Psychology

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) International and Private Care (IPC) have dedicated psychology service for children and families. This exists to support children and their families to cope with the challenges of being unwell, including being in hospital. The psychology team are available to support any child and family who are staying as inpatients at GOSH. They also provide outpatient Psychology appointments upon referral.

Appointments will be tailored to children and families’ needs and guided by goals set by them and the care team. Our offer includes a range of different therapies and groups. We have doctoral level, specialist training in:

• Supporting children and families in hospital settings
• Promoting child development, particularly in the context of medical treatment
• Helping people to develop coping strategies to reduce distress and manage difficult feelings

We understand there is no ‘one size fits all’ and we aim to work alongside children and families in a way that is tailored to them. This includes culturally and faith-sensitive support.

The service is available to children, including siblings, or parents and families. People are able to meet with the psychologist as an individual or as several family members together.

We have therapists who speak a number of languages and we also offer therapy using confidential interpreters. With children, we may also use toys, games, and other creative materials, and parents may also be involved in the sessions, where appropriate.   

If you or someone you know would like to meet with a psychologist to consider how we can be useful to children and families, we are present on International and Private Care wards, or please ask a member of your child’s medical or nursing team. 

Meet the team

Dr Yasmine Olabi

Dr Rebecca Sweet

Dr Louise Clegg