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Social Workers for Patients & Families
People facing cancer are often scared about what may happen. They may worry about how their loved ones will cope and what the future will be like.
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, our Patient & Family Support social workers help patients deal with these feelings and concerns. They are an important part of your care team.
Social workers help in many ways by providing these services:
- One-on-one, couples, and family counseling
- Education and support groups
- Tips for better communication
- Stress management
- Help for depression and anxiety
- Filling out advance directives
- Spiritual care resources
- Support for practical concerns such as finances and work-related issues
Find more information about support and coping on our patient education resources web portal.
Classes & Support Groups
Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) offers many support and education groups for patients and loved ones. Some are general. Others are specific to gender, language, and type of cancer. These classes and groups are a way to share feelings and connect with others who are affected by cancer. Here is a current list.
Amyloidosis Support Group
For patients, families, and friends
Hosted by HCI’s Amyloidosis Program and University of Utah Health Care, in collaboration with Amyloidosis Support Groups, Inc.
Contact: 801-587-4695
Amyloidosis Program Webpage
Big Mind, Big Heart Group
Three-week course about finding meaning and purpose after cancer
Multipurpose Room, 6th floor,
HCI Cancer Hospital
Led by Paul Thielking, MD
Contact: Julie Howell
801-213-4246 or julie.howell@hci.utah.edu
Breast Cancer Support Group
For women with metastatic breast cancer
To learn more about the Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group, contact Lisa Gauchay, MSW, LCSW at 801-585-0212 or lisa.gauchay@hci.utah.edu.
Breast Cancer: Survivorship Education
Hear from experts and connect with other HCI breast cancer patients at this monthly meeting.
Thriving after Breast Cancer: Survivorship Education
Wednesday, March 6
Contacts: Annie Nebeker, LCSW, 801-213-4393, annie.nebeker@hci.utah.edu
Lisa Gauchay, MSW, LCSW, 801-585-0212, lisa.gauchay@hci.utah.edu
Body Image Clinic
One-on-one sessions for men and women adjusting to physical changes of cancer treatment
Contact: Lisa Gauchay, MSW, LCSW
801-585-0212 or lisa.gauchay@hci.utah.edu
Brain Tumor Education & Support Group
For newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers
Held once a month, Noon–1 pm
Day varies, so please call
Light lunch served
Contact: Lynne Klaus, LCSW
801-581-2585 or lynne.klaus@hci.utah.edu
Cancer Survivorship Group for Women
Cancer treatment was hard, but surviving cancer can be too. There is support available. This group provides support and education for women who have completed treatment for various cancer types. Participants are welcome at any or all sessions.
Group meets at 1:30 on Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, and 19 at South Jordan Health Center.
For more information, contact Laurie Coleman, LCSW at 801-213-5331 or laurie.coleman@hci.utah.edu
Caregiver Education & Support Group
Wednesdays, Noon–1 pm
Infusion Education Room, 2nd floor
HCI Cancer Hospital, light lunch served
Contact: 801-213-5699
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Education & Support Group
For patients and their families
First Thursday each month, Noon–1 pm
The Bistro Private Dining Room, 6th floor
HCI Cancer Hospital
Contact: 801-587-4753
Head & Neck Cancer Support Group
Second Tuesday each month, 5 pm
Trailview Conference Room, 6th Floor, HCI Cancer Hospital
In collaboration with SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer)
Contact: Brooke Lesley
801-213-5651 or Brooke.Lesley@hci.utah.edu
Lung Cancer Support & Education Group
4th Monday of every month, 11 am–Noon
Shoreline Conference Room, 6th Floor, HCI Cancer Hospital
Contact: Rainey Boateng, LCSW
801-585-9150 or rainey.boateng@hci.utah.edu
Mind-Body Skills Group
Class for stress reduction
Led by Julie Howell, Certified Mindfulness Facilitator, and Paul Thielking, MD
Contact: Julie Howell
801-213-4246 or julie.howell@hci.utah.edu
Survivorship Counseling
Coping skills for people who have completed cancer treatments for six months or more
Contacts: Laurie Coleman, LCSW, 801-213-5331, laurie.coleman@hci.utah.edu
Jennifer Mijangos, LCSW, OSW-C, 801-587-4761, jennifer.mijangos@hci.utah.edu
Young Adult Connections
Young Adult Connections is a social group for people with cancer ages 18-39 and their partner or a friend. Events on the third Thursday each month offer the chance to connect, enjoy social activities, and hear educational presentations about adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer topics. Find event details on the HIAYA Cancer Group Facebook page.
Contact and RSVP: Nicole Ray, AYA Patient Navigator, 801-360-4508
Contact Us
Patient and Family Support at Huntsman Cancer Institute
2000 Circle of Hope
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
801-213-5699
Hours: Monday—Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
