Blood and Marrow Transplantation Psychosocial Support Program

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Learning that your child needs a blood marrow¹transplant²is an emotionally difficult journey for both you and your family. The Psychosocial Support Program within the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BMT) is here to support your child’s whole well-being – mind, body and spirit – through every stage of illness and treatment.

Stem Cell Transplant Timeline

We’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you understand the transplant journey from diagnosis to treatment to long-term care.

View the timeline

Contact Information

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the BMT Psychosocial Support Program, please call us at 202-476-6749.

Appointments

Psychosocial Support for Blood and Marrow Transplant Patients

Our multidisciplinary team, including social workers, child life specialists and psychologists, is specially trained to help families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of the transplant journey. A social worker will meet with your child before the transplant process begins to discuss potential stressors and help prepare for what lies ahead. Throughout the process, we collaborate closely with your child’s medical team to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care possible.

Compassionate Care and Support for Families

At Children’s National Hospital, we understand that a child’s illness affects the entire family. Our psychosocial team is here to support every family member. Social workers help facilitate communication between your family and the care team, while also offering counseling and emotional support.

Education is another key part of recovery. Our educational specialists help your child stay on track academically by coordinating tutoring during hospitalization and planning for a smooth transition back to school. To ease the stress of long hospital stays, our art and music therapists bring creative, therapeutic activities to the bedside, offering children a joyful outlet for expression and healing.

We also support families in expressing their values and preferences through Voicing My Choices and discussions about advanced care planning. These conversations help ensure that care aligns with each patient’s goals and needs.

Integrative Therapies with the PANDA Team

To enhance comfort and well-being, our PANDA team offers supportive therapies such as:

Aromatherapy
Massage therapy
Acupuncture
Acupressure

These services are available to help manage symptoms, reduce stress and promote healing during the transplant process.

Educational and Creative Support

Education is a vital part of recovery. Our educational specialists work to keep your child academically engaged by coordinating tutoring during hospitalization and planning for a smooth return to school.

To help ease the anxiety of long hospital stays, our art and music therapists provide creative, therapeutic activities at the bedside. These experiences give children a joyful outlet for expression and healing.

Patient KenLeigh engaging with a therapy dog

Family Support Services

Children's National offers a variety of resources to help you and your family on your treatment journey.

Explore support services

Glossary Terms

1. Bone Marrow: The spongy center of bones that is the “factory” for all blood cells in circulation

2. Transplant: A medical treatment to replace a recipient’s diseased organ or tissues with a healthy organ or tissue from a donor

View full glossary

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