Cancer Social Work Services
Specialty-trained cancer social workers are available to provide support and help you and your family cope with cancer.
At the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute our social workers are an important part of your multidisciplinary care team. They have a broad understanding of cancer, cancer treatment, survivorship, community resources, palliative care, hospice care, grief and bereavement.
Social workers are available in several clinics and by phone to work with you on the following types of issues:
- Short-term crisis counseling
- Support to your caregivers and family
- Help facilitate communication between patients and their medical team
- Assistance with adjustment to new diagnosis
- Social and emotional support referrals for patients and families
- Assistance with adjustment to changes in self-image, sexuality, family life, work, etc.
- Mental health recommendations and referrals
- Information and referrals for community-based services
- Grief and loss support
- Assistance in mediating family conflict
- Transportation, lodging/housing
- Help with navigating OHSU
- Basic needs referrals through American Cancer Society Patient Navigator
- Assistance with advanced directives and palliative care, and decisions about end of life issues
- Information and referrals for financial and insurance concerns
Support Groups
There are also a number of support groups and patient education classes available through OHSU Knight Cancer Institute social work services. You may find comfort in talking with others who are having a similar experience or sharing helpful resources and information with others.
Our Team
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute social workers are listed below with cancer types they support and their phone numbers. They are available to help our cancer patients or family members. You can call them directly to make an appointment. If you do not see the cancer type relevant to you, call Katie Hennessy, 503 494-9244.
Cancer and blood diseases
Katie Hennessy, L.C.S.W.
Katie supports patients and families affected by prostate cancer, blood cancers, testicular cancer, melanoma, thyroid cancer, head and neck cancers, and sometimes breast cancer.
503-494-9244
Andrea Lehman, L.C.S.W.
Andrea supports patients and families at our Beaverton, Tualatin, Gresham and Northwest Portland cancer clinics and runs the Adolescent and Young Adult and Caregiver support groups.
503 601-7642
Caroline Macuiba, L.C.S.W.
Caroline supports patients and families facing lymphoma, sarcoma, gastro intestinal cancers, renal cancer, and brain and spinal cord cancer.
503 418-9758
Kerry Weymouth, M.S.W.
Kerry supports patients and families affected by breast cancer, lung cancer, gynecologic cancers, and sometimes blood cancers.
503 494-6625
Blood Cancers and Blood Diseases
Nancy Boyle, L.C.S.W.
Nancy works with patients and families facing leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, blood disorders, and stem cell transplants.
503-494-8787
Support during your hospital stay, 13th Floor, Kohler Pavilion
Brandy Price, M.S.W.
Brandy works with cancer patients staying in the hospital and their family members for chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment.
503 346-1357
Support during your hospital stay, 14th Floor, Kohler Pavilion
Keren McCord, M.S.W.
Keren works with cancer patients staying in the hospital and their family members for chemotherapy, surgery, and bone marrow transplants.
503-346-1456
