Child Life Services | Hospital Services | UT Southwestern Medical Center New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300 William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital Child Life Services 6201 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75390 (Directions) 214-633-4700 New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300 New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300 When a loved one is hospitalized, children often need support to understand and cope with the experience. At William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, our Child Life Services program is designed to help families navigate these challenges together. Our Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are highly trained professionals in child development, trauma-informed care, and grief support. They specialize in helping children (ages 0–18) navigate the emotional challenges that arise when a loved one is seriously ill or injured. Using developmentally appropriate techniques, several common goals that our Child Life team strives to accomplish with patients and families are the provision of emotional support, therapeutic play, age-appropriate education, connection, and comfort within the hospital environment. Services To meet these needs, the services we offer may include: Diagnosis and/or treatment plan education, including assistance in addressing physical changes that may accompany a medical journey Assistance in addressing the unique needs that children face when an adult loved one is seriously ill Education on common stress responses children can potentially exhibit, based on their age and developmental level Identification and processing of feelings and emotions End-of-life support, including memory making and legacy building Hospital/bedside visit preparation and facilitation, including visits to say goodbye Early grief support and processing Referrals to community organizations and providers for long-term support or higher-level needs If you would like to meet with a child life specialist, please talk with someone from your medical team about placing a referral.