Oncology Social Work | UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

How Can We Help?

Our oncology social workers offer patients and caregivers a respectful, supportive and judgment-free place to explore facing cancer together. No one should have to walk the cancer journey alone.

When coping with and adjusting to a cancer diagnosis or treatment, people can experience many challenges. These include changing life roles, communication difficulties with loved ones, employers, and medical teams, as well as cancer-related stress, anxiety, or depression.

Insomnia, fear of cancer recurrence, the transition into survivorship, advance care planning, end-of-life concerns, grief, and loss are also common experiences.

Individual Counseling

Brief counseling with an oncology social worker can help with adjustment and coping from a cancer diagnosis, and understanding treatment choices.

Caregiver Support

We understand that caregivers are an essential part of the treatment team. The Oncology social workers offer brief counseling to caregivers with a focus on Caregiver stress, the impact of cancer on family relationships, care at end-of-life, and grief and loss.

Cancer Support Groups

There are a variety of groups offered here at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and in the community. Contact us: 916-734-5959 to find the right group for you.

Solution-Focused Counseling: When You Need Fast, Targeted Help

If you're struggling with a specific issue and want practical solutions, solution-focused counseling could be the answer. Unlike long-term therapy, these sessions are short-term and goal-focused.

How it works:

• We identify your strengths and resources. What's going well in your life that can help you address the current challenge?
• We build solutions together. We'll create a clear, actionable plan to solve problems in your life.

Here's when solution-focused counseling might be right for you:

• Making tough decisions: Should you go on disability leave? How should you discuss your cancer diagnosis with loved ones or work colleagues?
• Getting back on track: When should you return to work after cancer treatment?
• Managing roadblocks: How do you overcome obstacles?

Want a quick fix, not long-term therapy? Solution-focused sessions could be the perfect fit.

Advance care planning helps establish your future preferences with your loved ones and treatment team. We help you as you go through the process of understanding decisions ahead and helping you reflect on your needs and wishes.

Advance care planning can help you:

• Clarify your health care goals and values
• Choose someone who knows your medical care wishes and could speak for you if you could not speak for yourself
• Communicate your wishes with your family, friends, clergy, and health care providers      
• Discuss what kind of medical care you want at the end of your life
• Establish your wishes in writing to guide medical decisions

Helpful Resources for Advance Care Planning

• Advance Healthcare Directive
• Coalition for Compassionate Care of California
• Public Notary Services
• Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
• UC Davis Health Management and Education  - Advance Care Planning