Ilayna Mehrtens, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist who specializes in psychosocial oncology. Dr. Mehrtens works with adolescents and young adults, and their families, to help them cope with cancer diagnoses and treatments.

She also has expertise in LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare and gender-affirming healthcare. By working as part of a multidisciplinary affirming healthcare team, Dr. Mehrtens helps transgender and gender expansive children, adolescents and their families.

For both her cancer and LGBTQ+/gender-affirming patients, Dr. Mehrtens creates a safe and supportive environment for all children and teens, especially those who are facing serious health challenges. Her unique approach to care considers the psychosocial and emotional well-being of each patient, providing families with the tools and resources to manage stress and build resiliency.

In additional to her clinical practice, Dr. Mehrtens is passionate about research, including understanding risk and resiliency, and promoting access to equitable and affirming healthcare for historically marginalized and underserved populations.

Along with her patient advocacy, Dr. Mehrtens mentors advanced doctoral students and aspiring pediatric psychologists, offering them learning opportunities as they move forward in their medical careers.