Integrating Mental Health into Pediatric Care

At Children’s National Hospital, the neuro-oncology team looks beyond the brain tumor to care for the whole patient, addressing the medical, emotional, behavioral and psychological challenges that come with a diagnosis and supporting families every step of the way.

Children’s National leads the way

Jennifer Dorr, DO, MPH, is helping Children’s National advance comprehensive neuro-oncology care through her position as a dedicated child and adolescent psychiatrist with a focus on pediatric brain tumors. This first-of-its-kind position, made possible through a generous investment from an anonymous donor family, strengthens the commitment to transforming the patient and family experience.

“Good mental health promotes good physical health and vice versa,” said Dr. Dorr. “So, let’s improve the quality of life of these children from the start.”

Working as a core member of the multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team, Dr. Dorr offers critical expertise in understanding how a tumor’s location, treatment plan and overall disease process may influence brain function, behavior, personality and mood.

“Research has shown that psychiatric involvement early in the care journey leads to improved outcomes,” Dr. Dorr explained in a recent episode of the Lead in Peds podcast. She added that a preventive approach to mental healthcare has the potential to make a significant, long-term impact on patient and family wellbeing.

Listen to Dr. Dorr discuss her unique role as a psychiatrist within neuro-oncology on the Lead in Peds podcast.

Learn more about our Brain Tumor Institute

Moving the field forward

Dr. Dorr is advancing the field of psychiatric care for oncology and neuro-oncology patients through research. She shared that in her first years in this role, she developed a screening tool for patients and launched a training program for residents and fellows at Children’s National, to strengthen expertise and interest in psycho-oncology. In addition, Dr. Dorr and colleagues from institutions across the nation formed a consortium where they meet regularly to coordinate and advance research efforts.

“I’m starting to focus on what my research can do to really help this population,” said Dr. Dorr. “Because they just deserve so much more.”

Integrating mental health into pediatric care

Children’s National leads the way

Moving the field forward

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