Whether there will be support services at your hospital depends on where you are getting your treatment. In cancer centers, universities, or city and community hospitals, psychosocial services are likely to be offered along with medical care. Small hospitals or those in rural areas may not offer all types of services. If that's the case, you may find the services you need from agencies in the community, private counselors, places of worship, or peer support programs.

In a large hospital or cancer center, a team of people, including doctors, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and nutritionists usually deliver cancer treatment. In some treatment centers, a social worker, clinical nurse specialist, member of the clergy, or counselor may be able to help with family issues.

Usually the first thing a mental health caregiver will do is a psychosocial assessment. This evaluation is done to identify the needs of the person or family, depending on who is being seen. Having this assessment or evaluation does not imply that you or your family is not doing well with your cancer. But it is one way for you to share your concerns and feelings with an expert who has talked with many other people and families like yours. Based on this assessment, you may be referred to another member of the team who can attend to a certain need. An example might be seeing a social worker for help with your finances or to work out new ways to deal with a family conflict.

The health care team knows that cancer is a scary disease and can cause great family stress. Learning about some of the issues from people who have worked with other families in similar situations may be helpful. In some hospitals, your doctor or nurse may refer you to the department that offers psychosocial support services. You can also refer yourself or ask where you can get this kind of help.

Go back to Helping Children When A Family Member Has Cancer: Understanding Psychosocial Support Services.

Last Medical Review: 05/28/2009
Last Revised: 05/28/2009