At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we understand that hospitalization, illness or injury can be extremely stressful. Pediatric social workers are available in every area of the hospital to help patients and their families cope with a broad range of psychological stressors related to illness and being in the medical environment.
Our social workers are part of the health care team supporting you and your child during your time in the hospital or clinic. We provide services to address social and emotional needs and to promote positive outcomes. Every UCSF social worker holds a master's degree in social work, and most are licensed by the state of California.
How we can help
The services we provide depend on the individual needs of each patient or family. They may include counseling and assistance with issues, such as:
- Coping with diagnosis, illness and hospitalization
- Impact of illness on family members
- Discharge planning
- Parenting and caregiving concerns
- Grief, loss or end-of-life issues
- Developmental concerns
- Violence in the home or community
- Trauma and crisis intervention
- School or educational concerns
- Financial difficulties
- Lodging and transportation issues
- Housing concerns
- Access to community resources
- Depression, anxiety or other psychiatric concerns
- Substance abuse issues
- Finding support groups on a variety of topics
Please help support pediatric social services for our patients and their families by making a gift.
