Therapeutic and Developmental Support Services

Child Life and Creative Arts Program

​Child Life Program

The Child Life and Creative Arts program at Blythedale Children’s Hospital is dedicated to helping infants, children and their families cope through their medical journey.  Our team of Certified Child Life Specialists are trained in the developmental impact of illness, injury, trauma and hospitalization. We offer interventions that help to ease a child’s adjustment and experience to a hospital setting and health status.  Our CCLS use a variety of approaches such as procedural preparation and support, medical and therapeutic play, as well as emotional and developmental support to promote healthy coping behaviors. 

 If Interested in a Fall Semester Internship please contact Kelsey Mayer, MS, CCLS, Director of Therapeutic and Developmental Support Services at KMayer@blythedale.org or (914) 592-7555, ext. 71463.

Music Therapy

The Music Therapy Program at Blythedale Children’s Hospital is offered through our Child Life Program.  Using a variety of approaches to engage children in musical experiences, the program encourages and supports relaxation, pain relief, and emotional expression, as well as improved coping skills.  Our Music Therapy program works on a referral basis and runs in conjunction with our Therapeutic Recreation Program. 

Therapeutic Recreation

The Therapeutic Recreation Department provides both treatment and leisure services to inpatients, and serves to aid patients in their rehabilitative recovery through goal-oriented recreational activities. These activities are based on each child's individual preferences and abilities, and aim to restore and improve functional skills.  The department’s goal is to facilitate the development, maintenance and expression of an appropriate leisure lifestyle for every patient. 

Individualized bedside Therapeutic Recreation services are offered to patients who are unable to attend general recreation programming.  Group programs are offered seven days a week. For more information, please contact Debbie Sicari.

Developmental Support

Blythedale understands the importance of addressing the unique social and developmental needs of medically complex children while hospitalized. Each unit has a dedicated team which strives to create nurturing environments and daily play experiences. Ensuring that each child has access to vital developmental experiences supporting overall health and wellbeing.