Pediatric Integrative Medicine
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Our pediatric integrative medicine services
Integrative medicine combines mainstream medical treatments with safe, effective complementary therapies. As holistic providers, our goal is to care for the whole child rather than focusing on a set of symptoms.
We support kids with chronic conditions, pain, neurodevelopmental disorders and certain mental health conditions such as anxiety.
Integrative medicine therapies for kids
Our pediatricians work alongside your child's other health care providers to coordinate all aspects of their care.
Depending on your child's needs, we may recommend complementary therapies such as:
Acupuncture
Behavior management and counseling
Biofeedback therapy
Dietary adjustments
Massage therapy
Nutritional supplements
Yoga
Neurodevelopmental care
Our specialists care for children with neurodevelopmental issues such as:
Autism spectrum disorder
Behavioral challenges
Sensory processing disorder
Tourette syndrome
Our goal is to treat every child holistically. For example, for children with autism spectrum disorder, we aim to address the digestive, nutritional and immune system issues that often accompany the behavioral symptoms of autism.
The initial assessment includes two one-hour sessions, spaced one to three weeks apart. In between visits, we may ask you to complete laboratory tests or gather additional information.
We then provide a treatment plan, which may include nutritional testing, dietary changes, supplements, behavioral interventions and complementary therapies. If you're considering or already using medication for your child, we'll include it in the treatment plan.
Our team also coordinates other support services that could be helpful for your child, such as intensive behavioral management or speech therapy.
What to expect at your child's first appointment
At the first visit, we assess your child's health and development and discuss their strengths and challenges.
We may also ask you to gather information about your child's health history, routines and dietary habits.
Our pediatricians use this information to create a treatment plan tailored to your family's needs and goals.
Children have a strong drive and ability to heal. To encourage this, we involve them in the treatment process as much as possible.
Because your child's needs may change over time, we continue to adjust their care plan and monitor their progress as they grow.
Our pediatric integrative medicine services
Integrative medicine combines mainstream medical treatments with safe, effective complementary therapies. As holistic providers, our goal is to care for the whole child rather than focusing on a set of symptoms.
We support kids with chronic conditions, pain, neurodevelopmental disorders and certain mental health conditions such as anxiety.
Integrative medicine therapies for kids
Our pediatricians work alongside your child's other health care providers to coordinate all aspects of their care.
Depending on your child's needs, we may recommend complementary therapies such as:
Acupuncture
Behavior management and counseling
Biofeedback therapy
Dietary adjustments
Massage therapy
Nutritional supplements
Yoga
Neurodevelopmental care
Our specialists care for children with neurodevelopmental issues such as:
Autism spectrum disorder
Behavioral challenges
Sensory processing disorder
Tourette syndrome
Our goal is to treat every child holistically. For example, for children with autism spectrum disorder, we aim to address the digestive, nutritional and immune system issues that often accompany the behavioral symptoms of autism.
The initial assessment includes two one-hour sessions, spaced one to three weeks apart. In between visits, we may ask you to complete laboratory tests or gather additional information.
We then provide a treatment plan, which may include nutritional testing, dietary changes, supplements, behavioral interventions and complementary therapies. If you're considering or already using medication for your child, we'll include it in the treatment plan.
Our team also coordinates other support services that could be helpful for your child, such as intensive behavioral management or speech therapy.
What to expect at your child's first appointment
At the first visit, we assess your child's health and development and discuss their strengths and challenges.
We may also ask you to gather information about your child's health history, routines and dietary habits.
Our pediatricians use this information to create a treatment plan tailored to your family's needs and goals.
Children have a strong drive and ability to heal. To encourage this, we involve them in the treatment process as much as possible.
Because your child's needs may change over time, we continue to adjust their care plan and monitor their progress as they grow.
Locations (dynamic)
Providers (dynamic)
Sanford C. Newmark, MD
Integrative Medicine
David K. Becker, MD, MA
Integrative Medicine
Jennifer Ashby, LAC
Acupuncture • Integrative Medicine
Awards & achievements
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism
- Behavior Disorders in Children
- Chronic Pain
- Tourette Syndrome
Treatments
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Complementary Medicine
- Massage Therapy
Research initiatives
Osher Center for Integrative Health ResearchOpens in a new window
The Osher Center conducts rigorous research on integrative approaches such as meditation, acupuncture and yoga, testing their effectiveness for conditions where conventional treatments fall short.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Art Therapy
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Family Resource Center
We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.