Our Services

Medical Coping Clinic

The Medical Coping Clinic is an integral part of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and provides expertise in treating issues related to coping with a chronic illness using a broad range of treatment options. The Medical Coping Clinic provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art clinical care to improve the quality of life for children with GI-related problems.

Our clinical program targets the following areas:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Pain Management
• Encopresis
• Rumination
• Eating issues
• Anxiety & Depression
• Assisting with the transition to adulthood

Treatment options available include:

• Problem solving therapy
• Relaxation/hypnosis for pain and anxiety management
• Psychopharmacology consultation
• Behavioral techniques for encopresis
• Biofeedback
• Parent/family guidance
• 504 educational plans

Medical Coping Clinical Team
Our staff is fully trained to assess and treat children and adolescents who are having emotional and psychological difficulties related to their medical conditions by providing psychotherapy, and medication if needed. We use a team approach, working closely with a patient’s gastroenterologist to provide advanced care and compassionate support for the entire family. In addition, we coordinate visits with the patient’s GI medical appointments.

Director
Eva M. Szigethy, MD, PhD, is a board-certified child psychiatrist, specializing in treating chronically ill children and adolescents who are having emotional, coping, or family issues. Dr. Szigethy’s areas of expertise are in psychopharmacology, pain management, and treating complicated psychiatric cases.

Clinical Psychologist
Susan Turner, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist trained in psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback.

Referral Requirements
Referrals are made by the Gastroenterology physicians. Referrals for patients enrolled in managed care insurance plans may require authorization from the insurance provider. For accurate provider numbers or more information, please call 412-692-5180.

Locations
The Medical Coping Clinic operates within the Division of Gastroenterology on Children’s Main Campus
Use the Gastroenterology phone numbers:

412-692-5180
Toll-free: 1-800-647-5437
412-692-6913 Fax

The Medical Coping Clinic also see patients at Children’s North in Wexford.
Phone: 412-692-PEDS (7337)

Last Update
March 29, 2010

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