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Tess Simpson, PhD

Provider's location(s)

Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora

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The Orthopedics Institute

(720)777-6200

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My care philosophy

My care philosophy is grounded in trauma-informed, family-centered practice. I recognize that acute injuries can be both physically and psychologically overwhelming for children and their families. I prioritize creating a sense of safety, trust, and collaboration while supporting patients through adjustment, coping, and recovery. I am committed to integrating psychological care into medical treatment and to working closely with interdisciplinary teams to support the whole child and family.

Get to know Tess Simpson, PhD

Departments and Programs

Conditions Treated

Trauma / PTSD
Burn

Languages spoken

English

Experience and background

My clinical interests center on the psychological care of children and adolescents recovering from acute injury, particularly within burn and trauma settings. I work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to support patients and families in managing adjustment, trauma responses, and the challenges of recovery. My approach is grounded in family-centered, developmentally informed care and is shaped by over a decade of experience in pediatric rehabilitation.

Graduate 2005

Colorado State University

Graduate 2007

New York University

Graduate 2013

University of Denver

Internship 2013

University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Child Psychology Program

Fellowship 2014

University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Child Psychology Program

For Patients:
My research centers on supporting positive psychological and functional outcomes for children, adolescents, and families recovering from acute injury. I am particularly interested in adjustment, trauma response, and resilience factors in pediatric burn and trauma populations, as well as the role of psychosocial factors in recovery. My work builds on a foundation in pediatric rehabilitation research, including prior studies of psychosocial functioning and adjustment in spina bifida, and aims to advance integrated, interdisciplinary models of care.

For Referring Providers:
My research centers on supporting positive psychological and functional outcomes for children, adolescents, and families recovering from acute injury. I am particularly interested in adjustment, trauma response, and resilience factors in pediatric burn and trauma populations, as well as the role of psychosocial factors in recovery. My work builds on a foundation in pediatric rehabilitation research, including prior studies of psychosocial functioning and adjustment in spina bifida, and aims to advance integrated, interdisciplinary models of care.