Professional oncology/hematology social workers support Ruttenberg patients and their loved ones in a wide range of ways. In addition to providing individual and family counseling, our social work staff can help you find practical assistance with daily living from sources both within Mount Sinai and in your community. This may include information on transportation, meal programs, and caregiver resources. Our staff often can give you educational materials developed by organizations that specialize in your disease. If you are in need of financial assistance relating to your cancer treatment, including assistance for prescription medications, your Ruttenberg social worker will guide you through the process of applying for such assistance.

We have a registered dietician who is available to discuss any nutritional concerns you may have, including an assessment of your current eating habits and advice on how to eat before, during, and after your cancer treatment.

Support and Wellness Programs

Our Social Work Department offers many disease-specific support groups and events on special topics. A monthly calendar of events is available in our Resource Room located on the 4th floor of the Ruttenberg Treatment Center.

The support team at Ruttenberg can also provide referrals to Supportive Oncology, Nutrition and Psychiatry for symptom management and further support.

• Artist-In-Residence: Ruttenberg Treatment Center offers services from the Creative Center through its Artist-In-Residence Program. Patients receiving treatment explore their creative sides with fun and calming art projects that are led by their interests and facilitated by an experienced artist. Supplies provided.
• Bereavement Support: Support and recourses are available for those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Please reach out to Anna Gribetz, LCSW, at 212-824-8762 for more information.
• Patient Support Group: Provides support to cancer patients, offering connection, information and resources. 
• Other Support Groups: Ruttenberg has many support groups available to patients, caregivers and family members that are disease and topic specific. To find out more, please refer to our monthly Support and Wellness Calendar. 
• Spiritual Care: Our dedicated chaplain supports patients through their healing journeys. Patients need not belong to a specific faith, community, or even consider themselves religious, to receive chaplain services. Spiritual care is for everyone – for healing, hope and comfort while experiencing the challenges of life.
• Therapeutic Massage: A professional massage therapist is available to provide massages to oncology patients during treatment. 
• Woman to Woman: This program uses a peer-to-peer model with survivor volunteers to provide emotional support, information and self-advocacy training to women in treatment for gynecologic cancer.

If you or your loved one is interested in joining one of the support groups or programs listed above, please refer to our Support and Wellness Calendar for contact information.