Patient and family counseling

Therapist smiles and gestures to unrecognizable female patient

Paula A. Seidman Psychosocial Counseling Program

A diagnosis of cancer and its ensuing treatment causes a great deal of stress for both patients and their families. The Paula A. Seidman Psychosocial Counseling Program at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center assists patients and families by providing support, coping techniques, and interventions that help patients regain a sense of well-being and address personal and relationship issues resulting from the cancer experience.

The service includes:

  • Individual and family counseling
  • Psychiatric evaluation and management
  • Psychopharmacologic treatment
  • Psychotherapy

All services are provided by licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. In addition to individual and family counseling, a variety of support groups provide information on topics of interest in a supportive environment where you and your family can share experiences, gain insights and learn ways of coping with the uncertainty and changes that occur during the cancer experience.

National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

Counseling resources for children

A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment process can be a frightening and difficult time for a patient and their family. For families with young children or teenagers, there is additional concern about how the children will react to the diagnosis and treatment process of a parent.

Sharing the news is not an easy task. Penn Medicine provides you with a practical set of information and resources to assist you in talking with your children about the diagnosis and treatment process, as well as information and interactive activities for your children.

Counseling availability

All counseling is available and individually tailored to meet the needs of patients and family members being treated at the Abramson Cancer Center.

Patient and Family Counseling is available at many of our cancer center locations. 

Cancer care at Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine’s Cancer System is led by the Abramson Cancer Center with locations at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Chester County Hospital, and outpatient locations in the Philadelphia and NJ suburbs. Beyond the greater Philadelphia region, the system includes programs at both the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health and Princeton Medical Center.

Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.

Make an appointmentCall 800-789-7366