Support Services

In addition to our expert cancer physicians, Stony Brook Cancer Center brings together many support services to best meet the needs of our patients and their families.

Interpreter Services

Stony Brook Cancer Center offers free interpreter services to you and your family during your time with us. Interpreter services include dual handset telephones, on-site Spanish interpreters, American Sign Language interpreters and video interpretation.

Please speak with your nurse or let a staff member know if you require this service.

Services for Patients with Hearing Impairments

Stony Brook University Hospital and the Cancer Center provide many resources for our patients with hearing impairments. Should you require this service, please let us know.

Financial Navigation

We recognize that patients with cancer can have insurance challenges. We offer confidential and free personalized guidance to patients. Our specially trained financial navigators can assist with insurance challenges and pharmaceutical assistance programs. They can also help you access our hospital Financial Assistance Program and community assistance programs. Patients without insurance coverage are responsible for paying the full cost of their care.

For assistance from the Cancer Financial Navigation Team, please call (631) 216-2400.

Social Workers

Oncology social workers are dedicated to supporting the emotional needs of you and your family with one-on-one counseling, support groups and educational programs, as well as assisting with the everyday aspects of living with cancer.

Psycho-Oncologist Support

Psycho-oncologist support is available by appointment by specially trained psychiatrists and psychologists who help you cope with your cancer treatment.

Nutrition Counseling

Nutrition counseling is available from an experienced Registered Oncology Dietitian who is specially trained in helping you make healthy choices and supporting you in managing any side effects from your treatment. These side effects may interfere with eating, such as reduced appetite, fatigue, nausea, difficulty swallowing, weight loss and/or weight gain. The dietitian can also address other nutritional needs during your treatment.

Integrative Therapies and Spiritual Care

• Integrative therapies are offered to support both your mind and body on the journey toward healing. Offerings include acupuncture, art therapy, massage, exercise and yoga classes.
• Spiritual care is available with our chaplain offering spiritual guidance and counseling.

Patient Amenities

• The Ronald and Roseann Rogé patient and family resource center has books, computers and couches, and offers expert help accessing community services and programs.
• A Wellness Space for yoga, exercise classes and support groups.

Support Groups

Support groups offer an opportunity to talk with others who are facing the same challenges. This can provide comfort, stress release, and a safe place to share thoughts and concerns. Stony Brook Cancer Center offers several support groups to benefit patients with cancer. Our cancer support groups include presentations by medical staff as well as a chance to interact with others facing a cancer diagnosis. All support groups are free but require registration. Our Cancer Call Center has the most up-to-date information on the groups’ specific meeting dates and times.

Programs and Outreach

Get more information on our Cancer Screening Programs here.

Community Education and Outreach

Initiatives include a variety of community events and educational programs offered both on-site and in the community. Our expert oncologists, cancer researchers, and community health education specialists are committed to supporting the community in understanding new cancer research and treatment, access to care, reducing risk and preventing cancer, as general education or geared toward the audience’s specific needs.

The Office for Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) is the bridge between our local community and Stony Brook Cancer Center. The COE website includes an educational video library and other resources. The library has videos on the CancerWise Smart Talk series that feature our cancer experts presenting on a number of cancers common in the community. The topics covered include prevention, diagnostics, treatment and clinical trial information. Additionally, there are links to resources for obtaining cancer screenings.

For COE information, call (631) 444-4COE (4263)

For Kids and Young Adults

Child Life Program

Our Child Life Program can help reduce the stress that pediatric patients and their families may experience when faced with illness, medical procedures and unfamiliar surroundings. The program offers an opportunity for children to engage in everyday childhood activities to help minimize anxiety. The program provides therapeutic, educational and recreational activities to meet the unique emotional and developmental needs of children during their Cancer Center visits. 

School Intervention and Re-Entry Program for Children with Cancer and Chronic Blood Disorders

Stony Brook Children’s School Intervention and Re-Entry Team leads a collaborative effort to facilitate educational services for children with cancer and chronic blood disorders during and after illness. The interdisciplinary team provides faculty and classroom presentations to address the medical, psychosocial and educational needs of the student-patient. The program works with all schools in Suffolk and Nassau counties to return children to school in the most productive setting possible. The goal is to provide open communication between hospital, school and family, and remove any obstacles that may impede a smooth transition.

For more information, please call (631) 444-7720.