Psychosocial Treatment Clinic

Your appointment

At Children’s Hospital Boston, we consider you and your child integral parts of the care team—not simply recipients of care. We specialize in family-centered treatment, which means that from your first visit to our Psychosocial Treatment Clinic, you’ll work with a team of professionals who are committed to meeting your child's psychological needs while providing emotional and educational support for your family.
 

Your child’s Psychosocial Treatment Clinic appointment: FAQ        

How can I schedule an initial appointment with Children’s Psychosocial Treatment Clinic?
The most convenient and timely way to make your first appointment is to call us at 617-355-6688. Please be sure you have the following information on hand at the time of your call:

• your child’s full name, address, and date of birth
• your (or, if you are not the child’s parent/legal guardian, the official guardian’s) full name, address, phone number and relationship to the child
• your insurance provider’s name(for example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts), the name of the specific plan (for example, Managed Care Blue) covering behavioral health services for your child (please note that this is usually different from the plan covering medical services) and your subscriber identification number
• the name, address, and phone number of your child’s primary care physician
• the name, address, and phone number of your child’s referring physician (if different from the primary care provider)
• a basic summary of your child’s symptoms and medical history, including any prior mental health treatment
   

What should I tell my child before his or her appointment?
Your child’s age and individual circumstances may determine which information (and the amount of information) you choose to share before the initial appointment. Guidelines for a beneficial conversation might include:

• explaining that the doctor you will be meeting is going to help find the best treatment so your child can feel better, think and focus more clearly and talk through worries, fears, sadness or anger
• visiting the Children’s web site and taking a “virtual tour” of the hospital with your child
• reassuring your child that you will be there throughout the appointment
• encouraging your child to speak freely about feelings and worries, and to ask any questions that come to mind, both before and during the appointment
   

What should I bring to my child’s appointment?
When you make your initial appointment, a member of the Psychosocial Treatment Clinic staff will go over everything you’ll need on the day of your visit. A good checklist of take-along items should include:

• the name of the doctor you will be seeing
• the name and floor of the Children’s building you will be visiting
• the name and telephone number of your referring physician
• your insurance card(s) and the information for the behavioral health services plan covering your child (please note that this is usually a different plan than the plan covering medical services)
• co-payment for your insurance, if applicable
• referrals or authorizations from your child's primary care doctor's office, if applicable
• all relevant medical, school and personal records, such as school counselor notes, pertaining to your child’s condition
• a list of your child's medications
• a list of questions you have for the doctor and staff (if appropriate for your child's situation and maturity, you may want to have him or her come up with questions that he or she is curious about)
• your child's and your Social Security numbers (for insurance purposes)
• any forms mailed to you by the Psychosocial Treatment Clinic
• books, games, snacks, formula, diapers, a change of baby clothes or other necessities
   

I received a bill for my child’s appointment. Who should I call with questions?
Please call 617-355-3397 with any questions about billing.
 

What if I have to reschedule my child’s appointment?
If you need to reschedule an appointment, please call 617-355-6688. (Please give at least 24 hours' advance notice whenever possible.)
 

My child’s mental health problems can be overwhelming. Does Children’s offer a service that can help me find the information and additional support I may need?
Our Center for Families is dedicated to helping families find the information and resources they need to better understand their child’s particular condition and take part in their care. All patients, families and health professionals are welcome to use the Center’s services at no extra cost. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call 617-355-6279 for more information.