Psychosocial support for cancer patients

Adolescents and young adults with cancer deal with many challenges that affect their body, emotions, behavior and social lives. Our program at Monroe Carell is designed to support these patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. 

Behavioral Hematology Oncology Program

This program includes licensed psychologists who help patients from infancy to young adulthood and their families from the time they are diagnosed with cancer through their recovery. This support also extends to patients who are at risk for cancer, those who have a relapse, and those needing special treatments like stem cell transplants.

Psychosocial Assessments

Newly diagnosed patients or those experiencing a relapse, along with their families, are encouraged to meet with a psychologist for an initial evaluation. This helps us understand their strengths and needs so we can create a plan to support them during their cancer journey.

Services Provided by AYA BHOP:

• Work directly with patients and their families to provide psychological support, helping them cope and adjust.
• Use evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and others.
• Coordinate with psychiatrists if medication or other psychiatric services are needed.
• Refer patients to community behavioral health support services, if necessary.

Multi-Disciplinary Psychosocial Support Team

Our team also includes child life specialists, social workers, spiritual care providers, hospital-based teachers, music therapists and pet therapy to offer well-rounded support.

Child Life Specialists

Certified Child Life Specialists help patients understand and cope with their diagnosis and treatment through education and therapeutic activities. They also support siblings and caregivers.

Social Workers

Licensed social workers help patients and families deal with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They provide resources, assist with family issues and help with legal and basic needs.

Spiritual Care

Spiritual care providers offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and families, regardless of their religious beliefs. They help process grief, celebrate special moments and incorporate spirituality into the hospital experience.

Teachers

Our hospital-based teachers support patients from kindergarten through 12th grade during treatment. They coordinate with local schools, offer academic support and help with return to school after treatment. For college students or graduates, they provide referrals for academic and job resources.

Music Therapists

Board-certified music therapists use music to help patients cope with stress, manage pain and express emotions. They use techniques like songwriting, music and imagery, and singing to help patients achieve their health goals.

Therapy Dogs

Trained therapy dogs, accompanied by handlers, provide comfort and companionship, helping patients during physical therapy and other activities.