This information describes the support services available to patients and their loved ones at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK).
Many of these services are offered both in Manhattan and at MSK’s regional locations. If you have questions, call for more information.
Back to topSpiritual Care
MSK’s chaplains are available to listen, give support, pray, contact community clergy or faith groups, or to simply be a comforting companion and a spiritual presence. Anyone can request spiritual support, no matter their formal religious affiliation.
The Mary French Rockefeller All Faith Chapel is located in Memorial Hospital in room M106 (near the main lobby). The hospital is located at 1275 York Ave (between East 67th and East 68th Streets). The All Faith Chapel is open 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency, call the hospital operator at 212-639-2000 and ask for the chaplain on call.
Back to topClinical Genetics Service
Our genes may contribute to our risk of developing certain types of cancer. If you have a family history of cancer, MSK’s Clinical Genetics Service can help you understand your risk for disease. The Clinical Genetics Service offers genetic counseling and testing and can help you make informed medical decisions.
MSK’s Clinical Genetics Service is located at 222 East 70th Street (between Second and Third Avenues).
Back to topCounseling Center
Many people find that counseling helps them deal with emotions during cancer treatment. MSK’s counselors provide counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. They can also prescribe medications to help with anxiety or depression.
Our counselors offer both inpatient and outpatient services. The MSK Counseling Center is located at 641 Lexington Avenue (between Lexington and Third Avenues).
Back to topEvelyn H. Lauder Breast Center Boutique
The Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center Boutique offers a large selection of head coverings, prosthetics, and bathing suits. It’s located on the 2nd floor of the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center at 300 East 66th Street at Second Avenue. The boutique is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Back to topFemale Sexual Medicine and Women’s Health Program
This program helps female patients who are dealing with cancer-related sexual health challenges, including premature menopause and fertility issues. Healthcare providers in this program can help you take action and address sexual health issues before, during, or after your treatment. Call for more information or to make an appointment.
Back to topIntegrative Medicine Service
MSK’s Integrative Medicine Service offers many therapies to complement traditional medical care. Some of the services offered include music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and movement therapy, yoga, and touch therapy. Services are available to patients, their families and caregivers, and the general public.
The Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center is located at 1429 First Avenue (at East 74th Street).
Back to topMale Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program
This program helps male patients who are dealing with cancer-related sexual health challenges, including erectile dysfunction (ED). Healthcare providers in this program can help you take action and address sexual health issues before, during, or after your treatment. Call for more information or to make an appointment.
Back to topNutrition Services
MSK’s Nutrition Service offers nutritional counseling with one of our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Your nutritionist will review your current eating habits and give advice on what to eat during and after treatment.
Back to topOccupational and Physical Therapy
MSK’s Rehabilitation Services offers a variety of services, including occupational and physical therapy. Physical therapy can help you to move and function better and improve your overall fitness and health. Occupational therapy can help you regain and build skills to help you function independently. Rehabilitation services can help you decrease pain and regain your independence.
We offer both inpatient and outpatient services for adults and children. The Sillerman Center for Rehabilitation is located at 505 Madison Avenue (entrance on 53rd Street between Park and Madison Avenues).
Back to topOncology Social Work
MSK’s oncology social workers provide emotional support and guidance to patients and their loved ones. Some of the services offered include ongoing in-person and online support groups for patients who are getting treatment and their caregivers. Social workers can also help with practical issues, such as transportation problems and financial concerns, while you’re getting treatment.
Oncology social workers are available on every patient floor of Memorial Hospital and at all MSK outpatient facilities, including MSK’s regional clinics. To speak with an oncology social worker, ask your doctor or nurse or call the number above.
Back to topPatient and Caregiver Education
Visit our Patient and Caregiver Education website at www.mskcc.org/pe to search our virtual library. There, you can find clear and helpful educational resources to support you before, during, and after your cancer treatment.
Back to topPatient and Caregiver Support Program
MSK’s Patient and Caregiver Support Program gives patients in active treatment and their caregivers the chance to speak with former patients and caregivers who volunteer to talk with patients getting treatment. Many patients and caregivers have found it helpful to speak with someone who has been through a similar treatment. These conversations may take place in person, over the phone, or through email.
Back to topPatient Representatives
MSK’s patient representatives make sure your rights are respected and your concerns are addressed. They can speak on your behalf, represent your interests, and answer your questions about hospital policies and procedures. They’re available anytime but are most helpful while a situation is happening, instead of after it happens.
Back to topResources for Life After Cancer (RLAC) Program
MSK’s RLAC Program offers support services for people who had cancer and their loved ones. The services include seminars, workshops, and support groups to address topics related to cancer survivorship. Examples of topics include insurance, employment, emotional concerns, and caregiver issues.
Back to topSpeech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Program
Certain cancers and treatments may affect your ability to swallow, speak, or hear. MSK’s Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Program can help you be able to do these things again and improve your quality of life.
The Speech, Hearing, and Rehabilitation Program is located in the Howard Building in room H-120 at 1275 York Avenue (between East 67th and East 68th Streets).
Back to topSupportive Care Service
MSK’s Supportive Care Service is dedicated to relieving pain and improving the quality of life for patients at MSK. Supportive care (also called palliative care) includes any treatment given to relieve the symptoms caused by cancer. Patients can get supportive care at any point during treatment.
The doctors and nurses in the Supportive Care Service specialize in helping patients manage physical symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, and nausea, as well as emotional issues, such as sadness, depression, and anxiety. They work with the patient’s primary team, providing an extra layer of support. If you feel that you or your loved one may benefit from the care provided by the Supportive Care Service, talk with your doctor.
Back to topTobacco Treatment Program
MSK’s Tobacco Treatment Program can help you stop using tobacco, whether or not you’re a patient at MSK. The healthcare providers in the Tobacco Treatment Program use a wide range of approaches to help you quit, including medications and behavioral techniques.
The Tobacco Treatment Program is located at 641 Lexington Avenue (between East 54th and East 55th Streets) on the 7th floor.
Back to topVirtual Programs
MSK’s Virtual Programs offer online education and support for patients and caregivers, even when you can’t come to MSK in person. Through live, interactive sessions, you can learn about your diagnosis, what to expect during treatment, and how to prepare for the various stages of your cancer care. Sessions are confidential, free, and led by expert clinical staff. If you’re interested in joining a Virtual Program, visit our website at www.mskcc.org/vp for more information.
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