Psychosocial Program

Even though you or your teenage child is being treated at a children's hospital, teens and young adults have different social, mental health, and informational needs than younger children.

Teen Cancer Connection is a program supporting adolescents and young adults (AYA) who are 13 years or older with cancer or a cancer diagnosis here at SickKids. The program will help AYA:

• identify their individual needs and receive 1:1 personalized support
• access education and psychosocial support
• connect with relevant hospital and community resources and services, and connect with other AYA patients

Email teen.cancer@sickkids.ca or talk to your oncology team for more information.

Download the AYA Resources List (PDF)

The ACT Initiative focuses on supporting patients and parents/caregivers adjusting to life after the completion of active cancer treatment. During this time, patients and families spend more time at home and in their communities. New routines need to be established and “normal” needs to be redefined.

The ringing of the bell is a significant part of the cancer journey, marking the end of treatment. While this momentous occasion can bring feelings of joy and pride, there can also be feelings of nervousness, anxiety and even sadness. Experiencing a mix of emotions is normal. The ACT Initiative, consisting of the Haematology/Oncology Psychosocial Team, supports processing these emotions, coping and overall mental health.

Please speak with your medical team if you are interested in seeking additional support.

As part of the initiative, resources like websites and videos can be helpful in answering questions about what comes next, addressing some concerns prior to discussing further with your health care team, and more!

Resources for adjustment after active treatment

The Children’s Oncology Group outlines different aspects of an ‘after cancer treatment’ journey for caregivers at various stages including:

• One month
• Two to six months
• Six to twelve months
• A year and beyond

Specific to your cancer diagnosis, there may be organizations that have resources tailored to you and your treatment journey.

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
• Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
• Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada

Resources for coping and mental health after active treatment

• Anxiety Canada
• Facts & Feelings – BC Cancer
• Mental Health after Active Treatment – Stupid Cancer
• Getting Back to Normal – American Cancer Society
• After Treatment – Macmillan Cancer Support UK
• Life After Cancer Treatment for Young Adults – Cancer.Net

General cancer resources

Cancer Learning Hub – AboutKidsHealth 

• Teens
• Parents

• Camp Wanakita
• Camp Jumoke
• Camp Sunshine

• Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada (AAMAC)
• Diamond Blackfan Anemia Canada (DBA)
• Fanconi Canada
• Hemophilia Ontario
• Thalassemia Foundation
• Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO)

For more information about the following topics:

• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities - Employment Insurance Benefits (EI)
• Family Caregiver Benefits
  • Compassionate Care
  • Sickness Benefits
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Ontario Works (OW)
• Special Services at Home (SSAH)

Please visit our Financial & Legal Assistance page.

• Ronald McDonald House

For more information about short term and long term accomodations, please visit our Staying Overnight page.

• Campfire Circle
• Camp Quality
• Camp Sunshine

• Gilda’s Club
• Hearth Place
• Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer (OPACC)
• Wellspring
• POGO Pediatric Interlink Community Nurses

• Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC)
• Pediatric Oncology Financial Assistance Program (POFAP)

For more information about the following topics:

• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
• Employment Insurance Benefits (EI)
• Family Caregiver Benefits
• Compassionate Care
• Sickness Benefits
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Ontario Works (OW)
• Special Services at Home (SSAH)

Please visit our Financial & Legal Assistance page.

• Canadian Cancer Society – Wheels of Hope Program
• Northern Health Travel Grant (NHTG)

• Make-A-Wish
• Starlight Children’s Foundation

• 13thirty
• Look Good Feel Better
• CHOP AYA FAQS
• Living Out Loud
• MacMillan; Relationships
• Young Adult Cancer Canada

Adolescent Medicine Specialists works with teen patients on issues specific to their needs including mental and social stresses, fertility and body image.

Child Life Specialists play a unique part in your child’s care, helping them cope with stress and anxiety during their treatment through a creative blend of care/therapy including art, music and play-based activities 

Expressive Art Therapists use a variety of creative arts as a form of therapy to allow patients to express themselves through painting, music and song.

Interlink Community Nurses provide a valuable link between hospital, home life and community for you and your child including helping to build support systems to help your child be successful at school during their cancer treatment.

Psychiatrists support patients with clinically significant emotional distress and can diagnose and treat mental health conditions that may or may not be related to their cancer journey.

Psychologists provide specialized mental health and learning supports. As part of the oncology team, clinical and health psychologists provide evidence-based assessment and treatment for behavioural, cognitive and emotional challenges associated with a child or adolescent’s cancer experience. Intervention is tailored to promote coping and adjustment at the time of diagnosis, throughout treatment and after treatment. Neuropsychology works to identify and asses any learning or memory challenges and assist in developing strategies and educational supports to maximize a child’s potential.

Resource Navigators provide support to SickKids patients and parents who need community information and help to apply for resources to address their health-care related costs, as well as other specific needs

Social Workers focus on helping meet emotional, social, financial, and practical needs that may arise throughout the cancer journey. Social workers work at the intersection of health and mental health, providing a variety of interventions to help you and your family cope through the cancer journey.