Social workers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital provide services to patients of all ages – from children to adults – who are admitted to our Hospital or who are seen on an out-patient basis. As part of your health care team, the professional social work staff helps patients and families understand and cope with medical, psychological, and social issues related to their illness.

Our social workers offer many services to help patients during their treatment. These include:

Counseling. Our staff provides counseling to our patients and their families to assist them in dealing with their feelings, fears, and concerns about their illness. This may include coping with lifestyle changes, adjusting to chronic illness, coping with loss, and crisis. We also provide information and guidance about available services in your community.

Patient Advocacy. Social workers act as patient advocates. This means that we:
• help patients to understand their rights and responsibilities
• educate patients regarding community resources
• work with insurance providers to ensure that patients receive their maximum allowable benefits
• help our patients understand the laws and regulations that regulate healthcare.

Discharge planning. From the time of your admission to the Hospital, your social worker will work with your doctor and the rest of your health care team to help you plan for the care you may need when you leave the hospital. The social worker will meet with you and your family early during your hospital stay to begin planning discharge.

Support Groups. Social workers lead support groups to help patients and families manage and cope with their illness or disabilities. Our support groups are offered free of charge.

Social Work services are available throughout the hospital, seven days per week, from 9 am to 5 pm. In the Emergency Department, services are available seven per week from 9 am to 9 pm. At all other times a social worker is available by beeper for telephone consultation.