In Australia, there’s a native tree called the Banksia. Its seed pods only open in fire—the intense heat cracks them open, allowing something new to grow. For Dr. Alex Lamari-Fisher, embedded psychologist in Dell Children’s Congenital Heart Program, the Banksia has become a metaphor for life after trauma. “It’s the fire that awakens growth,” she says. “And I think people are like that, too.”
At Dell Children’s, healing isn’t just about treating illness. It’s about honoring the complexity of a child’s experience—and the family that surrounds them. Whether a child is in the NICU, receiving heart surgery, or walking through the Emergency Department doors in crisis, one truth remains: medical complexity comes with emotional weight.
That’s why Dell Children’s is leading a bold shift in pediatric care—embedding psychologists into the fabric of clinical teams across the hospital. From cardiology and cancer to neurology and emergency care, psychologists are helping families navigate trauma, build resilience, and find moments of peace in the midst of chaos.
“We’re not just supporting a patient—we’re supporting a family system,” says Dr. Puja Patel, Director of Pediatric Psychology. “When one part of that system shifts, the entire system feels it. So our care has to meet that complexity, not avoid it.”
Integrated Care Every Step of the Way
“No one wants to be called in as ‘the psychologist’ when something goes wrong,” says Dr. Alex Lamari-Fisher. “Instead, we walk alongside families from day one. We’re in the consult room. We’re part of the story.”
Dr. Lamari-Fisher meets with families during surgical consults and is introduced as part of the care team from the beginning—not as a referral when things fall apart. She helps families process difficult news, tracks emotional well-being over time, and normalizes psychological support as part of every family’s care experience. “When you embed psychology early and visibly,” she says, “you destigmatize it. You help families feel seen, not singled out.”
Proactive Mental Health, Not Just Reactive Triage
Historically, mental health support in hospitals was reactive: a child would reach a breaking point, or a parent would ask for help. At Dell Children’s, the model has changed.
“Our goal is to be proactive,” Dr. Lamari-Fisher says. “We don’t want to show up only when the house is on fire. We want to help prevent the fire in the first place.”
This approach is now woven into the fabric of high-acuity programs—and it’s expanding. The Foundation has already helped fund psychologist positions in Heart, Cancer, NICU, Neurology, the Fetal Center, and most recently, the Emergency Department (ED), where a new role was created to support children arriving in psychiatric crisis. This psychologist now provides rapid evaluation, stabilization, and bridge care—bringing dignity and calm to families at one of their most vulnerable moments.
The Ripple Effect of Trauma—and the Possibility of Growth
Every psychologist at Dell Children’s understands the long tail of trauma. “Care doesn’t end,” says Dr. Lamari-Fisher. “Especially in chronic conditions, kids and families are living inside the medical experience every day.”
Her approach is rooted in giving children a sense of voice and agency. “We talk to kids about what’s happening in language they can understand,” she says. “We offer choices where we can. We remind them—and their parents—that this isn’t something being done to them. They’re a part of it.”
That philosophy extends to the concept of post-traumatic growth—the idea that families can emerge not only changed, but deepened by what they’ve endured. “There’s loss,” she says, “but there’s also strength. And helping families name that strength is part of the healing, too.”
Dr. Patel agrees: “Families are resilient. Our job is not just to treat what’s broken—but to build on what’s already strong.”
Supporting Parents, Siblings, and the Whole System
Psychological care at Dell Children’s wraps around the entire family—often without a billing code or medical record.
“Moms, dads, siblings—they’re all impacted. But only the child has a chart,” says Dr. Patel. “We’re constantly thinking about how to care for people who aren’t technically ‘patients,’ but who are absolutely part of the picture.”
That’s especially important in fetal care and NICU settings, where parents are navigating grief, guilt, and fear. Fathers, in particular, are often overlooked. “Dads need care too,” Dr. Patel emphasizes. “And partners, regardless of gender, often carry invisible stress. So we’re building care models that include everyone—because trauma doesn’t discriminate.”
Even on inpatient floors, psychologists and social workers are trained to notice emotional distress—not just in the child, but in the caregivers. “Sometimes a parent can’t even identify what they need,” Dr. Patel says. “But a trained clinician can see it. And that recognition can change everything.”
The Power of Storytelling in Healing
Both Dr. Patel and Dr. Lamari-Fisher note that one of the most important tools in recovery is simple: telling the story.
“We heal a little more every time we share what we’ve been through,” says Dr. Patel. “That’s true for patients, parents, even providers. Processing the pain out loud helps loosen its grip.”
Dr. Lamari-Fisher echoes this: “Families often say, ‘I can’t believe we got through that.’ And I get to remind them: you did. You were brave. You endured. You loved your child through the hardest thing imaginable.”
Changing Culture, Not Just Adding Staff
What Dell Children’s is doing isn’t just adding psychologists—it’s changing the culture of care.
“Our psychologists don’t work in silos,” says Dr. Patel. “They’re embedded, integrated, present. They’re part of the everyday rhythm of rounds, consults, and clinical care. That’s what makes it work.”
This embedded model not only improves patient outcomes—it strengthens provider relationships, too. “We’re not just here for the kids,” says Dr. Lamari-Fisher. “We’re here for each other. When a surgeon knows I understand how they deliver news, I can help interpret that for a family. That’s real teamwork.”
What Philanthropy Makes Possible
Psychology services aren’t always reimbursable. And sustaining this kind of integrated care model is impossible without donor support.
Each embedded psychologist costs roughly $200,000 annually. The Foundation is building a $5 million endowment to sustainably fund one new psychologist position every year in perpetuity. For donors who prefer immediate impact, there are also opportunities to directly fund new roles—especially in areas of acute need like the NICU and Emergency Department.
“Philanthropy is the reason I’m here,” says Dr. Lamari-Fisher. “Without it, this level of care wouldn’t exist.”
A Legacy of Love and Listening
At Dell Children’s, healing means more than survival. It means being seen, understood, and supported—emotionally, physically, spiritually.
“Our dream is for families to walk away saying, ‘That place felt different,’ even if they can’t explain why,” says Dr. Lamari-Fisher. “That difference is love. It’s community. It’s the integration of psychology into everything we do.”
Just like the Banksia tree that needs fire to bloom, Dell Children’s recognizes that out of hardship can come strength, transformation, and even unexpected beauty. With continued support, we can ensure that every family walking through our doors not only survives trauma—but grows in spite of it.