Social Work

People affected by the diagnosis and treatment of cancer often find this to be a trying time. The Department of Social Work has licensed clinical social workers to help patients, their families, and friends cope with their cancer, and to assist them in dealing with psychological or social barriers to their treatment. 

M. D. Anderson patients may contact us by e-mail, by calling the Department of Social Work directly at (713) 792-6195, or by informing your nurse or physician of your interest in our services.

Counseling

A cancer diagnosis can mean increased distress for patients and their families. Highly skilled and professionally trained in counseling, clinical social workers provide short-term counseling free of charge. Counseling services include: 

• Adjustment to diagnosis and treatment
• Coping with life changes
• Crisis intervention
• Grief and loss
• Sexuality counseling
• Family Counseling
• Specialized Care Programs
• Sexuality and intimacy counseling for couples and individuals
• Bereavement and loss counseling
• Relaxation and self-hypnosis

Support Groups

Each year, more than 600 hours of support group time are offered by the Social Work Counselors. These groups offer a chance for M. D. Anderson patients, family members and friends to share concerns and ideas with others about cancer and the impact it has on their lives in a safe, private setting. Our support groups focus on a variety of topics including education, emotional support and specific diseases or treatments. See our complete list of support groups.

Resources

M. D. Anderson clinical social workers serve as a liaison between patients, the health care system and the community. Based on your specific needs, your social worker will help identify appropriate resources, including:

• Lodging and housing (short-term and long-term)
• Transportation
• Financial support programs
• Community support programs
• Home healthcare
• Hospice care

Advance Directives

Advance directives are legal documents that communicate a patient’s wishes about the type of medical care they receive if they are not able to communicate those wishes to the medical team. The Department of Social Work can assist patients in completing these documents. Advance directive information and documents are available online or by contacting the Department of Social Work at (713) 792-6195.

Memorial Services

Social Work conducts one annual adult memorial service and four quarterly pediatric memorial services throughout the year for our patients as a time for families, friends, hospital staff and the community to commemorate the lives of those they have lost. For information about our adult memorial services, contact Karen Newman at (713) 792-5495. For pediatric memorial services, contact Heather Derousse at (713) 792-7146.

Community Outreach & Education

The Department of Social Work is committed to the education of not only professionals and students, but the community as well. Community-based education programs include:

• American Cancer Society’s Speakers Bureau
• Community-based support groups
• Church and local organization meetings
• Local healthcare organizations
• School-based education groups
• Texas Department of Health
• School-based education and discussion groups