Pediatric Spine Care

Scoliosis & Youth Mental Health Program

Mental health support for children & teens with spine conditions

For pediatric patients with scoliosis and other spine conditions, the burden of physical symptoms and rigorous medical care—whether this means surgery, medication, bracing, or a combination of treatments—can take an emotional and psychological toll.

An estimated 1 in 6 children in the United States suffer from a mental disorder, an instance even higher in children with chronic medical illnesses*, and children and adolescents dealing with scoliosis, in particular, have shown higher rates of:

Depression
Anxiety
Sleep problems
Eating disorders
Body image concerns **

At Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian, our goal is to integrate compassionate mental health support with cutting-edge spine care. Our experts take a holistic approach to scoliosis treatment, ensuring that your child's mental wellbeing is cared for along with their physical needs.

*Psychological and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Youth with Serious Physical Illness

** Pediatric Spine Surgeons Report High Mental Health Burden and Limited Support for Scoliosis Patients

What we offer

Comprehensive mental health screening – Our team provides pediatric patients with mental health assessments via the PROMIS tool to gage psychological needs and wellbeing ahead of treatment.
Help with referrals – If indicated by a child's screening score, or if requested by their family or provider, we can assist with seamless referrals to mental health professionals within the NewYork-Presbyterian network or externally. Many of our partnered mental health providers have undergone Scoliosis for Mental Health Provider Training by Scolios-us, ensuring effective care that's tailored specially to pediatric spine patients.
Patient and family education – We're here to help through each step of your child's treatment. Our knowledgeable staff can connect you and your family with scoliosis resources including blogs, support networks, and videos.