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The growing relationship between pediatrics and psychology is described. Differences and similarities in training and orientation between psychologists and pediatricians are discussed, as well as three different models of collaboration. Pediatrician-psychologist collaboration can result in significant improvements in: comprehensive primary health care, treatment of psychosomatic disorders, and management of children suffering from a combination of medical, family, and adjustment problems. Research and health care legislation are two additional areas where collaboration between pediatrics and psychology is proving to be valuable.

The care of terminally ill children and adolescents is often complicated by depression and the patient's inability to express needs and fears verbally. The patient's own mental imagery provides an alternate means of communication. Clinical cases illustrate some of the ways in which imagery may play a crucial role in helping these young patients to express age-appropriate needs and fears regarding helplessness, separation from loved ones, and death.