Patient and family counseling

Therapist smiles and gestures to unrecognizable female patient

Support, guidance, and counseling for patients and families facing cancer

A diagnosis of cancer and its ensuing treatment causes a great deal of stress for both patients and their families. At Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, we offer programs that assist 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 services include:

  • Psychotherapy for individuals and families
  • Support Groups

All services are provided by licensed clinical 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.

For patients seeking psychiatric evaluation or medication management, please contact Penn Behavioral Health at 215-746-6701. Request to be scheduled with the psychiatrist dedicated to the Abramson Cancer Center.

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 the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health, Doylestown 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