Counseling & Support

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Support & Counseling

We recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for dealing with a serious illness. We are committed to helping you and your family navigate the emotional and social challenges of cancer and its treatments.

Our oncology social workers are licensed professionals who are skilled in addressing the support and advocacy needs of cancer patients. Social workers can offer their expertise—counseling patients as they face the impact of illness on life, work and relationships. Available by request or by referral from a doctor or nurse, a social worker can help address any concerns about coping with a diagnosis, treatment or care.

Support groups can help patients and families cope with a cancer diagnosis and treatment and find comfort and companionship from other patients.

See our list of support groups. 

Dana-Farber’s Family Connections program offers resources to help the families of patients with cancer prepare for the challenges ahead.  Guidance, information and inspiration from other families are available by calling 617-632-4235 or visiting Family Connections.

CaringBridge is a nonprofit organization that provides the opportunity for patients to set up a free, personalized, confidential website to share information with family and friends.  For information, visit Caring Bridge.

Patients and family members may appreciate a telephone conversation with someone who has had a similar cancer experience. Through this Dana-Farber program, trained volunteers can help ease concerns, provide information, and offer reassurance and hope.  For more information, call 617-632-4020 or visit One-to-One.

Cancer can be a challenging and demanding experience for you and your family. For many people, spirituality and/or faith provides a source of support and comfort during this time. Chaplains are an integral part of the healthcare team available to you and your family while you are receiving care through Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Health.

Who We Are

Chaplains from Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Health offer spiritual support for you and your family. Clinically trained chaplains are available to meet with you before, during and after treatment.  In addition, community clergy of other faiths can be contacted at your request.

What We Do

Chaplains can speak with you and your family about spiritual as well as emotional and ethical matters.  We provide prayer, sacred texts, sacraments, or worship services (mindfulness and guided meditation practice and/or tapes) that can be helpful to you. Devotional material in a variety of languages, rosaries, yarmulkes, electric Sabbath candles, prayer shawls, chemo caps, and prayer rugs are available upon request.

Quiet Reflection & Prayer

The Quiet Room is located on the first floor of the Cancer Center adjacent to the reception desk.  The Healing Garden is located on the lower level of the Cancer Center adjacent to the Radiation Oncology waiting room. The Conren Prayer Room is located at South Shore Hospital on Center 2. 

How To Reach Us

While in the Cancer Center, call ext. 4784.  Outside the Cancer Center 781-624-5000.

Resource specialists are available at The Cancer Center in the Rev. M. James Workman Resource Center. The specialists provide assistance with transportation, referrals to appropriate local, state and federal assistance programs, as well as help with applications for financial assistance to non-profit foundations.

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Chemotherapy Orientation

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