Psychological Care

West Michigan Cancer Center offers comprehensive counseling services for patients and caregivers. WMCC social workers provide short term counseling sessions for cancer related issues with patients and their caregivers at no cost to the recipient. For patients seeking longer, ongoing counseling opportunities, our social workers are able to assist with referrals to licensed psychologists. Crisis intervention is also assessed and addressed by our social workers. For further information, call the WMCC Social Work Department at 269-373-7446 or email socialwork@wmcc.org

Social Work Services

Samantha Rowland, LMSW, CBIS and Megan Putz, LMSW, are on staff, full time. They coordinate all support services including support groups, crisis intervention, employment rights, counseling sessions, classes, assistance with financial and community resources, retreats, transportation and lodging needs. Email socialwork@wmcc.org or click here for more information on our Social Work Services.

Nutritionist

WMCC employs a registered dietitian who provides complimentary nutrition counseling, upon physician referral, to WMCC patients by appointment. The dietitian also facilitates our Nutrition & Cooking Class, held quarterly on the first Thursday of the month. Call 269-373-0109.

Community Mental Health Resources

• Crisis phone link in Kalamazoo: Gryphon Place
• Kalamazoo Community Mental Health link
• Calhoun County Community Mental Health

‘Ask the Expert’ Educational Support Group

In collaboration with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Cancer Society, this program is facilitated by the West Michigan Cancer Center.

Sessions are designed for newly diagnosed patients and patients in treatment, and their caregiver and are facilitated by the WMCC medical social workers. We have all heard the phrase: “Knowledge is Power”. WMCC provides an opportunity to gain knowledge through educational supportive programming. This program prepares patients and their caregivers for situations that may arise during diagnosis and treatment. There is no charge for this program which is offered on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:15 p.m.

Issues cancer patients face that will be discussed include:

• Diagnosis and treatment
• Side effects of treatment
• Self-esteem and intimacy
• Communicating concerns and feelings
• Financial concerns
• Pain management
• Nutritional and physical activity
• Cancer related fatigue
• Keeping well in mind, body and spirit.

RSVP required—contact Megan Putz, WMCC Social Worker, at 269-384-8629 or email mputz@wmcc.org .

American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better Program – 4th Monday of the month at 5:30 pm

This program is facilitated by a beauty professional  volunteer through the American Cancer Society to assist women in learning about makeup, skin care, nail care, and ways to deal with hair loss such as with wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each woman gets a free makeup kit to use during and after the workshop. Please call the local American Cancer Society for registration at 269-349-8719.