A hospital admission can add stress to anyone's family life in a variety of areas. Social workers are available to assist patients and families in many different ways to alleviate and cope with stress. Most of the social workers at MU Children's Hospital have a master's degree in social work, and many hare licensed clinical social workers and can provide these services.

Counseling

Social workers are specifically trained to provide counseling services to both patients and families on a variety of topics. Counseling needs in MU Children's Hospital may include adjustment to illness, emotional and behavioral concerns, and grief or crisis situations.

Resources

Many resources are available to patients and families both within the hospital including relaxation and imagery. Child life specialists are able to be with children during procedures to focus solely on their emotional needs.

Parents and Families

The family is an important part of a child's healing process. Child Life specialists provide support to parents, including sharing information on development and ideas for helping children cope with their hospitalization. Child Life specialists also provide emotional support to the siblings of pediatric and adolescent patients.

 To contact a social worker at MU Children's Hospital, please call (573) 219-4258.