Julia Benjamin, PhD

Julia Benjamin, PhD, is a UW Health Kids pediatric health psychologist who works with children and families admitted to the American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH). She helps them cope with a range of concerns, such as new diagnoses like cancer or diabetes, or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She also helps families adjust to life after accidents and injuries. Julia works with many patients who experience chronic pain or functional neurological disorder, helping them learn strategies to allow the nervous system to communicate more effectively. Julia uses evidence-based treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help patients shift patterns of thoughts, feelings, and actions, and live more fully in the present.

Julia is especially passionate about caring for LGBT+ youth. In addition to her work with families in the hospital, she also provides psychosocial evaluations to support young people seeking gender affirming medical interventions through the Pediatric and Adolescent Transgender Health clinic.

During free time, Julia enjoys outdoor activities, swing dancing, fantasy novels and spending time with family and friends.

It is an honor to serve the incredible families of American Family Children’s Hospital, and support them in using their own strengths to get through the ups and downs of their medical journeys.