Psychosocial Support Services

The Department of Psychosocial Support and Community Outreach is led by Angela McCabe,  LCSW, OSW-C. Angela is Board Certified in Oncology Social Work and received her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in New York City. She has more than 25 years of professional experience in oncology social work and psychotherapy.  Angela came to Saint Barnabas from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, also in New York City where she held clinical, supervisory and administrative positions.  She has authored numerous publications and is the recipient of prestigious health care and social work awards.

Patti Conlin, LSW is an Oncology Social Worker in the Department of Psychosocial Support Services in the Cancer Program. Patti is a Licensed Social Worker and received her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in New York City. She has 21 years of oncology social work experience.


Emotional Support
A serious illness can arouse unfamiliar and even frightening emotions.  It is not unusual for some individuals to experience fear, confusion, anxiety, sadness, loneliness or anger.  It may be difficult to sleep or concentrate. Many patients also experience frustration as their usual day-to-day routines are disturbed and they must fit in treatment regimes that place additional demands on their time and resources.  Saint Barnabas Cancer Center offers counseling services for individuals, their family members and significant others seeking assistance in dealing with such concerns.  An oncology social worker is available by appointment by calling 973-322-2668.


Support Groups
Support groups offer an opportunity for individuals to meet with others who are coping with cancer in their lives.  Many patients and their family members find it beneficial to share their experiences in a support group environment, because group members readily understand the challenges cancer presents.  The shared cancer experience allows the group members to share their feelings in an open and healthy way.    Our support groups are customized to best meet the needs of those participating. Some groups are time limited, while others are on-going.  Not all groups are offered at all times.  A monthly calendar is distributed which lists the current offerings.


Outreach and Education

The Psychosocial Support Program is committed to community education and offers annual educational symposiums, Project HOPE series and an annual Cancer Survivor’s Day celebration each September. Please see our calendar of events for dates and times. Questions please call 973-322-2668.


Community Collaboration

Look Good…Feel Better is a joint program offered onsite at the Medical Center. This is sponsored by the American Cancer Society in partnership with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association of America, and the National Cosmetology Association. This program is designed to help woman cope with appearance related side-effects of cancer treatment. Please contact facilitator Patti Conlin, LSW at 973-322-8405.


The Cancer Genetic Counseling Program
The Cancer Genetic Counseling Program is one of the services offered in the Department of Psychosocial Support Services at the Saint Barnabas Medical Center.  Saint Barnabas offers genetic counseling, education and genetic susceptibility testing to individuals with personal and/or family histories of cancer.  This program is designed for individuals and families who are concerned about their risks of developing cancer.  The program provides medical and genetic education, support and resources for patients and families confronting cancer risk.  This allows people to make informed decisions about their own health care.  For more information or to schedule an appointment please call the genetic counselor at 973-322-2822.

Janice Berliner is a board certified genetic counselor with 20 years of experience.  Trained at the University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Training Program, Janice has a Masters of Science degree in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling.  She sees clients in the Cancer Program for cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling, provides information regarding genetic testing, and offers community outreach and education for both the public and the medical community.


Art Therapy

The Art Therapy Program provides opportunities for relaxing, addressing issues and concerns, strengthening inner resources and using creativity as part of your healing process during and after cancer treatment. The Art Therapy programs offers individual, art groups and special workshops throughout the year.

Art Therapist, Donna Dandrilli, MA, ATR brings more than 20 years of experience in Art Therapy working with adults, families and children. To schedule an appointment please call 973-322-2171.


Someone I Love Has Cancer – Children’s Circle Art Therapy Support Program
. This program is designed for children who have a parent or loved one that is dealing with cancer.  This six session program, is run by an Art Therapist who works with the children to help them identify and express complex feelings through art, play and conversation.  Concurrently, an adult program is held with an Oncology Counselor. 


Holistic Nurse Services – Your Mind/Body/Spirit Balance
Managing the stress associated with a cancer diagnosis and its treatments has been shown to be beneficial.  Our Certified Holistic Nurse, Lynn Ferrer offers a variety of therapies that may improve your health and well-being.  Services offered include Reflexology, Guided Imagery, Breathing Meditation, Journaling and Reiki.  For more information, or to set up an appointment please call 973-322-2324 to explore self care strategies that might help during cancer treatment.


Soothing Music Program

Music is documented to be a useful tool to sooth and calm the body and mind.  Positive effects of music can be to reduce pain, anxiety, nausea and restlessness.  Our certified music practitioner can provide appropriate live music therapy for patients on an individual basis.  For further information please call 973-322-2668.
 

Spiritual Care Consultation

Facing cancer treatment can challenge what we believe and test our spiritual wellbeing. Regardless of a person’s faith, tradition, or culture illness can raise a lot of spiritual questions. If you are interested in exploring your spiritual needs and utilizing some of the resources we can provide please call 973-322-2668.


Boutique Services

We offer a collaborative service with the Just For You Center providing Wig, Mastectomy items and Accessories.  With a wide variety of specialized products and a caring and professional staff, the boutique is committed to providing the highest quality of care and to improving the quality of life for our patients and their families.  Twice a month, a representative from the store is on-site at the Cancer Center or you can schedule an appointment at the salon by calling 973-887-5930. You can also visit www.JustForYouCenter.com. For general questions please call Angela McCabe at 973-322-2668.


Community
Resource Center
The Richard M. Wasserman Resource Center contains pamphlets, books, journals, videotapes, audio cassettes and computer access to CancerHelp® (the National Cancer Institute’s database).  Information on topics ranging from current approaches to treatment, clinical research and support is available.  It is located in The Cancer Center, Second Floor, East Wing.


Individualized Cancer Wellness Program
Together the Cancer Program of Saint Barnabas and The Siegler Center for Integrative Medicine at the Ambulatory Care Center have created an Individualized Cancer Wellness Program , a unique program that combines numerous services to improve health and well-being of those faced with the challenge of cancer. This program includes nutritional counseling, exercise, massage therapy and yoga.  It is made possible and affordable through the generous support of Helen Beck to celebrate the strength, courage and recovery of her daughter Melissa Raphael and daughter-in-law Lori Beck.


Nutritional Counseling

Nutrition is very important part of cancer treatment.  A healthy diet can help to rebuild your body’s cells, especially if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.  To help guide you, nutritional counseling is available by a registered dietitian. Our registered dietitian has special training in helping individuals with cancer and their families make healthy food choices. These services are available at the Ambulatory Care Center-Siegler Center by calling 973-322-7007 or at the Medical Center by calling 973-3225664. There is a fee for these services.

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