This information describes the support services available to patients and their loved ones at MSK.
Many of these services are offered both in Manhattan and at MSK’s regional locations. If you have questions, call for more information.
Clinical Genetics Service
Our genes may contribute to our risk of developing certain types of cancer. If you have a family history of cancer, our 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 E. 70th St. (between 2nd and 3rd avenues).
Ethics Committee
Our Ethics Committee can help you answer questions or resolve disagreements or conflicts about your healthcare plan or treatment choices. Visit our website at www.msk.org/ethics for more information.
Evelyn 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 E. 66th St (at the corner of 2nd avenue). The boutique is open Monday through Friday from to
Female Sexual Medicine and Women’s Health Program
Cancer and cancer treatments can affect your sexual health, fertility, or both. Our Female Sexual Medicine & Women’s Health Program can help with sexual health problems, such as premature menopause or fertility issues. We can help before, during, or after your treatment. Call for more information or to make an appointment.
Integrative Medicine Service
www.msk.org/integrativemedicine
Our Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (go along with) traditional medical care, including music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and movement therapy, yoga, and touch therapy. To schedule an appointment for these services, call 646-449-1010.
You can also schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider in the Integrative Medicine Service. They will work with you to come up with a plan for creating a healthy lifestyle and managing side effects. To make an appointment, call 646-608-8550.
The Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center is located at 205 E. 64th St.
Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program
Cancer and cancer treatments can affect your sexual health, fertility, or both. Our Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program can help with sexual health problems, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). We can help before, during, or after your treatment. Call for more information or to make an appointment.
MSK Counseling Center
Many people find that counseling helps them. Our counseling center offers counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups. We can also prescribe medications to help if you feel anxious or depressed. To make an appointment, ask your healthcare provider for a referral or call the number above.
Our counselors offer both inpatient and outpatient services. If you’re in the hospital and want to speak with a counselor, ask your healthcare provider or call the number above.
The MSK Counseling Center is located at 160 E. 53rd St.
Nutrition Services
Our Nutrition Service offers nutritional counseling with one of our Clinical Dietitian Nutritionists. Your nutritionist will review your current eating habits and give advice on what to eat during and after treatment.
Occupational and Physical Therapy
Our 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.
Patient and Caregiver Education
Visit our Patient and Caregiver Education website to search for educational resources, videos, and online programs.
Patient Representatives
Our 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.
Resources for Life After Cancer (RLAC) Program
Our 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.
Social Work
Social workers help patients, families, and friends deal with common issues for people who have cancer. They provide individual counseling and support groups throughout your treatment. They can help you communicate with children and other family members.
Our social workers can also help refer you to community agencies and programs. They also have information about financial resources, if you’re having trouble paying your bills.
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 a social worker, ask your doctor or nurse or call the number above.
Speech and Hearing Center
Certain cancers and treatments may affect your ability to swallow, speak, or hear. Our Speech and Hearing Center can help you be able to do these things again and improve your quality of life.
The Speech and Hearing Center is located in the Howard Building in room H-120 at 1275 York Ave. (between East 67th and East 68th streets).
Spiritual Care
Our chaplains (spiritual counselors) are available to listen, help support family members, and pray. They can contact community clergy or faith groups, or simply be a comforting companion and a spiritual presence. Anyone can ask for spiritual support. You do not have to have a religious affiliation (connection to a religion).
MSK’s interfaith chapel is located near Memorial Hospital’s main lobby. The hospital is located at 1275 York Ave. (between East 67th and East 68th streets). The interfaith chapel is open 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency, call 212-639-2000. Ask for the chaplain on call.
Supportive Care Service
Our 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.
Tobacco Treatment Program
MSK’s Tobacco Treatment Program has specialists who can help you quit smoking, 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 Ave. (between East 54th and East 55th streets) on the 7th floor. For more information about our Tobacco Treatment Program, call 212-610-0507.
Virtual 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.msk.org/vp for more information.