Social Work

When a serious illness affects a child or adolescent, it also impacts the entire family. At St. Jude, our social workers can help you through the care process, so you do not face these challenges alone. We provide support and counseling as you and your family adjust to diagnosis and treatment.

Services we provide 

A St. Jude social worker can provide counseling, support, and education about: 

• Adjusting to diagnosis and treatment 
• The impact of illness on family relationships 
  
• Communicating needs or questions to the care team  
  
• Preparing to return home 
  
• Completing active treatment or moving from pediatric to adult care 
  
• Local and national community, financial and health care resources, including wish groups 
  
• Completing advance directives  
  

What to expect

In your first weeks at St. Jude, a social worker will meet with you to learn more about you and your family. They will get details on your family’s strengths, challenges, and needs to help your care team best support you. 
A social worker can meet with you again to provide counseling and offer other help as needed. 

Caregiver Connections groups

Coping with a child’s diagnosis, illness, and treatment can be challenging. Our social workers offer a way for you to connect with others who face similar issues. Caregiver Connections groups can help you find and share hope, meaning, comfort, and support. Small groups help you meet people, make friends and learn new ways to cope. 

Caregiver Connections groups provide: 

• A spot to meet and connect with other St. Jude families 
• Tips and information to navigate illness and treatment 
• Methods to manage stress, fear and fatigue
• A chance to learn from other people’s stories and share your own 
• Support from licensed social workers and parent mentors 
• A friendly circle of comfort, community, and care 

Learn more about Caregiver Connections dates and times by visiting the Our St. Jude Patient App. Contact your social worker with any questions.

Learn more

Social workers are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. A social worker is also available after hours for emergencies. 

To contact a social worker while inside the hospital, dial 3670. If you are in the Memphis area call 901-595-3670. If you are outside the Memphis area, call toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), extension 3670.