COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling services are facilitated by Licensed Clinical Social Workers, more commonly referred to as “LCSWs” or simply “social workers”. LCSWs are social workers who have received their master’s degree in social work and have completed further, supervised training in a clinical setting. They are able to provide a multitude of services to patients and family members, which include individual and group therapy.

While not required, we encourage all of our patients and their families to make an appointment with their office’s social worker. The stress of coping with a diagnosis and all that comes with it can often be sudden and overwhelming. Meeting regularly with your social worker provides you an extra ear to talk to and shoulder to learn on, as well as a wealth of financial and emotional resources.

• Have you ever wondered if a professional counselor could help you work through personal or family conflict?
• Do you need assistance with illness related treatment choices or decision-making?
• Is serious illness affecting your ability to meet the needs of your family?
• Are you worried about how illness in the family is affecting your children?
• Are you a spouse or loved one of someone who is seriously ill and wanting someone to talk to about your situation?
• Are you having difficulty managing the financial/emotional strains of caring for a disabled person?
• Does depression or anxiety interrupt normal sleeping/eating habits?
• Do you or someone you know have a substance abuse problem?
• Are you frustrated by some aspect of your health care environment?

If you answered “YES” to any of the questions above, you might benefit from meeting with one of our social services representatives. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with the social worker assigned to your practice, please ask a member of your care team.

The Patient Assistance Foundation of Cancer Specialists of North Florida was established in 2004 with the help of physicians, staff and the community in order to provide short-term financial assistance to patients undergoing treatments for cancer or blood-related diseases in Northeast Florida. Ninety-nine percent of all funds received are distributed to patients and their families to assist with daily living costs. The following are examples of day-to-day living expenses we assist with:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Utility payments (water, sewer, electric)
• Telephone payments (landline or mobile)
• Transportation costs (car payments, car insurance or taxi fare)

For more information about the Foundation and services offered please visit the Foundation website www.pafcsnf.org.