A photo of Lauren Szulczewski.

Lauren Szulczewski, PsyD


  • Pediatric Psychologist, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology
  • Pediatric Psychologist, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute
  • Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics
I believe that each family brings a unique perspective to the diagnosis and treatment of a serious medical illness in their child, and I strive to partner with them to promote optimal adjustment for the patient and family.
Lauren Szulczewski, PsyD

About

Biography

I am a pediatric psychologist who specializes in working with patients who have cancer and blood diseases. I believe that each family brings a unique perspective to the diagnosis and treatment of a serious medical illness in their child, and I strive to partner with them to promote optimal adjustment for the patient and family.

Early in my education, I was drawn to working with children in medical settings. As my career developed, I learned more about the field of pediatric psychology and gravitated toward it. It is in this role that I’m able to appreciate the great strength, care, and resilience in patients and their families. I feel privileged to be able to play a part in their lives to help in times of stress and change.

In my practice, I work to conceptualize each patient’s needs individually, as part of their family and within the medical system. Then I build a treatment plan that incorporates all the aspects of their care. I work with patients and families to understand what is unique and important to them in guiding the decisions they make.

There is no manual for decision-making in these situations, and no right or wrong path. It can be easy to get lost in the decisions, information, sacrifices, financial impacts and more that come with these diagnoses. That is why pediatric psychologists and others are here — to help make sure that what is important to patients and families is consistent with the specifics of their care.

We know that caregivers' mental health is often impacted as much, if not more, than the mental health of the children who are diagnosed with cancer. Through our research, we are looking to identify early, preventive mental health care that can mitigate some of the risks and help promote more effective coping.

I am also involved in several program-development projects in conjunction with my psychosocial and medical colleagues to promote increased access to psychosocial care and to improve adherence in patients undergoing treatment.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going out and exploring, or just relaxing in the backyard!

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Center for Adherence Promotion and Self-Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2013-2015.

PsyD: Clinical Psychology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, 2013.

Predoctoral Internship: Pediatric Psychology Track, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH.

MA: Clinical Psychology, Xavier University, 2009.

BA: Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 2007.

Services and Specialties

Behavioral Medicine, Hemangioma and Vascular Malformations, Cancer and Blood Diseases

Interests

Family adjustment to pediatric oncology, interdisciplinary care, communication in medical settings, and adherence

Research Areas

Clinical Psychology

Insurance Information

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Publications

Feasibility pilot trial of a tailored medication adherence-promotion intervention for adolescents and young adults with cancer: Study design and protocol. McGrady, ME; Ketterl, TG; Webster, RT; Schwartz, LE; Brock, MY; Szulczewski, L; Burke, M; Hommel, KA; Pai, AL H; Mara, CA; Steele, AC; Regan, GG; Norris, RE. Contemporary Clinical Trials. 2024; 139:107483.

Medication discharge teaching in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: teaching characteristics, caregiver perceptions, and postdischarge adherence. Szulczewski, L; Carmody, JK; Tillery, R; Nelson, AS; Pai, AL H. 2022; 4.

Relationship Between Caregiver Uncertainty, Problem-Solving, and Psychological Adjustment in Pediatric Cancer. Basile, NL; Chardon, ML; Peugh, J; Edwards, CS; Szulczewski, L; Morrison, CF; Nagarajan, R; El-Sheikh, A; Chaney, JM; Pai, AL H; Mullins, LL. Journal of Pediatric Psychology. 2021; 46:1258-1266.

Implementation of the Psychosocial Standards for Caregiver Mental Health Within a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program. McTate, E; Szulczewski, L; Joffe, NE; Chan, SF; Pai, AL H. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. 2021; 28:323-330.

Pediatric oncology. Pai, AL H; McGrady, ME; Szulczewski, L. Adherence and Self-Management in Pediatric Populations. : Elsevier; Elsevier; 2020.

Chapter 7 Pediatric oncology. Pai, AL H; McGrady, ME; Szulczewski, L. Adherence and Self-Management in Pediatric Populations. : Elsevier; Elsevier; 2020.

Patient Ratings and Comments

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4.6
Overall Patient Rating