Social Work Services

Social Workers at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst provide an array of services to meet the diverse needs of the people within our community. We seek to enhance the lives of our patients and their families on all levels by addressing their emotional and social needs. Social Workers care about the “whole” of a patient’s life. They help patients and families cope and plan the next step while other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, focus on the patient’s medical treatment. Social Workers offer warmth and support during crisis situations, and can assist if a patient’s well-being is affected by their housing, financial, family, or mental health status.

Social Workers meet this challenge daily ensuring that our services are accessible to patients and relevant to their needs. For example, we help patients adjust to acute or chronic illness, assist in setting up safe discharge plans, stabilize patients in emotional crisis by providing psychotherapy, counseling and providing links to vital Hospital or community resources. Social Workers have knowledge of cultural, socioeconomic and ethnic differences that enable them to provide sensitive care to all patients. Social Workers are available in every department and area of the Hospital to assist patients and families with psychosocial issues related to maintaining health and coping with illness.

Do you need help?

If you are in need of assistance, please ask to speak with a Social Worker; you may ask at the front desk of the clinic or the inpatient area where you are receiving care. You can also ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a Social Worker at any time during your stay at the Hospital. Additionally, you may call the Social Work Department directly at 718.334.2650. The Social Work Office is located on the first floor of the Main Building, Room A1-25. When working with a Social Worker, you can be confident that you are in the hands of a caring and competent professional. All of our Social Workers have a Masters of Social Work degree and receive licensure from the NYS Department of Education.

The Social Work Department offers special programs in the following areas:

• Child Life Program
• Anti-Violence Family Program
• Smoking Cessation
• Language Access Program
• Volunteer Services