Your child’s health care provider may have recommended that your child receive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as part of their treatment plan for their functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. It can be challenging for families to figure out the next steps in establishing this type of care in their local area.

CBT for Functional GI Disorders involves education, relaxation training (diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery), cognitive skills for managing pain and distress, and goal setting for improved functioning (school attendance, and engagement in social activities). Caregivers are an important part of the care team and are asked to help the child use these therapy strategies between visits.

CBT has shown to have positive treatment effects for patients with functional GI disorders. Positive effects include decreased pain and functional impairment (difficulty completing daily tasks), improved GI symptoms and quality of life. CBT has the most research evidence for the psychological treatment of depression and anxiety in youth, which are conditions that can co-occur with functional GI disorders (see https://effectivechildtherapy.org/).

There are several types of behavioral health providers who provide CBT to children and adolescents. Providers include licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. It would be ideal for your family to work with a behavioral health provider with specific experience in CBT for Functional GI Disorders, but this may not available in your area. Pediatric or health psychologists are licensed clinical psychologists who specialize in working with children with medical conditions and practice within children’s hospitals or other pediatric healthcare settings. A pediatric or health psychologist may have specific experience in CBT for functional GI disorders.

Your health insurance company can be helpful in providing a list of eligible, licensed behavioral health providers in your area. Your child’s primary care provider (pediatrician) may also have some local recommendations for behavioral health providers. Ask if the behavioral health provider has experience providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Functional GI Disorders, chronic pain, or other similar medical conditions.

Once you have identified and established care with a local behavioral health provider for your child, our care team is available to provide information and consultation about your child’s care at CHOP with a release of information in place.