Childhood cancer survival rates approach 85% thanks to advances in pediatric cancer treatment. As we now have more survivors than ever, childhood cancer treatment is evolving to focus on treatment of the whole person, including the emotional, mental and psychological wellness of the child.

Norton Children’s Cancer institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, offers a Pediatric Psychosocial Program to help children and families face the emotional and practical challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment.

What Is a Psychosocial Program?

Receiving a diagnosis of childhood cancer or a blood disorder presents immediate psychological, emotional and social challenges for a child and their family. Treatment should not be focused on mere survival of the body, but also helping the child thrive during and after their treatment. The Pediatric Psychosocial Program offers a wide variety of services that help children and families face and thrive amid emotional and practical challenges during and after treatment. Our psychosocial program offers a multidisciplinary team that includes psychologists and therapists from a wide range of disciplines, including child life, music and art therapy, social workers and more. Our staff collaborates with the whole family, including siblings, to ensure that a family’s quality of life stays intact during the cancer journey. Resources are available to families during their hospital stay, as well as in our outpatient clinic.

Research has shown the significant impacts psychosocial care can have in the life and overall outcomes of a child impacted by pediatric cancer. Research shows that children who receive psychosocial care and services can:

• Better manage disease-related symptoms and adverse effects of treatment
• Improve coping abilities
• Lower depression-related symptoms that can slow down treatment success

Psychosocial Program Services

Our psychosocial patient and family support and education programs include:

• Child life and expressive arts therapy
  • Music therapy, including our Cancer Beats program
• Norton Children’s Hearts & Hands Care Team
• Hematology/Oncology Physical, Emotional and Social (HOPES) Program
• Patient and family navigators
• Playrooms, toys, movies and games to help kids be kids
• School Re-Entry Program
• Support groups:
  • Adolescent and Young Adult Program
  • Family and patient support groups