Supportive Care

At Cohen Children’s, our Pain and Palliative Care Program is dedicated to relieving the distress associated with advanced conditions and treatments. Consultation is available for pain and other discomforts associated with treatment or chronic illness.

The program is also available to help improve communication, run interdisciplinary meetings and perform family consultation. Where necessary, we can help provide decision support and planning for goals of care. Our board-certified palliative care physician can also assist patients with life-limiting illnesses and terminal conditions.

The Division of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation at Cohen Children’s offers psychosocial services for our patients and their families. These services are distinguished by a group of specialists dedicated to supporting the emotional, spiritual and developmental needs of those we treat.

Our social workers provide dedicated coverage within unique areas of specialization, including leukemia/lymphoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms’ tumors, the Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Program, the Oncology Rare Tumor and Sarcoma Program, the Center for Vascular Anomalies, the Stem Cell Transplantation Program, the Bone Marrow Failure Program, the Survivors Facing Forward Program (for survivors of childhood cancer), the Sickle Cell Program and the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program.

Providing individual and family support, social workers address the major life disruptions associated with having a child with complex illness. They also help families navigate the various barriers to care including the practical issues of insurance coverage, transportation, financial problems and employment policies. Most importantly, social workers are there with families in crisis to ensure they receive the best care possible.

As a part of our psychology services, we provide consultation and individual and family psychotherapy to our patients and families within all specialty programs of the Division. Our psychologist can assist patients who require emotional and psychological support through the difficult times of treatment. Our team members act as liaisons between the treatment teams and community providers of mental health services as well.

The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program is part of our comprehensive team of professionals who service the hematology/oncology and stem cell transplant population. Our child life specialists and creative art therapists are trained in child development and family dynamics, as well as issues specific to the hospitalized child.

Core services such as psychological preparation and education, procedural accompaniment, relaxation, therapeutic and recreational play, and self-expression experiences are offered to promote effective coping, decrease fear and anxiety, and enhance understanding.

The Hospital School Program is committed to providing educational services for all school-aged public, private and parochial students who are hospitalized. Our program adheres to all New York State Performance Standards and establishes a close liaison with the student’s home school. We also offer a comprehensive School Re-Entry Program for children returning to school after a lengthy absence.

Chaplains are here to serve as spiritual guides and companions. They can address specific needs or help you find local churches, religious institutions, or clergy from your tradition. If you have spiritual questions about hope, meaning and faith, our chaplains can talk with you. They also provide grief counseling, religious counseling, religious sacraments, inspirational literature and visits, including prayer.