Pediatric psychologist Dr. Amanda Suplee specializes in treating hospitalized children dealing with psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. Her expertise also includes working with children facing conditions like diabetes, solid organ transplants, chronic pain, and conducting neurodevelopmental evaluations.
Dr. Suplee stresses the importance of parents paying attention to their children’s behavior for signs of mental distress, as children may struggle to articulate their feelings. She advocates for early intervention and encourages families to seek mental health support from school counselors, pediatricians, or psychologists.
Validation, acknowledging children’s feelings and educating them about common emotional responses, is one of the key tools Dr. Suplee uses to help children feel understood and less isolated.
She measures treatment success not only by immediate behavioral changes but also by a child’s eventual ability to manage stressful situations independently.
“The ultimate goal is for children to learn strategies that empower them to handle challenges without ongoing support from me,” Dr. Suplee explains.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges in her field, notably increasing rates of anxiety and depression among children. Dr. Suplee notes these rates have doubled or tripled compared to before the pandemic, emphasizing the need for further research into its long-term effects on mental health. “I believe the repercussions will be felt for many years,” she adds. To adapt, she began offering virtual therapy sessions and utilized creative approaches like play therapy and art therapy through digital platforms.
Dr. Suplee’s passion for pediatric psychology ignited during her volunteer work at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital as a college student. “Even brief interactions with the children felt incredibly rewarding,” she recalls.
Driven by this experience, she pursued a clinical doctorate focusing on pediatric psychology at Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health.
“In graduate school, I received extensive training in pediatric psychology, including rotations that I now supervise,” Dr. Suplee reflects.
Throughout her career, she has worked at various children’s hospitals across the country before returning to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. She finds supporting children and families through their toughest moments deeply fulfilling.
“It’s a privilege that parents entrust me with their child’s mental health, and I understand the weight of that trust,” she concludes.
