Pediatric Wellness Center

Support for kids with chronic illnesses

At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, children living with a chronic condition can receive holistic support from our pediatric specialists. We work with youth and their families to create personalized wellness plans and help them reach their goals.

Our diverse team of pediatric wellness experts includes:

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Social workers

• Physical therapists

• Dietitians

• Child life specialists

We work together to deliver comprehensive services that support personal and family wellness as you and your child navigate life with a chronic illness. These services complement the medical care your child is already receiving.

As your child grows, we work with them to adapt their goals, connect them with resources and help them transition to adult care.

Education and support services

Our program meets your child's nonmedical needs and helps them find confidence, hope and independence through a range of services.

Health and life skills education

• Cooking classes

• Healing arts workshops

• Financial workshops

Emotional wellness support

• Group counseling

• Buddy programs

• Peer mentoring

• Community discussions for parents and other caregivers

Physical well-being

• Fitness consultations

• Integrative health and nutrition consultations

• Nutrition classes

• Gynecologic and contraception consultations

Who is eligible for services?

We accept patients younger than 25 who have a chronic medical condition. We consider any illness that's expected to last a year or longer as chronic. Examples include:

• Epilepsy

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Cancer

• Genetic, neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions

You do not need to be a UCSF patient to join our program, but you do need a doctor's referral.