Mental Health Program
Healing Spines and Minds—Why Mental Health Matters in Pediatric Orthopedics
Pediatric patients with orthopedic conditions often face significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. These issues can greatly affect treatment adherence, recovery outcomes, and overall quality of life. We understand that addressing both the physical and mental health needs of our young patients is crucial for their well-being and healing.
In response to these needs, the Department of Pediatric Orthopedics has launched a Mental Health Program that integrates psychological support with orthopedic care. This holistic approach aims to provide comprehensive care for children and their families, going beyond the treatment of physical symptoms.
To enhance this approach, we are screening our spine patients using the PROMIS Anxiety and PROMIS Depressive Symptoms assessments. These tools are particularly important as research has shown that mental health concerns are often underrecognized in patients with medical conditions, including scoliosis, oncology, and cardiology. Despite increasing awareness of the link between physical conditions and mental health, there are still significant gaps, disparities, and challenges in accessing integrated care. PROMIS has been rigorously studied and validated, demonstrating reliability comparable to the widely-used SRS22 in orthopedic settings. By implementing this proactive screening, we ensure that we address our patients’ mental health needs alongside their physical care.
One of the greatest barriers to mental health care is access to appropriate resources. Our platform helps overcome this by offering a one-stop hub for information and support. With the assistance of our Mental Health Coordinator, we connect patients and caregivers to research, mental health clinicians, and specialized services, ensuring seamless referrals and easier access to essential care. Here you can also find resources for support groups, scholarships, and clinician lists. We provide educational materials on the connection between pediatric orthopedics and mental health, helping families, patients, and healthcare providers collaborate to improve treatment outcomes. By focusing on both physical and mental health, we aim to support every aspect of our patients’ recovery, ensuring they lead healthier, happier lives. #healingspinesandminds
Referrals—Mental Health Coordinator
As the Mental Health Coordinator, my role is to facilitate a smooth referral process to mental health care for patients and their families. I ensure that resources are both available and accessible, and I provide insights—both internal and external—to help educate others about what patients are experiencing. Additionally, I screen patients for anxiety and depression when needed, consult with families and caregivers to determine the best options, and connect patients with a suitable mental health clinician based on their availability, insurance, and specific needs.
Julia Rakin
Mental Health Coordinator
Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Columbia University Medical Center
203-216-3348
jr4593@cumc.columbia.edu
Referrals
Contact Our Mental Health Coordinator, Julia Rakin
Mental Health Resources
Use the buttons below to find more mental health resources for patients with scoliosis.
