Healthy Hearts & Minds Program
The Pediatric Healthy Hearts and Minds (H2M) Program is devoted to identifying and addressing developmental and neurologic problems in children born with complex heart defects. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the issues these kids can face, which include problems with behavior, social interaction, motor skills, feeding, school performance, and speech and language. We're here to help your child and family from day one.
The H2M team includes specialists with expertise in congenital heart disease, such as pediatric cardiologists, neonatologists, nurses, neuropsychologists, dietitians and social workers. Our mission is to ensure a healthy and productive life for all our patients.
UCSF experts are also leaders in research into the neurodevelopmental effects of congenital heart disease, and our patients will be among the first to benefit from new findings.
Our services
- Screening for developmental abnormalities
- Nutritional counseling
- Social work support, including help finding programs and resources in your community
- Neuropsychological evaluations, diagnosis and interventions
Our services supplement, but don't replace, care from your child's pediatrician and cardiologist.
Scheduled screenings
Children in our program have developmental screenings from the age of 6 months through adolescence.
You can expect these baseline evaluations:
- 6 months: Developmental screening by the UCSF ICN Follow-Up Program and evaluation by specialists in cardiology, nutrition and social work
- 18 months: Developmental screening by the UCSF ICN Follow-up Program, with nutrition and social work services as needed
- 2 ½ years: Developmental screening by the UCSF ICN Follow-Up Program, with nutrition and social work services as needed
- 4 to 5 years: Developmental and school readiness screening by a neuropsychologist, including assessment of cognitive skills, attention, learning and memory
- 10 to 12 years: Developmental and cognitive screening by a neuropsychologist
Based on our evaluations, we work with you to come up with a plan for dealing with any developmental concerns. Typically, we communicate with the school and any other places your child may be getting help as well as refer you to nonprofit regional centers that provide or coordinate services for people with developmental disabilities. For kids who need additional help, we’ll continue to see them on visits between the baseline evaluations.
Support our program
To help the pediatric Healthy Hearts and Minds Program expand its services and provide crucial care to the families who need it most, please consider making a gift in support of Healthy Hearts & Minds.
Our locations (1)
Awards & recognition
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Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery
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One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery
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Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Related clinics (7)
20
Cardiology Clinic
2
Congenital Heart Disease Young Adult Transition Program
14
Fetal Cardiovascular Program
2
Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Single Ventricle Comprehensive Program
Support services
Our research initiatives
Soothing the soul
Our music therapy program nurtures patients with bedside serenades, rap workshops and more.
Find out more