Dr. Risi Idiokitas treats a patient with sickle cell disease

Sickle Cell Integrative Health Program

The Sickle Cell Integrative Health Program offers a unique approach to caring for children with sickle cell disease. Through integrative medicine, we combine traditional medical care with complementary, holistic and non-pharmacological therapies. These therapies are used alongside standard medical treatment and focus on caring for the whole person through approaches that may help reduce pain, manage stress, improve sleep and support daily well-being.

Our Providers

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.

Meet the team

Contact Information

For appointments, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) and for information, call 202-476-2140.

Appointments Information

Related Programs

A Holistic Approach to Sickle Cell Care: What is Integrative Medicine?

Integrative medicine works alongside traditional sickle cell treatments to support every aspect of health. Rather than focusing on a single condition or symptom, integrative medicine considers the mental, emotional, social and physical factors that influence well-being. Through coordinated care and complementary therapies, children and families gain tools to support resilience, reduce stress and improve their overall quality of life.

Why Families Choose the Children’s National Sickle Cell Integrative Health Program

We help families explore integrative approaches that support healing, wellness and quality of life alongside medical treatment. Highlights of our program include:

Multidisciplinary care team

Integrative therapies

Social work and family support

Our social work team helps patients and families navigate the challenges of living with sickle cell disease. Services may include:

Supportive counseling
Mindfulness and meditation techniques
Psychotherapy referrals
Care coordination
Connections to community resources and support programs.
Educational support such as helping families access school accommodations, neuropsychological testing and 504 or IEP planning

Clinical trials and research

Patient and family engagement events

Services We Offer:

Acupuncture and acupressure.Therapies in which a trained and licensed specialist uses tiny needles or pressure to stimulate specific nerves in the body. These nerve signals help the brain release hormones that may ease pain and other symptoms.	Mindfulness training. A technique that helps individuals focus their awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting their feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. It is used as a therapeutic approach to support overall well-being.
Aromatherapy: Uses natural oils to promote psychological and physical well-being.	Massage therapy. Provided by licensed practitioners and offers many benefits, including stress reduction and pain relief.
Psychological support. Cognitive behavioral and acceptance-based therapies focused on helping patients and parents understand how the brain senses pain and develop skills to improve mood, reduce stress and sleep better to help cope with pain.	Hematology visits. Available on an as-needed basis for hospital follow-up care or management of hydroxyurea, a medicine that helps prevent pain in sickle cell disease patients.
Healing touch. An energy therapy in which certified practitioners use the power of touch to support physical, emotional and mental well-being.	Physical therapy. Includes stretches and exercises designed to improve posture, muscle tone and blood flow, which may help reduce pain.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by defective hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body).

Learn more