You never expected to hear your doctor say, “You have cancer.” Now that you have, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions and have tons of questions.
Adjusting to a cancer diagnosis takes time. There’s a lot on your mind — treatment, your health, your job, your self-image, your relationships. Your loved ones are processing a lot, too.
Cleveland Clinic’s oncology social workers are here to help all of you navigate this journey, offering counseling, resources and care every step of the way.
Why a Social Worker Can Make a Difference
Cancer treatment touches every part of your life and can leave you looking for support and reliable information along the way. And it can get pretty confusing.
Think of our oncology social workers as guides. They’re here to help you learn more about what to expect and what you need to do, along with all the other considerations that come with this diagnosis. Sometimes, it helps to hear an outside perspective on everything going on in your life.
What Cleveland Clinic Social Workers Do for You
Social workers can help in many ways during cancer treatment. Beyond listening and counseling, they can:
- Find community services and resources that fit your needs
- Guide you through the healthcare system, including financial, insurance, disability and work-related matters
- Explore transportation options to appointments and treatment
- Assist with care planning, including living wills and healthcare power of attorney
- Confidentially connect you with another cancer survivor through our 4th Angel mentoring program
- Connect you to mental health and spiritual counselors
- Set up nutrition counseling and other complementary therapies
- Refer you to home healthcare, palliative care and hospice programs
Family members and other loved ones can also talk with us. We can help them find their way and refer them to things like spiritual support, mental health or grief counseling, and respite care.
Call 833.291.3438 to connect with a Cleveland Clinic oncology social worker today.
