Having a child or teen diagnosed with cancer can be devastating to a family. Parents may wrestle with how to understand disease and treatment, make decisions, and move forward, all while trying to protect their child. Children may feel confused or struggle to adjust to treatment and all the new healthcare team members. Teenagers may find it difficult to balance the need to be independent with the need for support.
When facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, we are here to support you—all at no cost!
How We Can Help
Whether your child or teenager is newly diagnosed, in treatment, or has transitioned to survivorship, we are here to support your family! We can help with things such as understanding disease and treatment, navigating family dynamics, understanding your child’s behaviors, and managing the many emotions and feelings that children and teens, parents, and other family members often experience.
Here are some of the many resources we have to offer:
Individual Therapy
We offer individual and/or art therapy to children and teens with cancer and their parents, siblings, and other loved ones by licensed therapists in the outpatient setting and via telemedicine*, regardless of where the child or teen is receiving cancer treatment. Our licensed therapists provide evidence-based interventions to help with adjustment, anxiety, mood and behavior changes, grief and loss, and more.
Art therapy uses a combination of counseling and the process of art making to promote self-expression and foster healing for all ages. When words alone cannot fully communicate emotions and experiences, art therapy can help children and teens explore their feelings in a tangible, creative way.
Parent Consultations
We know that providing support to parents and caregivers is an important part of supporting children and teens. We offer parent consultations both in-person and via telemedicine* to parents and caregivers of children with cancer to discuss any concerns you may have about your child or teen and to determine the most helpful next steps. Parent consultations can be helpful for topics such as navigating the changes and challenges that may present and teaching parents skills to support their child or teen.
Need support? Contact us to get connected!
Support Groups & Programs
Here are just a few of the programs we have to offer Teens, Adolescents, and Young adults navigating a cancer diagnosis and families with children and teens with cancer. Check our calendar for the most updated offerings!
- Teens & Young Adults in Treatment (Ages 16-23):This casual Zoom hangout is a safe place to connect with other teens and young adults with cancer to share, listen, support one another, and make friend
- Teens Connect: This group alternates in person activities and is for teens (ages 13-18) with a loved one with cancer.
- Young Adult Group (Ages 18-39): Connect with others ages 18–39 who are navigating a cancer diagnosis
Caregivers
- Care Circle: A Group for Childhood Cancer Caregivers: Parents and caregivers of a child newly diagnosed or on active treatment for a pediatric cancer or being treated by a pediatric oncologist, are invited to join a twice monthly virtual group. Education and support are provided by a nurse navigator and clinical therapist.
- Care Circle: End of Treatment & Beyond | A Group for Childhood Cancer Caregivers: Parents and caregivers of a child or teen who is OFF treatment or TRANSITIONING OFF treatment for a pediatric cancer or were treated by a pediatric oncologist, are invited to join a monthly virtual group. Education and support are provided by a nurse navigator and clinical therapist. Come as you are, connect with other caregivers
Education & Resources
Whether you need guidance around a specific topic or would like information about resources in the community, we are here to help guide you. We offer guidance to families, based on your needs. If you don't see your need specifically addressed on our website, please reach out to us, and we would be happy to discuss how we can support you!
*At this time, we are only able to provide telemedicine services to individuals living in Virginia and DC, due to license restrictions.
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