Center for Psychosocial Support
The treatment of craniofacial disorders requires the services of experts frommultiple medical specialties or disciplines. Consequently, patient care at theinstitute is multidisciplinary and comprehensive.
The philosophy of the Institute has always been that excellent surgical outcomesalone are insufficient; the goal is that each child should develop a healthy self-imageand the confidence to pursue a full and rewarding life. The Institute has a distinguishedhistory of caring for the psychological and social needs of the patient and theirfamilies, dating from the 1940's with the work of former facility member, ProfessorFrances Cooke Macgregor. Professor Macgregor is widely credited as being the firstto document the profound social and psychological stresses faced by the familiesand patients with facial difference.
Therefore, the accomplishment of the goals of treatment of the patient with afacial difference requires periodic assessment of the psychosocial needs of boththe patient and the family as part of the comprehensive care they receive at theInstitute. Members of the Psychosocial Team at the Institute are available to meetwith you to discuss issues such as child management skills, parent-child relationships,and the emotional and behavioral adjustment of the child. Families at the Institutereceive or are referred for evaluation, guidance, and counseling when possibleproblems are identified or the family requests this kind of assistance.
The Psychosocial Team at the Institute provides families with guidance regardingsuch problems as behavioral management, teasing, rejection, public attitudes,concerns regarding all aspects of surgical procedures, and emotional adaptationto treatment. The Psychosocial Team works along with the Medical Team at the Instituteso that there is a coordinated effort throughout the course of the treatment tohelp you with any issues that may arise over the course of time. The PsychosocialTeam can also facilitate contact with other families, children or adults that havea similar medical problem by referral to support groups and networking. Referralsfor vocational training and guidance are also available.
Clinical Psychologist: Aileen Blitz, P.H.D.
Tel: (212) 645 3432
Fax: (212) 263 5834
Program Coordinator:
Patricia Chibbaro, R.N., C.P.N.P.
Tel: (212) 263-5205
Social Worker: Dennis Sklenar, C.S.W.
Tel: (212) 263-5018
