In addition to children with chronic illnesses or histories of abuse, neglect, or trauma, the Behavioral Sciences Department frequently receives referrals to provide services to well children who receive their routine medical care at La Rabida. These children may be siblings of medically ill children who have had involvement with the foster care system, or children who live close to the hospital. These referrals are comparable to those frequently encountered in a typical urban outpatient community mental health setting, or from family practitioners or pediatricians in community practice. Presenting problems include, but are not limited to, depression, dysthymia, adjustment disorders, bereavement, school problems, attention difficulties, and behavioral disorders. The PIC service provides specialized health care to children with problems of enuresis and encopresis.
Referrals come from pediatricians throughout the community.
During this four month rotation the intern works directly with the psychologist and pediatrician to provide outpatient services. Because this condition and its causes are both complex and diverse, the FTT team's approach is multidisciplinary. During this experience, the intern works under the supervision of the psychologist in becoming a member of the team. The intern attends rounds, works with staff as well as social service agencies, participates in clinic, and provides both psychological assessment and treatment services. While the etiology of FTT varies, even healthy infants and toddlers can engage in feeding struggles that can deprive the child of physical as well as emotional sustenance.