This discussion demonstrated how the damage caused by hospitalization to the psychic life of the child can be counteracted through an integration of pediatrics and child psychiatry. The contributions of clinical psychology and of social case-work with individuals and groups were discussed. The social worker makes liaison between pediatrics and child psychiatry, and carries out therapy with children and parents. The child is helped to dispel anxiety and to achieve active mastery of traumatic events. Cases are described. Psychoanalytic theory is used.