Programs
The Department of Social Services staff serves many different areas throughout the hospital. We have grouped ourselves into teams to represent the various services or areas in which we work. The following list includes a brief description of each service and contact information, as well as Internet sites we have found to be helpful. If you require further information or the information you are seeking does not seem to be listed, please call 617-726-2643.
Adult In-Patient Medicine and Surgery
The In-Patient Medical/ Surgical Social Workers help patients and families on adult in-patient floors. In-patient Social workers serve as part of the medical team and specialize in helping patients and families understand and adjust to the impact an illness has on their emotional, physical, social, financial, and occupational well being. We provide crisis intervention and counseling, as well as connect patients and families to hospital and community information, resources, and supports. In-patient Medical/ Surgical Social Workers can be reached through the staff on a patient's floor or by calling our social work secretary at 726-8673.
Domestic Violence & The HAVEN Program
The mission of HAVEN at MGH is to improve and enhance the MGH response to patients and employees impacted by domestic violence. Advocates at the main campus and the health centers in Chelsea, Revere, and Charlestown, provide voluntary services which may include: risk assessments, safety planning, individual and group support, referral and linkage with community resources. Employees seeking assistance can call the Employee Assistance Domestic Violence Specialist housed in the EAP at 726-6976. HAVEN staff provide consultations and trainings throughout the hospital and MGH communities. For information or to make a referral call 724-0054.
Emergency Department
Emergency Department Social Workers are available on site from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 7:00pm on Saturdays. As part of the interdisciplinary team in the Emergency Department, the social worker assists patients and families by providing a variety of services including:
- Crisis intervention
- Bereavement counseling
- Assessment of child/elder/disabled abuse
- Assessment of domestic violence
- Adjustment to diagnosis/illness
- Advocacy
- Supportive counseling
- Addictions services
- Information and resource referrals
Additionally, the MGH Social Service Department provides 24 hour on-call coverage for the Emergency Department and inpatient services at MGH.
Family Care Program
The Family Care Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is an adult foster care program. It is a part of the MGH Social Service Department and has been in operation since 1979. The program uses private homes in the community to provide an alternative long-term care option for adults who have medical problems and are unable to live alone. It was developed primarily with older adults in mind, but it has evolved over time and now serves a significant population of younger, disabled adults as well. Our patients' care needs may be due to the frailty of old age, chronic physical or mental illness, brain injury, or mental retardation complicated with a medical diagnosis. The program operates under Medicaid guidelines. For individuals who have Medicaid and are eligible for foster care, the medical needs portion of the program is covered. The Family Care Program is also available to those who would pay with private funds. The program is unique in that it helps an individual who requires personal care services to remain in the community in a family setting. Our staff are registered nurses and clinical social workers who conduct home visits and work closely with the family and patient. Whether you are interested in being a host family or are interested in our program as a possible living situation for yourself or someone you know, please call us at 617-726-2643. We welcome your call and the opportunity to tell you more about the Family Care Program.
Or see our website www.massgeneral.org/familycareprogramMGH Coordinated Care Program
The MGH Coordinated Care Program is a nurse and social worker team with expertise in issues of the elderly, both at home and various types of institutional settings. Areas of expertise include:
- Medical and social/emotional issues associated with aging
- Resources (hospital and community)
- Finances
- Insurance/managed care
Services offered include:
- Home visiting
- Coordination of care
- Information and Referral
- Advocacy for patients/families
The services are offered at no charge (whether to the patient or their insurance) by the Social Service Department.
Obstetrics
Obstetric Social Workers are clinical social workers who provide ongoing counseling and emotional support to women and their families throughout the pregnancy and post-partum period. In addition the social workers help to explore options, improve coping skills and provide resources. The following is a list of some of the specific problems that can be addressed by the social workers:
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Helpful Links
Children's Defense Fund-Parent Resource www.childrensdefense.org
As members of the health care team, social workers collaborate with other team members to address any problems that might affect the health and well-being of mothers, babies, and families. For inpatient and outpatient social work services please call 724-3177 or 724-9498.
Oncology
The Patient and Family Support Program of the MGH Cancer Center offers emotional and educational support to patients and families from diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond. Components of this program include educational seminars on various topics such as clinical trials, eating hints, and relaxing with yoga. The program has also developed a Patient Guide to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and further multidisciplinary programming is ongoing. Look for the monthly calendars updating our offerings, in the waiting rooms and throughout the Cancer Center.
The Cancer Resource Room is located on the first floor of the Cox building. Here you will find information on cancer care and treatment, wellness, and hospital and community resources. Please stop by, or visit our web page for further information and cancer related links. We are open Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 5 pm, with hours extended to 7:30 pm on Thursdays. Please call for more information (617) 724-1822.
The Network for Patients and Families offers a survivors' program and a one to one support program to people living with cancer. Network volunteers, all experienced cancer patients and family embers, are eager to listen and to share with others by telephone or in person. To be matched with "someone who's been there" or for program information call (617) 724-3876.
The Patient and Family Support Program offers a variety of emotional and educational support seminars. We believe this is a vital part of the care the MGH Cancer Center provides. Past programs have included information on clinical trials, eating hints and relaxing with yoga. Check out our monthly calendars for a current listing of this month's programs.
Palliative Care
The Palliative Care Service is a hospital-based, medical support program offering consultation and care for patients and families facing a life-threatening or terminal illness. A clinical social worker is part of an interdisciplinary team that can provide services through a continuum of settings: inpatient, outpatient and in the home. Care focuses on the physical, emotional and spiritual comfort of the patient and family. The Palliative Care Team's main number is 724-9197.
Pediatrics
Pediatric social workers specialize in the psychosocial issues related to childrens' health. We realize that the illness of a child impacts the entire family. As trained clinicians, we are able to evaluate and address the unique needs of each family and provide emotional support and help in obtaining resources. In addition, we can offer advocacy, crisis intervention, information and referral, and individual counseling. We serve both the in-patient and out-patient pediatric population and can be reached by calling (617) 726-3653.
Primary Care Team
The Primary Care Team social workers are located in four outpatient settings: the Internal Medical Associates, Outpatient Neurology, Infectious Disease, and the Outpatient Social Service offices.
Primary Care social workers offer a range of services, including assistance with concrete needs, counseling individuals who are adjusting to illness, and psychotherapy with individuals, couples, families, and groups. They work closely with other disciplines to provide optimal care to patients dealing with illness, depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflicts and other psychosocial issues. Social workers are licensed to provide psychotherapy services which are reimbursed by insurance companies.
The Internal Medical Associates (IMA) located on the sixth floor of the Wang ACC building is the largest primary care practice at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Three social workers are available to provide mental health counseling as well as assistance locating helpful community resources. The social workers are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 - 5:00, and they can be reached through your primary care doctor’s office or by phoning Social Service at (617)726-2643.
Outpatient Neurology is located on the eighth floor of the Wang Building. Social workers in outpatient neurology provide services for patients with memory and movement disorders and they consult regarding other neurological disorders. Patients and their families are referred for evaluation and treatment of anxiety, depression, and coping with the sequelae of neurological disease. A support group for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients is offered once a month. Genetic counseling is offered for people who are at risk for Huntington’s Disease.
Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Clinic social workers, located in the clinic on Founders House 2, provide case management and mental health services. Referrals are made through the Infectious Disease Clinic or through an individual's Primary Care Physician. For individuals that are HIV involved, support is provided for initial diagnosis, adjusting to chronic illness, bereavement, and long-term survivor issues (to name just a few). Support is also provided for partners and family members (who may not be HIV infected). Individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy are provided.Currently the following groups are offered:
- Women Living With HIV
- Parents of Adult Children Living with HIV
- Complimentary Perspectives for Health - an 8 session psycho-educational group which teaches a variety of stress reduction techniques, explores spirituality, and introduces a variety of complementary treatments
- Complimentary Perspectives Follow-up Group - an on-going group for individuals who have "graduated" from the 8 session program
Primary Care social workers are located in Wang 027. They accept referrals from practices throughout the hospital community. Social workers provide psychosocial evaluation, individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy. They also provide assistance with referrals and community resources. They offer a psychotherapy group for women with a history of childhood sexual abuse and a support group for men with disabilities. Referrals can be made by calling 726-2643.
Psychiatry
Clinical social workers in Psychiatry see patients and/or their families in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The individuals and families we see are dealing with problems such as anxiety, depression, bereavement, couples or family difficulties, parent-child conflicts, interpersonal and personal adjustment issues. Social workers are trained to work with individuals, families, couples and groups. Services offered include psychosocial evaluation, psychotherapy and collaboration with other members of the patient's interdisciplinary team if necessary, along with referral to community resources as needed.
Social Services Intake
The Intake Staff provide a variety of Outpatient Services to patients and families who are referred by MGH clinicians for:
- Emotional support in crisis
- Assessment and referral for specific social service and hospital-based programs and services (e.g., patient financial services, pharmacy)
- Assessment and referral for community-based resources, including transportation, accommodations, housing, disability applications, financial assistance, hone care services, food programs, substance abuse and mental health services.
- Psychosocial assessment and referral for psychotherapy (individual, couples, family and group)
- Assistance communicating with medical treatment teams
For more information, please call (617) 726-2643.
Transplant/ Dialysis
Social Workers are part of the multi-disciplinary team available to you throughout the transplant process. During the evaluation phase we will get to know you and your family in order to identify any areas of concern that may present themselves throughout the course of transplantation. We are aware that transplantation is often complicated and difficult. We will work with you and your family to help find effective ways of making the experience as smooth as possible. We are available to help find resources and to help you cope with stresses related to your illness. We provide supportive counseling to both patients and families. We also work with groups to provide education and support. In order to best work with you throughout this process, we need to know how you are doing. Please call or page your social worker at any time so we can be there to help you.
Helpful LinksAmerican Liver Foundation: http://sadieo.ucsf.edu/alf/alffinal/homepagealf.html
National Kidney Foundation: http://www.kidney.org/
Second Wind:http://www.2ndwind.org/
TransWeb: http://www.transweb.org
United Network of Organ Sharing:http://www.unos.org