About the Oncology Psychosocial Services Program
At the Cancer Center, the support we offer families goes far beyond our team of doctors and nurses. Social workers, psychologists, child life specialists, creative arts therapists and teachers form the Oncology Psychosocial Services Program staff which rounds out the care team. The role of our psychosocial staff is a key difference between the Cancer Center at CHOP and other cancer treatment programs. This team is engaged with your family and your child's medical team from diagnosis through treatment.
Psychosocial team members consult with medical staff throughout your child's treatment process to offer your family the most comprehensive care. Through regular meetings, evaluations and treatment sessions, our psychosocial staff helps your child and family adjust to illness, addresses the psychological effects of treatment on both your child and family, connects your family to resources in the community, keeps your child engaged in his or her education and much more.
The psychosocial staff is also actively engaged in clinical research to better understand and meet the needs of children and families during and after childhood cancer treatment. Our research addresses psychosocial screening of risks and resources, addressing the unique needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer, identifying and ameliorating the neurocognitive late effects of childhood cancer treatment, and developing interventions to support clinical trials decision-making and transitions to follow-up and adult care.
