Multidisciplinary Support Services

People affected by cancer – both patients and their families – face a host of challenges. At Mount Sinai, our goal is to provide not only the most sophisticated medical expertise, but to care for the whole person. This focus on total care means offering an array of multidisciplinary resources integrated into the Cancer Center – an approach that is unique in the region. We offer support services and counseling, including nutritional counseling, psychosocial services, pain management, patient resource center and support groups, all under one roof and working in collaboration with each other and with our oncologists. If a patient is anxious about a chemotherapy treatment or claustrophobic during a scan, a counselor from our Psychosocial Services Department can accompany them. If a patient wants information about how to eat nutritiously while undergoing chemotherapy, our on-staff dieticians can offer advice. We realize that cancer is a devastating disease, and we understand the importance of treating and supporting the whole person and their families during this difficult time.

Nutritional Support
During cancer treatment, it is important for patients to maintain their physical and emotional strength, and eating well is an important component of this. Yet, it can be difficult to know how to eat during cancer treatment - surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can all affect patients' appetites, and may also affect patients' nutritional needs. We offer nutritional risk screenings and counseling to assist patients in addressing treatment side effects resulting in weight loss. Our full-time Nutrition Services Coordinator is a registered dietitian who can provide advice on food as well as counseling on the use of nutritional or alternative supplements. Through the Nutritional Services Department, we provide complimentary organic snacks throughout the Center for both patients and their families.

For an appointment with the Nutritional Services Department please call 305-535-3316.

Psychosocial Services Department
The Psychosocial Services Department was founded in 1993 to address cancer patients' emotional needs; the department's goal is to decrease distress by responding to patients' and their families' fears and concerns. Our staff includes psychologists, social workers and a support team. We offer low-cost individual and family counseling as it relates to cancer. We support patients during cancer treatment on a case-by-case basis. For example, if a patient is anxious about a procedure or treatment, we'll accompany the patient and perhaps lead a relaxation or imaging exercise. We also provide multiple support groups and other services, such as meditation classes and art classes. In addition, we host holiday parties and trips to sporting events for children of cancer patients.

Cancer Pain Management Service
We have found that cancer patients are often very apprehensive that they'll be in pain during their treatment, and we've also learned how profoundly pain can affect cancer patients, both physically and emotionally. The goal of the Cancer Pain Management Service is to relieve pain as well as associated physical or psychological symptoms. Specific treatments may include medications, relaxation and stress management services, and other services designed to relieve symptoms.
Our multidisciplinary team of highly trained health care professionals includes representatives from the disciplines of anesthesiology, medical oncology, psychology, nutrition, social work and clinical nursing.

Patient Resource Center
Our Patient Resource Center is a full-service, multimedia oncology library with a comprehensive assortment of books, videos and audiotapes.  A diagnosis of cancer often brings with it a complex set of medical issues and can require patients to make important decisions about their care. Often, patients want to learn more about their illness and treatment - quickly. We implemented the Patient Resource Center as part of our commitment to creating a supportive atmosphere for patients and providing tools and information they need to help educate them about their illness. In addition to the materials provided, the Center identifies resources for further research, including cancer-related newsletters, pamphlets and community support groups. Internet access is also available.

Support Groups at Mount Sinai