Social Work

Request an Appointment

There are several ways to schedule an appointment with Fred Hutch Social Work. You can contact us directly at 206.606.1076 or ask one of your Fred Hutch care team members to refer you to us.

Social Work Services

Social work services are available for Fred Hutch Cancer Center patients in active treatment as well as their families for free. We help established patients and their caregivers who need social or emotional support related to cancer treatment. 

Social Work Tailored to Your Needs

Fred Hutch social workers specialize in working with specific patient groups. This means they are in tune with the unique needs that often go along with having a particular disease. We have social workers who work in our general oncology, blood and marrow transplant, immunotherapy and other clinics. 

Fred Hutch social work services are available at:

Please note that if you are receiving care at our Issaquah clinic, you can work with a Fred Hutch social worker remotely. 

Other social work services for Fred Hutch patients:

Education and Support Groups

Social workers at Fred Hutch educate patients and families about the psychosocial issues that surround medical care so they can better understand and cope with challenges they may face. As members of your health care team, social workers can participate in patient care planning, family conferences and patient and family education programs. Social workers co-facilitate various support groups for patients and families, too. You can always ask your care team to include social work as part of your care.

Learn about support groups.

Advocacy and Referral Coordination

Social workers serve as advocates by helping patients and families identify, locate and access services within Fred Hutch, as well as within the greater community. We act as advocates and facilitators for patients and work with medical teams as needed. Social workers assist patients and families with communication, including helping them think through complex decisions or issues as well as practical advice that will help patients and families navigate their care more effectively.

Social Work Services At-a-Glance

Fred Hutch social workers are compassionate professionals with the expertise to help you face emotional challenges, navigate complex health care decisions and more. We are here to provide understanding, advocacy and personalized solutions to patients and families every step of the way. 

Emotional and Mental Health Support

  • Offer counseling for patients and families to help manage stress and mental health, as well as cope with grief and loss.
  • Provide short-term therapy and crisis support for patients and families, including being available after hours, if that is when you need us.
  • Lead support groups for patients and families to share experiences and find encouragement.

Care Coordination and Resource Access

  • Create plans to address your emotional and social needs while working with your medical team.
  • Assist you with transitions, such as between hospital care and home.
  • Provide guidance before your first medical appointment and follow-up after treatment, with long-term support when needed.
  • Connect patients and families to hospital or community services for emotional, social or practical needs.

Other Specialized Support

  • Support patients from all backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities, including those who are socially, physically or intellectually challenged.
  • Advocate for patients’ rights and explain medical decisions in a way that’s easy to understand.
  • Assist with end-of-life planning (like advance directives that document your treatment preferences and alternate decision-makers) and help with funeral planning.

About Our Team

Our social workers help people just like you who have been diagnosed with cancer and are going through cancer treatment. They have a deep understanding of your concerns and challenges and have significant training and experience in helping patients with cancer and their families. All social workers at Fred Hutch have a master’s degree in social work and each staff member has specialized knowledge of oncology (cancer medicine).  All social workers on our team are Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSW) or currently working towards that designation.

Resources

In addition to the resources your social worker recommends for you, here are some other places you can explore to find information and support.

Online support groups that may help you:

  • Cancer Lifeline: Organization that partners with Fred Hutch and offers more than 25 monthly support groups. 
  • Cancer Pathways: Offers support groups for anyone experiencing the impacts of cancer, including patients, parents, caregivers, family members and those who are grieving. All groups are via Zoom and facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker.

Other Patient Services

Nurse Navigation

After a patient is diagnosed, but before they receive care, they’ll first meet with a Fred Hutch Nurse Navigator. The nurse will go over their diagnosis in detail and talk about the medical aspects of their care and next steps, like connecting the patient with the scheduling team.

Learn About Nurse Navigation at Fred Hutch

Patient Navigation

If you need help with practical matters related to cancer treatment—like finding transportation to your appointments, understanding your health insurance, or finding a place to stay during treatment—our patient navigators can help you. Patient navigators help remove barriers to care and help with non-medical needs. They also offer empathy and care, not counseling services. However, if you request it, they can refer you to us for a counseling appointment.

Learn About Patient Navigation at Fred Hutch