Child Life and Creative Arts

The Child Life and Creative Arts Department at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford provides essential emotional, social, and developmental support for hospitalized children. The team utilizes creative expression, play, and coping strategies to help patients and their families feel more comfortable and supported during their health care journey.

Art therapists, child life specialists, and music therapists are members of your child’s health care team.

They help patients and families in the hospital by:

• Easing stress and anxiety through play, music, and creative activities.
• Assisting during medical procedures to promote a sense of safety and comfort for patients.
• Making the hospital environment feel comfortable and safe so that patients feel at ease.
• Encouraging socialization and development through play and interaction.
• Helping patients express emotions through art, music, and conversation.
• Teaching positive ways to cope with challenges and emotions.
• Strengthening family bonds by creating meaningful shared experiences.

Additional information

For donations to Child Life and Creative Arts, you can find more information on ways to give at the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health.