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Helping Children When A Family Member Has Cancer: Understanding Psychosocial Support Services

Note that this information is for adults with cancer, whether or not they have children. For children who have cancer, please see Children with Cancer: Dealing with Diagnosis. 

Cancer Affects Every Family Member
Families face many complex issues when one of their loved ones has cancer.
What Are Psychosocial Support Services and Who Offers Them?
Psychosocial support includes mental health counseling, education, spiritual support, group support, and many other such services.
Why Would We Need Psychological Help at This Time?
It is vital to be in touch with your emotions so that you can help both yourself and your family.
What Kind of Support Services Can I Expect From the Hospital Where I Am Being Treated?
Whether there will be support services at your hospital depends on where you are getting your treatment.
What Kind of Support Services Should I Think About?
Support services offer options for people with cancer such as individual (one-on-one) counseling, family counseling or groups.
What Can I Expect with Individual Counseling?
Individual counseling offers a chance for you (or you and your child) to sit down and talk with a counselor about worries and concerns.
What Is Psychoeducation Counseling?
There is a newer form of counseling called educational counseling or psychoeducational counseling.
When Is Family Counseling a Better Option?
Some experts think that family counseling is the best way to address all the issues that come with cancer in the family.
What Should I Look at if I Decide on a Support Group?
The purpose of a support group is to help people in similar situations share their concerns with each other and learn more about coping and problem solving.
Are There Support Groups For Children?
Some cancer treatment centers or communities offer support groups for kids who have a family member with cancer.
What Qualities Should I Look for in a Cancer Counselor?
Your comfort level and the counselor's experience are probably the 2 most important factors to think about when choosing a counselor.
Will My Insurance Pay for Counseling Services?
Most health plans have some coverage for counseling.
How Will I Know If I Need Counseling or Other Support?
If things stay unsettled or you find yourself feeling sad much of the time, or if you feel unable to make even small decisions, it may help to talk with a counselor.
How Will I Know If My Children Need Help?
Any change in how your child usually behaves may be a red flag that they need some attention.
Why Do Some People Resist Getting Help with Emotional or Family Problems?
For many people who are just starting to deal with cancer, merely sorting through the many medical decisions is a huge challenge.
Why Do Some People Need Extra Help While Others Don't Seem To?
Some people refuse to get professional help for emotional or family problems, no matter what their needs may be.
How Will I Know If Counseling Is Working?
Here are some ways to decide whether counseling is helping you and your family.
Additional Resources
Find more information on psychosocial services.
References
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