Health psychology studies how biological, psychological, and social variables affect health and sickness. Health psychologists are clinical psychologists who have received specialized training to help patients with medical issues. They often meet with patients in individual or group psychotherapy (also known as psychological or "talk" therapy) sessions to discuss particular objectives for improving health and well-being.

Pediatric health psychologists work with children and adolescents to address their behavioral, developmental, and psychological needs.

Here are some reasons to work with a health psychologist:

Deal with a new diagnosis or therapy.

Assist in managing physical symptoms of sickness and enhancing lifestyle habits (e.g., sleep, diet, exercise) to avoid or treat chronic conditions.

Managing stress and anxiety

Improving communication between the patient and the medical care team to assist achieve treatment objectives

Patients improve their health outcomes by addressing the behavioral and psychological components of medical disorders, such as the stress of managing therapy from the outset.

What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy (sometimes known as talk therapy) encompasses a wide range of therapies aimed at assisting individuals in identifying and changing troublesome emotions, ideas, and behaviors. The majority of psychotherapy is conducted one-on-one with a qualified mental health professional or in groups with other patients.

In this Course you will also learn about:

• Health Psychology and Psychotherapies

• What is Health Psychology?

• The Biopsychosocial Model

• Stress and Coping

• Health Behavior Change

• Pain Management

• Chronic Illness and Rehabilitation

• Psychoneuroimmunology

• Psychotherapy for Physical Health

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Mindfulness-Based Interventions

• Motivational Interviewing

• Integrated Care: Collaborating with Medical Providers