Understanding the Unique Needs of Hospitalized Adolescents and Young Adults Referred for Psychology Consults

Hospitalized children and adolescents/young adults (AYA) frequently have mental health concerns that may be addressed by consulting psychology. We examined demographic, medical, referral, intervention, and disposition differences between children (≤11 years) and AYA referred for a psychology consult at a pediatric hospital (N = 1091). Referred AYA were more likely to be female, have shorter lengths of stay, and repeat psychology consults. Children were more likely to be referred for anxiety or feeding; AYA were more often referred for depression, pain, somatic complaints, or maladjustment. AYA were more often the target of intervention, receiving cognitive behavioral or problem-focused coping interventions, and more often recommended for psychological follow-up. AYA present unique medical and psychological challenges when hospitalized. Understanding these challenges will help providers improve the care and treatment of AYA. Academic training and future research recommendations are provided.