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Psychiatry & Psychology

Psychiatry & Psychology Clinic

A nationally renowned center for treatment and research in children's mental health, the Pediatric Psychiatry & Psychology Clinic provides treatment for a wide range of emotional, psychological and cognitive problems in kids ages 5 to 18. We also see children who have been brought to the hospital's emergency room with behavioral emergencies, as well as pediatric inpatients who are currently under our care.

Our experienced clinical staff includes psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and psychiatric nurse practitioners, who work closely to identify what's causing your child's problems and suggest potential solutions. We offer brief and long-term individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy and family psychotherapy. When appropriate, we offer medication and ongoing medication management.

The care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals is highly family-focused, so we also train parents in helpful methods of addressing their child's behavioral problems. Please note that there are certain conditions we don't treat at our clinic – they’re handled at specialty clinics like our Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center, Hyperactivity, Attention & Learning Problems (HALP) Clinic, or Eating Disorders Program. For more, see all of our Children's Psychiatry & Psychology services.

Our locations (2)

    Our team

    View providers by category
    • Psychiatrists (13)
    • Psychologists (33)
    • Other providers (5)

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    New visitor rules

    Before you head to the hospital, check our special COVID-19 rules for visitors. Thanks!

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Related clinics (2)

    2

    Mental Health Early Intervention Services

    Mental Health Early Intervention Services

    Oakland

    Young Adult & Family Center

    Young Adult & Family Center

    401 Parnassus Ave.
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    After hospitalization, we help kids return to school by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Feeling at home

    From bedside bingo to therapy dogs, we're here to help kids smile and feel more like themselves.

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