The Coping Clinic: An Interdisciplinary Pediatric Psychodermatology Clinic

Area of Science:

• Psychodermatology
• Pediatric Psychology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Psychodermatology examines the interplay between skin conditions and mental health.
• The Coping Clinic at Boston Medical Center offers integrated care for pediatric patients, combining dermatology and psychology services.
• This study aimed to assess the scope and impact of this collaborative pediatric psychodermatology model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the range of services provided by the Coping Clinic.
• To determine the impact of interdisciplinary care on pediatric patients with dermatologic and psychological conditions.
• To assess the feasibility of collaborative pediatric psychodermatology in an urban setting.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review analyzed 94 charts from 50 pediatric patients treated between 2018 and 2023.
• Data collected included referral reasons, dermatologic and psychiatric diagnoses, and treatment interventions.
• The review focused on the outcomes of integrated care within the Coping Clinic.

Main Results:

• The most common dermatologic diagnoses were atopic dermatitis (32%) and acne vulgaris (30%).
• 72% of patients received new psychological diagnoses, primarily anxiety (34%) and depression (12%).
• 80% of patients showed improved mood at follow-up, and 64% were referred to therapy.

Conclusions:

• The Coping Clinic successfully provided integrated psychological assessments and care plans for pediatric dermatology patients.
• This interdisciplinary model demonstrates feasibility for delivering psychodermatology services in an urban safety-net hospital.
• While causality isn't proven, the findings suggest positive impacts on patient mood and mental health.