Clinical Social Work

Caring for Cancer Patients and Families

Our fully trained and licensed social workers are here to offer patients guidance on how to talk to family members, employers and children about their treatment at the Lifespan Cancer Institute.

Clinical social workers are important members of the health care team. Just as physicians are trained in medicine, social workers specialize in providing emotional support and guidance. Social workers are licensed mental health professionals who have earned a master's degree in social work. Oncology social workers focus on counseling cancer patients and their families and have received specialized training regarding the impact of cancer on your everyday life.

Our staff is here to facilitate communication between patients and their treatment team, help patients and families navigate the health care system, guide families through difficult decisions and teach effective coping strategies.

Our experts are knowledgeable about the many resources available to patients and their families and can offer assistance and referrals for other services such as:

• Transportation

• Patient prescription programs

• Community resources

• Support groups

Requesting a Social Worker: We're Here For You

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, people often feel worried, afraid, angry, confused or anxious about the future. Patients, spouses and families may have practical concerns, such as health care coverage, work absences, or arranging travel to and from treatments. Social workers at the Lifespan Cancer Institute are available to patients and their families and offer support and practical guidance at every stage of treatment. Social workers are skilled in grief and bereavement counseling and can assist with end-of-life decisions and care.

Patients at the Lifespan Cancer Institute can request a meeting with a social worker either through their doctor or nurse or by calling our central number, 1-844-222-2881.