Where Psychological Harm Is Recognized, Assessed, and Responsibly Addressed.
US Psychology advances the scientific recognition, assessment, and prevention of child psychological abuse through research, clinical education, and professional standards.
A Gap in Clinical Practice
Child psychological abuse is recognized in the DSM-5 (V995.51), yet there remains no widely adopted clinical framework for identifying, assessing, and reporting it.
Understanding Child Psychological Abuse
Child Psychological Abuse occurs when a child becomes entangled in distorted belief systems or relational dynamics that disrupt attachment bonds and emotional development.
These dynamics can produce profound psychological consequences, including splitting, anxiety, depression, identity confusion, emotional dysregulation, and long-term trauma responses.
Foundational Framework
The modern clinical understanding of child psychological abuse within attachment-based family conflict has been significantly advanced through the work of psychologist Dr. Craig Childress.
Drawing from established pillars of psychological science—including attachment theory (John Bowlby), cognitive theory (Aaron Beck), family systems theory (Salvador Minuchin), and trauma research (Bessel van der Kolk)—this framework provides a structured approach for recognizing and assessing psychological abuse affecting children.
US Psychology exists to advance the research, clinical training, and professional standards necessary to responsibly apply this framework in clinical and institutional settings.
Where Psychological Harm Is Recognized, Assessed, and Responsibly Addressed
Attachment disruption
Regulatory objects
Enmeshment
Splitting
Loyalty conflicts
belief implantation
Anxiety
Depression
emotional dysregulation
attachment disruption
developmental trauma
suicidal ideation
The Silent Epidemic of Child Psychological Abuse
Child psychological abuse occurs when a child becomes entangled in distorted belief systems and relational dynamics that disrupt attachment bonds and emotional development.
Advanced Clinical Training for Mental Health Professionals
US Psychology provides specialized education and training for professionals working with children and families, including:
• clinical psychologists
• counselors
• therapists
• social workers
• family court evaluators
Topics include
• recognition of child psychological abuse
• attachment pathology
• trauma-informed family systems
• dyadic regulation and relational trauma
• clinical documentation and reporting standards
Join the US Psychology Organization
Members gain access to:
• advanced clinical training
• research and publications
• professional resources
• assessment frameworks
• a network of clinicians and researchers dedicated to protecting children
What Is Child Psychological Abuse
Child psychological abuse occurs when a child becomes entangled in distorted belief systems and relational dynamics that disrupt attachment bonds, emotional development, and perception of reality.
Read More →
Attachment Trauma in Children
Attachment trauma occurs when the bond between child and caregiver becomes disrupted, creating profound effects on emotional regulation, identity development, and long-term mental health.
Read More →
Understanding Dyadic Regulation
Dyadic regulation describes the emotional interaction between caregiver and child that allows children to develop stable emotional control and healthy psychological development.
Read More →
Psychological Abuse Assessment
Accurate assessment of psychological abuse requires understanding attachment dynamics, cognitive distortions, family systems patterns, and trauma responses affecting children.
Read More →
Our Mission
US Psychology is dedicated to advancing the scientific recognition, assessment, and prevention of child psychological abuse through research, clinical education, and professional collaboration.
By bringing together insights from attachment theory, trauma research, cognitive psychology, and family systems science, the organization seeks to improve how psychological harm affecting children is understood and addressed.
Contact Us
561-884-0408
Lantana