Supportive Care
Supporting Our Patients
At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, care begins with compassion and continues with thoughtful support for every aspect of life with cancer. Our supportive care services are designed to ease side effects, strengthen the body, calm the mind, and nurture emotional and spiritual well-being.
Each cancer experience is unique, and so is the support we provide. Whether it’s regaining strength through rehabilitation, managing anxiety with music therapy, or navigating complex decisions with a social worker, our patients have access to a wide range of specialized services. Offered at multiple locations — and often at no additional cost — these resources are part of our commitment to treating the whole person.
Supportive Care Services
From rebuilding strength to making informed choices about risk, our top supportive care services — cancer rehabilitation, nutrition, and genetics — are designed to help patients feel stronger, supported, and seen.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.
All supportive care programs and services
We offer acupuncture to help relieve treatment-related symptoms like nausea, fatigue, pain, and anxiety. It’s a gentle, non-invasive therapy that supports comfort and well-being during cancer care. For services in South Puget Sound, call 360-412-8951.
Art therapy at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute provides a safe, creative space for patients and caregivers to explore emotions, manage stress, and support healing through the expressive arts. No artistic experience is required — just a willingness to try. Sessions are guided by board-certified art therapists and offered at no cost to patients and their families.
Art therapy is available to all Providence Swedish Cancer Institute patients and caregivers at no cost. To learn more or schedule an appointment, send an email or call 206-309-5437.
The Cancer Education Center connects patients, families, and caregivers with reliable, personalized cancer information and support. Located at First Hill, the center provides brochures, books, complimentary wig fittings, retail, and staff guidance to help patients and their families navigate a cancer diagnosis.
For more information about the Cancer Education Center, please call 206-386-3200 or email PSCI.Education@Swedish.org.
To sign up for a complimentary email subscription to Life to the Fullest, our patient newsletter, or suggest a topic for a future issue, please email us at PSCI.Education@swedish.org.
We are one of only a handful of national programs to offer a dedicated rehabilitation program led by a fellowship-trained rehabilitation physician. Our cancer rehabilitation medicine program helps patients regain strength, manage treatment-related side effects, and stay active during and after cancer care. Services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The goal is to restore function and improve quality of life throughout cancer treatment and into survivorship.
Cancer psychiatry helps patients navigate the psychological and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment. Psychiatric care is provided by board-certified specialists who collaborate closely with each patient's oncology team. Treatment plans may include therapy and medication management tailored to individual needs.
If you think you may benefit from psychiatric support, speak with your oncologist or social worker about getting a referral. For more information, call 206-215-2275.
If you’re in urgent need of mental health support, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Our financial counselors help patients navigate the cost of care with compassion and respect — regardless of their ability to pay. Our team works one-on-one with patients to explore options that may reduce out-of-pocket costs, including financial assistance, Medicaid, and qualified health plan enrollment. If patients are facing financial hardship or need help applying for support programs, our counselors are ready to guide them through the process.
Contact your social worker or request a financial counselor through your care team.
Before or after diagnosis, our cancer genetics team helps patients and their families understand inherited cancer risk and make proactive decisions about screening, prevention, and treatment. Learn more on our cancer genetics page or for patients in South Puget Sound, call 360-412-8988.
Music therapy helps patients and families use music to cope with cancer’s emotional and physical challenges. Offered by board-certified music therapists, sessions include live or recorded music, songwriting, and guided relaxation. Music therapy sessions are offered free of charge, and no musical background is needed — just an openness to healing through sound.
Music therapy is offered at First Hill, Issaquah, and Edmonds, with virtual options available. Send an email of call 206-386-6711.
Medical massage therapy at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute supports symptom relief and healing for people living with cancer. This specialized form of massage can help reduce pain, fatigue, nausea, insomnia, and emotional distress, as well as improve mobility and relaxation. Licensed and certified therapists are also trained in techniques to address swelling and fluid retention, including edema and lymphedema management.
Before booking a medical massage therapy session, consult with your oncologist or patient-care team, as referrals are required.
For more information or to schedule a session, call 206-527-9709 or fax 206-526-2991.
Naturopathic care supports whole-person healing with evidence-informed guidance on supplements, nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle. Provided through a partnership with Northwest Natural Health, this service is tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, treatment plan, and preferences. It complements conventional cancer therapies to help patients feel their best.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with naturopathic services, please call 206-386-3015 in Central Puget Sound and 360-412-8951 in South Puget Sound.
Nutrition plays a critical role before, during, and after cancer treatment. Registered dietitians at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute provide personalized support to help patients maintain strength, manage treatment side effects, and meet their individual dietary needs and preferences. Whether navigating appetite loss, weight changes, digestion issues, or specific nutrient requirements, our experts collaborate closely with other care team members to optimize patients’ overall well-being and recovery.
No referral is needed. Nutrition services are available on-site and by phone consultation: 206-215-6213 in Central Puget Sound or 360-412-8951 in South Puget Sound.
Palliative care at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute is designed to ease the physical and emotional challenges that can accompany cancer and its treatment. Our dedicated team of specialists focuses on relieving pain, managing symptoms, and supporting the psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of patients and their families. Whether integrated alongside active treatment or provided on its own, palliative care is about improving quality of life, honoring personal goals, and helping each patient live as fully as possible.
Contact your social worker or ask your care team for more information. You may also call 206-215-3050 in Central Puget Sound or 360-486-2999 in South Puget Sound.
Oncology social workers provide emotional support, practical resources, and counseling for individuals, couples, and families navigating cancer. They help patients manage the emotional toll of diagnosis and treatment, address financial and logistical challenges, and access community support. Services are available before, during, and after cancer treatment.
You can contact the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute Social Work team directly at the following numbers:
- First Hill: 206-386-3228
- Edmonds: 425-673-8328
- Ballard: 206-781-6359
- Issaquah: 425-313-4224
- Lacey: 360-493-7960
Support groups provide a safe, understanding space to connect with others navigating similar experiences. Facilitated by trained professionals, these groups are open to patients, caregivers, and community members at any point before, during, or after cancer treatment. Many groups are offered virtually, increasing accessibility across a wide range of locations.
Visit our support groups and education portal for a list of current offerings and to register or call 206-386-3200 in Central Puget Sound, 360-492-7960 in South Puget Sound.
Survivorship services support the transition from active treatment to life after cancer, with an emphasis on healing, renewal, and long-term wellness. Offerings include virtual classes, journaling workshops, practical wellness tools, and personalized guidance. The Survivorship team collaborates closely with care providers to ensure continuity and support through this next phase.
Contact your social worker or ask your care team for more information.
Register for a Class or Support Group
Explore education and wellness classes designed to support patients, caregivers, and families through every stage of cancer care. From nutrition and movement to creative therapies and recovery planning, these offerings are open to all — our classes are a safe, supportive space where individuals of all backgrounds and identities can learn, heal, and connect.
Registration is required for all cancer education classes. Browse all available options in our Classes and Support Groups brochure (PDF).
Frequently Asked Questions
The art therapy program at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute is generously funded through philanthropic support. Donations from the community help make our program possible. To donate or learn about how you can support our art therapy program, email Christine Chan or call 206-215-6538.
Music therapy at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute includes a range of offerings designed to support emotional and physical well-being throughout cancer treatment. Options include:
- Individual Sessions – Complimentary 60-minute appointments tailored to each patient’s therapeutic goals, helping manage side effects and build emotional resilience during or after treatment.
- Virtual Group Music Therapy Classes – Interactive classes that promote self-expression, stress relief, and peer connection in a supportive environment.
- Treatment Center Visits – Short (5–20 minute) sessions offering live music in infusion or treatment areas, designed to ease anxiety and enhance relaxation.
- Music Medicine – Curated playlists created to reduce stress during procedures such as bone marrow biopsies, Gamma Knife treatments, or radiation therapy. Ask your clinic about access to these playlists.
Note: Services vary by location. Please contact your clinic for more information.
The music therapy program at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute is generously funded through philanthropic support. Donations from the community help make our program possible. To donate or learn about how you can support our art therapy program, email Christine Chan or call 206-215-6538.
Each session is customized to your individual needs by a licensed massage therapist and certified lymphedema therapist, in coordination with your care team. Sessions may include massage techniques, gentle stretching, or manual lymphatic drainage, with careful attention to pressure and positioning. Treatment can be performed directly on the skin or through clothing, depending on your comfort level.
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