Introduction: Celiac disease (CeD) can impact a child across domains of functioning. A strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment for CeD and can be burdensome. Despite the impacts of CeD on psychosocial functioning, behavioral health support is often not a routine part of CeD care. This study investigated caregiver perceptions of psychological involvement before and after a visit with an integrated psychologist in a pediatric celiac subspecialty clinic.
Methods: Online surveys in English and Spanish were collected from caregivers of children with CeD following an integrated visit with a pediatric psychologist and registered dietitian. Families were seen in-person or via telehealth at a celiac subspecialty clinic at a Children’s Hospital in the western United States starting in May 2025. Data collection is ongoing.
Results: As of March 2026, the majority of caregivers surveyed spoke English (n = 37; 97%), and their children ranged in age from 2 to 18 years. Prior to the integrated visit, 43% (n = 15) of families indicated they felt “neutral” towards psychology or that it was “not important.” Following the integrated visit, 91% (n = 32) of caregivers rated meeting with a psychologist as “important” to “very important.” After the visit, 97% (n = 37) of caregivers reported they would repeat the visit with psychology.
Conclusions: Despite the importance and impact of psychosocial factors on children with CeD, behavioral health is often not a part of routine care. Based on this study, caregivers may initially be hesitant to engage with behavioral health care providers, but this service may be a helpful and important component of care.