Supportive Care FAQs
Life after a cancer diagnosis isn’t always easy. In fact, it’s natural to experience a wide range of emotions during and after a cancer diagnosis. These can range from feeling worried, sad, angry, and uncertain or optimistic, hopeful and determined. Our Supportive Care Program can help.
What is Supportive Care?
Supportive care programs are focused on minimizing the impact of cancer, managing psychosocial stressors and helping to expand the meaning of life for patients and their loved ones.
Our Supportive Care Program has licensed oncology social workers who work directly with patients and their loved ones as part of the interdisciplinary team. They are available to help patients and their loved ones cope with the impact and changes that result from a diagnosis of cancer.
How Are Services Provided?
Services are provided in person, over the phone, or in a group setting, and do not require a referral from a physician or medical team.
Why Would I Want to Speak with a Social Worker?
Clinical social workers are particularly helpful during significant transitions such as new diagnosis, change in treatment, post-treatment survivorship, or end-of-life care.
They can also help with practical needs and financial concerns. You may want to speak with your clinic’s social worker if you have questions or concerns about:
- feeling overwhelmed
- adjusting to your new diagnosis
- understanding treatment options
- how your life is changing
- advance care planning
- end-of-life care
- survivorship care
- not feeling safe at home
- the financial impact of your illness/treatment
- employment and career concerns
- intimacy, sexuality, and relationships
- caregiver stress
- transportation and lodging
- talking to your children about your diagnosis
- transitions in care
What Does Our Program Offer?
- Experienced, licensed, oncology-trained clinical social workers
- High-quality, support groups, and educational programs
- An expansive scope of services for all diagnoses and across the cancer continuum
- National programs through an exclusive collaboration with Cancer Support Community (CSC)
- Toll-free Cancer Support Helpline®
- MyLifeLine.org an online cancer support community
What Does It Cost to Meet with a Clinical Social Worker?
Most of our services are offered free of charge. If there are any costs associated with your appointment we will tell you well in advance.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment with a Clinical Social Worker?
You can contact your clinic directly and ask to speak with us. For more information about the social worker associated with your clinic, please visit our Supportive Care page.
How Do I Find Out About Support and Educational Groups?
You can ask your social worker for information or you can visit our events page.
How Do I Get Connected with the Cancer Support Community?
Visit the Cancer Support Community website: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Call the Cancer Support Helpline® at 888-793-9355