Social Work Services: (573) 882-8445

A diagnosis of cancer and the challenges that a treatment program presents can lead to distress for patients, family members, and friends.  Some may experience periods of anxiety, depression, fear, guilt, or anger that may affect life roles, self image and overall quality of life.  Ellis Fischel Cancer Center's team of social workers provide services to educate, support and counsel patients and their loved ones to address the social and emotional needs associated with cancer.

Services

• Psycho-social assessment
• Crisis intervention
• Grief support
• Financial and resource counseling and referral
• Navigation of the health care system
• Health care team advocate
• Support in transitioning to living with or beyond your cancer and its treatment

Our Team
Deborah Filer, MSW - Works with patients with diagnoses of gastrointestinal cancers (i.e. pancreas, stomach, liver), lung/thoracic cancers and urological cancers (i.e. testicular, prostate, kidney)
Christina Penn, MSW, LCSW - Works with patients with diagnoses of breast cancers, gynecological cancers (i.e. cervical, ovarian, uterine), melanoma/skin cancers and palliative care patients
Deb Palmer, MSW, LCSW - Works with patients with diagnoses of blood cancers (i.e. leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma), sarcomas, head and neck cancers and primary brain cancers