The Clinical Social Work Department provides direct assistance to families and consultation to physicians and other health care providers. Social workers address a comprehensive range of issues, including:
- Social and psychological problems related to hospitalization, sudden illness, long-term or life-threatening illness
- Child behavior problems
- School problems
- Marital problems
- Family conflict
- Disability
Social workers provide individual, family and group counseling, discharge planning and assistance with patients’ special needs. They also serve as patient and family advocates, helping parents find answers to questions and make appropriate decisions regarding their child’s care.
Clinical Social Work facilitates several education/support groups for the parents of children being treated at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Meetings on neurofibromatosis, cystic fibrosis, AIDS, oncology and diabetes are available.
