Blank Children's Hospital Psychological Services

About Blank Children's Psychological Services

Blank Children's Hospital is committed to providing our patients and families the best physical and emotional care. Pediatric psychologists aim to promote the health and psychological well-being of children, youth and their families through an evidence-based approach to treatment. Psychological services at Blank Children's is a service offered to support patients and families who are having a difficult time coping with a health issue or managing emotions or behaviors.

The pediatric psychologist will work with you to create and carry out an evidence-based treatment plan to address concerns and may include consultation, therapy or psychological testing. Treatment modalities offered include cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, mind-body based approaches (e.g. mindfulness, hypnosis, biofeedback). You may also receive additional information and resources to better help you and your family.

A psychological referral may be helpful to target any of the following:

• Difficulties coping with stress or worry
• Poor mood, irritability or sadness
• Difficulties coping with a health issue
• Academic concerns
• Behavioral difficulties
• Health related concerns, including sleep, pain and diet

Your First Visit

The first appointment will be a one-hour long assessment that allows the psychologist to get to know your child and family and obtain information about your concerns. A treatment plan will be determined with you and your child following this assessment. If follow-up appointments are recommended, you can expect them to range from 45-50 minutes.

Insurance and Billing Information

Psychological Services participates with most  major insurance companies. Insurance pre-authorization will be conducted prior to your first appointment. You will be notified within one week with information regarding your co-pay or deductible. Please being a copy of your insurance card to the appointment if it is not already on file. We will file the claim with your insurance company on your behalf. If you have a co-payment, it is due at the time of service. Any account balance identified as your responsibility after the insurance has been paid will be directly billed to you.

Financial aid applicants, payment plans and information about pre-authorization are also available. If you have any questions about your account, please contact our customer service line managed by Avadyne at 1-844-849-1260 or speak with a social worker regarding available financial options.

Our Team

Heather Christiansen, PsyD

Dr. Heather Christiansen is a licensed pediatric psychologist with Blank Children's Hospital. Dr. Christiansen earned her degree in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University after completing her internship at the UCLA Semel Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior specializing in pediatric psychology and child and adolescent mental health. She completed a fellowship in pediatric psycho-oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin Children's Hospitals of Wisconsin.

Office Location
Cancer and Blood Disorder Center
1215 Pleasant Street, Suite 514
Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Phone
515-241-8912

Martha Early, PhD

Dr. Martha Early is a licensed pediatric psychologist with Blank Children's Hospital. Dr. Early earned her degree in child clinical and developmental psychology from the University of Missouri after completing her internship at the Missouri Health Sciences Psychology Consortium. She completed a fellowship in Child Psychology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Office Location
Anna Blank Building 1st Floor
Developmental Clinic
1206 Pleasant Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Phone
515-241-3434