Fred Hutch Social Work and Support
Fred Hutch social workers are a great resource. They can help you find the group that’s right for you, whether that’s at Fred Hutch or in the community.
Call 206.606.1076 to schedule an appointment with a social worker to hear more.
Facing the challenges of cancer and other chronic illnesses can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frightened and alone. A support group can help by providing a place to discuss your feelings, share information and talk about coping. Therapy groups can help provide supportive, confidential spaces to work through the complex dynamics of receiving care.
Fred Hutch Support Groups
All Fred Hutch groups are free and facilitated by Fred Hutch social workers.
Young Adult Support Group
Are you a young adult between the ages of 18-40 currently in active treatment at Fred Hutch for any cancer or potentially malignant disorder? Please join us and meet other young adults undergoing treatment, share your experiences and learn more about living with this diagnosis.
Who: Fred Hutch patients of any stage (between the ages of 18 and 40) who are currently receiving cancer treatment at the Sloan Clinic, Peninsula or Northwest campuses. Patients in survivorship with ongoing health concerns or treatment in the past 2 years can also attend.
What: Twice-monthly group sessions (First and Third Wednesday of each month, 4:00 to 5:15 p.m.)
Where: Telehealth via Zoom.
To learn more contact: Ashley McLoud, MSW, LICSW at 206.606.4365
Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
Looking for a place to be with other individuals who are living with metastatic breast cancer? These monthly meetings provide an opportunity to share with others living with similar challenges. This group provides support to help participants express emotions and thoughts that come up when living with advanced cancer.
Who: Fred Hutch patients livng with metastatic breast cancer.
What: Monthly group sessions (1st Thursday of each month from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m.)
Where: Telehealth via Zoom.
To learn more contact: Sarah English, MSW, LICSW, 206.606.1082
Blood and Marrow Transplant and Immunotherapy Caregiver Support Group
Support for caregivers of patients who are undergoing blood and marrow transplant (allogeneic or autologous) or cellular immunotherapy (CAR T-cell and TIL) treatment.
Who: Caregivers of patients who are actively undergoing blood and marrow transplant (allogeneic or autologous) or cellular immunotherapy (CAR T-cell and TIL) treatment.
What: Ongoing weekly group sessions starting in November 2025; drop-in Mondays 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. Participants must complete screening prior to attending group.
Where: Telehealth via Zoom.
To learn more contact: swtransplant@fredhutch.org or call 206.606.6036
Art Therapy
The Expressive Arts Therapy Support Group is intended to provide Fred Hutch patients a safe space to creatively explore thoughts and express feelings about living with cancer. Activities will be informed by the therapeutic foundations of expressive arts therapy.
Benefits of Expressive Arts Therapy
Research shows that art therapy can help reduce symptoms related to pain and anxiety in patients with cancer. Other benefits include:
- Being able to explore feelings that are difficult to put into words
- Increased self-awareness and self-discovery
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Learning to build positive coping skills and resiliency
Who: Fred Hutch patients currently in treatment for cancer. Each cycle explores healing and connection for a different clinic in the institution (i.e. Transplant, Breast Oncology, Sickle Cell, etc.).
What: What is expressive arts therapy? Expressive arts therapy uses journaling, storytelling, reading literature and poetry, as well as making life maps, videos and collages to help you access and process your emotions.
Where: Telehealth via Zoom.
To learn more contact: Israt Audry, LICSW, 206.606.2874
Living with Cancer Skills Training Psychotherapy Group
For patients seeking to learn how to navigate the complex emotional and interpersonal landscape of a cancer or chronic illness diagnosis.
The Living with Cancer Skills Training group utilizes dialectical behavior (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and self-compassion to help patients learn:
- How to experience emotions with less distress
- Tools that will enhance their existing coping skills
- How to share their emotions with others so that their needs are met
- New ways to communicate with the care team and people who care about them
Who: Fred Hutch cancer patients of any stage who are currently receiving cancer treatment at the Sloan Clinic, Peninsula or Northwest campuses. Patients in survivorship with ongoing health concerns or treatment in the past 2 years may also be eligible.
What: Weekly group sessions for 8-10 weeks, offered in 3 closed group cohorts in fall, winter and spring.
Where: Telehealth via Zoom.
To learn more contact: Tracey Pierce, MSW, LICSW at 206.606.1771
Meaning Centered Group Psychotherapy (MCGP)
MCGP is designed to support patients as they learn:
- To cope better by finding and creating a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
- How sources of meaning can be used to help you during hard times.
- New ways to face and overcome the challenges caused by your illness.
Who: Fred Hutch cancer patients, with a diagnosis of Stage III-IV cancer, who are currently receiving cancer treatment at the Sloan Clinic, Peninsula or Northwest campuses.
What: Weekly group sessions for 8 weeks, offered in 4 closed group cohorts in fall, winter, early spring, late spring.
Where: Telehealth via Zoom.
To learn more contact: Tracey Pierce, MSW, LICSW at 206.606.1771
Community Group and Networking Resources
Inclusion on this list does not mean endorsement by Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Healing Center (Grief Services)
Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
ITP Support Group (Immune Thrombocytopenia): Contact Tammy Fassett for more information.
To help find a group specific to your needs, please call 206.606.1076 to schedule an appointment with a social worker.