Episode 73: Mental Health: Can a Psychologist Help My Child? (Part 4 of 4)

Dina OBrien, hand to hold nicu babies parent support

Dina O’Brien, Ph.D, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist

Our NICU adolescents and teens sometimes find themselves trying to cope with a difficult medical diagnosis or a major life change. Dina O’Brien, a pediatric psychologist and NICU mom speaks from experience, on both sides, on how a parent can help their child.

In this episode, we chat about:

  • Why did you pursue a career in pediatric psychology?
  • What is the primary purpose of a pediatric psychologist?
  • How did your background as a pediatric psychologist help or hinder your experience as a NICU mom with your fourth child?
  • For parents, how do you know when your child may benefit from psychology and what are the things they might look for, or assess?
  • How do you find a good pediatric psychologist?
  • Some children don’t exhibit effects of a NICU stay until they are well into their early adolescent years? How do you differentiate their challenges from NICU vs regular development?
  • How would you define a successful outcome of a child who has undergone pediatric psychology?
  • What’s your best advice to a parent seeking psychological help for his/her child?

Dr. O’Brien is a licensed pediatric clinical psychologist currently working with Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Harbor Pediatrics in Gig Harbor, WA. She has over 25 years of experience working with the mental health needs of children and teens. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 boys, and spotting orcas across the PNW!

Connect with Dr. O’Brien:

Website: drdinaobrien.com

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to and Rate NICU Babies, Parent Support!

Never miss out by subscribing to our channel here

Help other people find the show by sharing this video on your social media!

Listen and Subscribe

google podcasts
YouTube logo

The NICU is hard. We’re here to help.

Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby’s NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.

Connect with Hand to Hold:

Learn more or get support at handtohold.org.

Follow Hand to Hold on social media:

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Thank you!

Hand to Hold's podcasts are produced by Hand to Hold, which is solely responsible for content. 

Support Our Podcasts!

Donate now to ensure families continue to receive family-friendly support through the NICU Now Podcast! If you are interested in sponsoring an episode, please contact us.

Suggestions or comments?

We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a review and give your feedback here.

This page was last modified on Jun 28, 2023 @ 12:36 pm. If you see any information that needs to be updated or corrected, please contact info@handtohold.org.