Justin Institute: Advancing Pediatric Neurological Health and Mental Well-being

2023-10-31 19:07:08

We are born with mind, body and soul. When there is something wrong with one, it often affects another. This is especially true for people with diseases of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) and is the motivation for the development of the new Jane and John Justin Institute for Mental Health at the Cook Children’s Hospital de Fort Worth, Texas.

The Justin Institute will open its doors in November of this year, with a patient-centered design where everything necessary to care for children’s nervous systems is in one place. It will connect nine specialties including Neurology, Neuropsychology, Neurosurgery, Pain Management, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Psychology, Psychiatry, Developmental Pediatrics and Developmental Psychology.

All for the child

“Most people with diseases of the nervous system “They have accompanying mental or behavioral health disorders,” says Dr. Scott Perry, pediatric epileptologist and director of Neurosciences at the Justin Institute. “For example, around 50% of People with epilepsy also suffer from mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Dealing with a nervous system disorder is stressful enough,” he stated. “Going to the doctor shouldn’t make things worse. You shouldn’t have to take your child to four different places when you need a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a psychologist and others, when we can bring these services together under one roof”

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“Children do better when all aspects of their health and well-being are addressed, including their medical and mental health needs,” says Dr. Kristen Pyrc, co-medical director of Psychiatry. “Opportunities for collaboration between different specialties have the potential to enrich the care provided to families“.

A comfortable space for patients and families

“When we thought about creating this space, we thought about the type of children who would be seen here,” says Dr. Perry. “Children with developmental or behavioral disorders, and we thought, what can we do to make it a comfortable environment for them?” Every detail of the Justin Institute has been carefully chosen to create a stimulating space and at the same time relaxing for children with neurological conditions and their families. Whether it’s looking for a clue in a mural or trying to guess what type of cells a wooden animal is made ofthe Institute will offer limitless ways for patients to interact with art and science in new and exciting ways.

Excellence that lasts

In 2023, for the 13th consecutive year, Cook Children’s Named Among Top Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery Programs in the United States.

The Justin Institute will open the door to more research projects between specialties. “Our plan is to take the successful research program we already have, focused on epilepsy, cerebral palsy and movement disorders, and grow it to include teams dedicated to autism, pain, stroke and more.”

For more information about the Justin Institute, visit Instituteformindhealth.org.

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Located in Fort Worth, Texas, we passionately serve more than 1.5 million patients each year. Since 1989, the Cook Children’s Global Program has served thousands of patients around the world.

Our center offers services in all specialties and has been recognized year after year by USNews & World Report among the best children’s hospitals in the United States.