Support Services at Siteman Kids

At Siteman Kids, we understand that our patients and their families have needs that go far beyond medical visits and treatment plans. We want your child to continue growing, learning, and exploring the world around them, and we want your whole family to continue enjoying life, too. That is why your treatment team includes more than physicians. Psychologists, social workers, child life specialists, educators, physical therapists and more all collaborate to keep your child’s life and your family’s lives as normal and happy as possible.

How Does Siteman Kids Support Emotional Health?  

We understand that cancer affects not just the body but also the mind and spirit. Our Child Life specialists, social workers, and psychologists are here to provide emotional support to our young patients and to their families.

Siteman Kids offers:

  • Counseling Services: Licensed psychologists specializing in pediatrics hold in-person sessions at Children’s Hospital and virtual sessions to help children and families cope with the emotional impact of cancer. 
  • Support Groups: Social workers or other treatment team members can connect families with others who are going through similar experiences to expand their network of support. 
  • Child Life Services: Our Child Life specialists help build resilience and develop coping strategies in children of all ages through play-based, age-appropriate therapies, including music and art therapy. 

How does Siteman Kids help my child experience a full childhood?

School and Education

A big part of every child’s life takes place at school, on the playground, and with friends. Siteman Kids has experts who ensure your child can keep routines that make life as normal as possible. It is likely that your child’s school year will not look the same as it did before their diagnosis, but they can keep learning with educational liaisons, tutors and virtual learning. Even if they need to miss school, our staff works with schools to ensure that your child’s educational needs are met. Our services include:

  • Educational Liaisons: These educators coordinate with your child’s school to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and provide necessary accommodations during their care. 
  • Tutoring: Tutors are available both in-hospital and at home to help your child keep up with their studies. 
  • School Teachers: The Child Life department at Children’s includes teachers with open availability Monday-Friday to promote young patients’ ongoing education during treatments.   
Nutrition and Play

Discovering foods they like and dislike and exploring the world through play are two foundational ways that children develop their identities. Siteman Kids keeps those essential parts of your child’s development in mind as part of their personalized treatment plans. Side effects from treatment can impact your child’s appetite and energy levels, so we offer the expertise of dietitians and physical therapists to help.  

  • Nutrition Plans: Licensed dietitians create tailored meal plans to balance dietary needs with your child’s preferences. Even picky eaters can get the nourishment they need with the help of dieticians. 
  • Exercise Programs: Physical therapists plan ways for your child to stay active and engaged, promoting strength and well-being. Kids learn about the world through play, so we keep things playful and fun, even when they are feeling the fatigue of treatments.  
  • Play-based Therapies: The Child Life department at Children’s gives young patients the space and time to express themselves and process their emotions through art therapy and music therapy. Licensed therapists trained in both art and music are available Monday through Friday for individual and group sessions. 

How does Siteman Kids support families?

Parents and caregivers of kids who have cancer are in a unique position. They need to help their child grow up and survive an unexpected illness while balancing work and other responsibilities. Experts at Siteman Kids are knowledgeable at helping families navigate this complex world through several different services and resources.  

Financial Guidance

The costs of cancer treatments can be overwhelming. Siteman Kids has financial counselors on staff to assist you with: 

Family Resources

Living with pediatric cancer affects the entire family. We offer a range of resources to support you, including: 

  • Family Counseling: Licensed psychologists give virtual therapy sessions to family members and caregivers experiencing the stress and emotional toll of the diagnosis. 
  • Sibling Programs: Our program gives support to siblings of a child who has cancer to address their specific emotional needs.  
  • Center for Families: Located on the third floor of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, this center offers a variety of services to families of inpatients, including a business center, kitchen, laundry room, living rooms and Family Partner Support. 
  • Survivorship Program: The survivorship program begins for patients two years after they have completed treatment. Our experts monitor them as they grow and continue support throughout the rest of their life to be able to provide prompt intervention if any late effects, a kind of side effect, develop.  
  • Fertility Preservation: Treating pediatric cancer can impact a child’s fertility later in life, making it more difficult to conceive in adulthood. Physicians in the Integrated Care & Fertility Preservation Program explain these late effects to patients and families. Physicians discuss ways to preserve or protect future fertility of their patients.   
  • Cancer Predisposition Program: Families who suspect their child or children are at greater risk for developing cancer can consult with the Cancer Predisposition Program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The program offers genetic testing, counseling and other forms of support.

Specialized Care for Kids with Cancer

Discover the holistic, personalized cancer care we give children at Siteman Kids.