Megan R. Schaefer, PhD

Megan Schaefer, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist in the Department of Pediatric Psychology and Neuropsychology at Nationwide Children's Hospital, specializing in Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pain, and Palliative Care. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University.

Clinically, Dr. Schaefer provides services to children and families impacted by serious illness, specifically hematological and oncological diagnoses. She follows patients and families from diagnosis to survivorship or to end-of-life/bereavement. Dr. Schaefer recognizes the psychosocial impact of pediatric serious illness on the entire family system and seeks to provide family-centered care by supporting patients, caregivers, siblings, and extended family as they navigate these difficult journeys. She has a passion for helping patients and families identify their goals/wishes/hopes throughout treatment, engage in decision-making, support non-pharmacological management of symptoms, prioritize quality of life, process their anticipatory grief, and find meaning in their illness journey.

Dr. Schaefer also has a strong interest in supporting bereaved children following the death of a loved one. She utilizes evidence-based interventions when treating children and families including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, meaning-centered therapy, and acceptance-commitment therapy. Dr. Schaefer considers her work with patients and families affected by serious illness to be a true honor and privilege, and it is her primary goal to partner and walk alongside each family to optimize coping, adjustment, and quality of life.