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Types of Cancer

Social workers are available to our patients and their caregivers, from diagnosis through treatment.  Each member of our team is a Master's trained and licensed clinical social worker who provides for the psychological, social, emotional, spiritual and practical needs of patients while advocating for their right to self-determination in a culturally sensitive environment. 

Examples of Social Work Services May Include:

• Multidisciplinary consultation
• Brief and supportive counseling for patient and families
• Assist with adjustment to illness
• Crisis intervention
• Assessment, stabilization and referral
• Liaison for community resources
• End of life issues
• Quality of life issues
• Family meetings
• Patient education
• Mediation
• Improve coping skills
• Assist with communication with Healthcare team

Meet Our Team:

• Carmen Ayala, LCSW - Radiation Oncology
• Melanie Benn, LCSW
• Mercedes Garcia-Mohr, LCSW, ACSW, OSW-C
• Pamela Gardner, LCSW – Bone Marrow Transplant
• Nancy Kamp, LCSW - Bone Marrow Transplant
• Janet Lowell, LCSW - Multi-Specialty Clinic
• Kathryn Thornberry, LCSW – Palliative Care
• Yuko Abbott, LCSW - Multi-Specialty Clinic
  

Getting Started - Participation:

For a referral to a Moores UCSD Cancer Center social worker, please talk to your nurse or doctor or call (858) 822-2168. Social workers are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.  Services are provided free of charge.