult behaviors.
• Impact: Clinical psychology services at KITES help children overcome challenges related to mental health, behavior, and emotional regulation, improving their ability to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally (Weisz et al., 2017).

2. Rehabilitation Psychology: Supporting Recovery, Adjustment, and Resilience

Rehabilitation Psychology at KITES focuses on helping children adjust to and recover from injuries, illnesses, or developmental conditions that affect their cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. We provide therapeutic support to children with disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or significant life changes, helping them build resilience and adjust to new circumstances.

• Focus Areas:
  • Coping with Chronic Illness: Assisting children and families in adapting to the psychological impact of conditions such as diabetes, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy, focusing on coping skills, stress management, and self-advocacy.
  • Recovery from Injury or Surgery: Providing emotional and psychological support during recovery from physical injuries, surgeries, or medical procedures.
  • Adjustment to Disability: Helping children adapt to physical or cognitive disabilities by promoting emotional well-being, resilience, and independent living skills.
  • Trauma Recovery: Supporting children in processing traumatic experiences, such as medical trauma, injury, or abuse, and fostering healing and emotional stability.
• Techniques Used:
  • Strength-Based Therapy: Focusing on a child’s strengths and resilience to overcome challenges, empowering them to handle difficulties with confidence.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques: Helping children develop positive thinking patterns and coping mechanisms to manage stress, pain, or disability.
  • Family Support and Counseling: Providing families with tools and strategies to support the child’s recovery process and adjust to new circumstances.
  • Grief and Loss Counseling: Supporting children and families through grief and loss related to illness, injury, or trauma.
• Impact: Rehabilitation psychology services promote resilience, adjustment, and emotional recovery in children dealing with medical, physical, or developmental challenges, allowing them to maintain a high quality of life despite difficult circumstances (Snyder & Harris, 2018).

3. Developmental and Behavioral Assessments: Understanding the Whole Child

At KITES, we provide comprehensive psychological assessments to better understand a child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Our assessments are designed to identify areas of strength, challenge, and development, allowing us to create a personalized treatment plan that supports the child’s unique needs.

• Focus Areas:
  • Cognitive and Learning Assessments: Identifying intellectual strengths and weaknesses, as well as learning disabilities or developmental delays, through standardized testing.
  • Behavioral and Emotional Assessments: Understanding behavioral patterns and emotional functioning using tools like the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Beck Depression Inventory.
  • Developmental Milestone Assessments: Evaluating milestones in speech, motor skills, and social-emotional development to identify potential delays and guide interventions.
• Impact: These assessments help clinicians create targeted intervention plans, provide early diagnosis, and track progress over time, ensuring the child receives the most effective treatment (American Psychological Association, 2013).

4. Social Skills and Emotional Regulation Training: Building Positive Relationships

Social and emotional skills are foundational for a child’s academic success and social integration. Our social skills training and emotional regulation programs are designed to help children develop appropriate ways to express emotions, engage in social interactions, and resolve conflicts constructively.

• Focus Areas:
  • Social Interaction Skills: Teaching children how to make and maintain friendships, interpret social cues, and express empathy in social situations.
  • Self-Regulation and Coping: Helping children manage strong emotions like anger, frustration, or anxiety through techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, and positive self-talk.
  • Conflict Resolution: Teaching children how to manage disagreements, express needs respectfully, and negotiate with peers.
• Techniques Used:
  • Social Stories: Using stories and role-playing to teach social norms, appropriate behavior, and emotional expression.
  • Group Therapy: Facilitating peer interactions to practice social skills and receive feedback in a supportive environment.
  • Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): Using techniques to help children identify, express, and regulate emotions in a healthy manner.
• Impact: Social skills training improves peer relationships, enhances self-esteem, and fosters emotional intelligence, enabling children to engage confidently in school and social settings (Kasari et al., 2012).

5. Parent and Family Support: Strengthening Family Bonds and Coping Skills

Parenting a neurodivergent child can be both rewarding and challenging. Our family support services are designed to empower parents with the tools, strategies, and emotional support they need to manage the complexities of raising a child with special needs. We provide practical parenting skills, emotional guidance, and ongoing support to strengthen family dynamics.

• Focus Areas:
  • Parent Coaching: Helping parents learn effective behavioral management techniques, communication strategies, and ways to reinforce positive behaviors at home.
  • Family Counseling: Supporting family members in navigating emotional challenges, improving communication, and enhancing relationships.
  • Crisis Intervention and Stress Management: Offering strategies to cope with the stress and challenges of caregiving, particularly during difficult transitions or crises.
• Techniques Used:
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): Empowering parents to develop effective strategies for managing child behavior and fostering positive parent-child interactions.
  • Family Systems Therapy: Helping families address dysfunctions, improve communication, and promote healthy relationships.
  • Support Groups: Facilitating groups where parents can connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and learn new coping strategies.

Impact: Parent and family support improves family cohesion, reduces stress, and ensures consistent reinforcement of therapeutic goals at home, leading to better outcomes for children (Patterson & Chamberlain, 1994).