Social Work Services

Often when people and their families are dealing with a cancer diagnosis they need someone to talk to who can help them sort through all the complex emotions and issues that cancer can bring. At the Avera Cancer Institute, patients can receive professional counseling individually or through a professionally facilitated support group.

Some of the ways our social workers offer support:

• The patient and family is in crisis and needs immediate intervention
• Social support system or home situation of the patient needs to be evaluated
• The patient and family received a new diagnosis
• There are conflicts between patient and family and care providers
• Family meetings from important decision making (care issues, treatment decisions, etc.)
• Grief and bereavement support
• Community resources, financial, or insurance concerns
• Patient or family is having a difficult time coping
• Guardianships, advanced directives, or legal needs
• Assisted living or nursing home placements
• Addressing substance abuse issue

Lynne Hunter Social Worker

Melanie Hericks Social Worker

Jamie Olson Social Worker

Social work services are provided free of charge to Avera Cancer Institute patients. Call Avera Cancer Institute at 605-322-3000 to connect with a social worker.