When your child has cancer, their physical needs are important. But so are their social and emotional ones. Our Pediatric Support Center team concentrates on these needs to provide caring support for your child and your entire family. We offer engaging activities and deliver a range of complementary therapies in a compassionate, uplifting environment. Protecting and nurturing your child’s psychological health during and after treatment is our priority.
Our welcoming, family-friendly facility includes a jellyfish-filled aquarium in the lobby along with family waiting and conference rooms. During treatment, children can enjoy interactive activities, such as movies, video games or tours of other countries, on our large multiscreen displays.
Our Pediatric Support Center offers a wide variety of resources:
Patient Navigation Program
Patient navigators are your family’s guide to our healthcare system. They can:
- Communicate with your child’s care team
- Explain treatment options
- Help manage your child’s symptoms
- Manage medical paperwork
- Refer you to physicians or support services
- Resolve insurance issues
Psychosocial Oncology
We have a team of professionals who can address your child’s emotional and psychological needs, including pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and chaplains. These child-life specialists help relieve your child’s fear and anxiety during cancer treatments. They explain procedures and medical terms in language that is easy for your child to understand.
Their psychosocial support strategies include:
- Brain fitness program, which utilizes innovative virtual reality computerized programs to improve cognitive impairments
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and/or pharmacotherapy for anxiety
- Individual and family therapy
- Mind-body therapies like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing techniques, visual guided imagery and mindfulness meditation
- Pastoral counseling
- Support groups and educational classes
- Treatment of cancer-related fatigue and cognitive dysfunction
Our team also supports your child’s academic success. They can help your child keep up with schoolwork or prepare them to return to class.
Integrative Medicine
Our Pediatric Integrative Medicine team pairs evidence-based complementary therapies with traditional medical care. Together, these treatments address the physical and emotional symptoms your child may experience during cancer treatment. Your child may benefit from:
- Art therapy
- Massage therapy
- Movement therapy
- Music therapy
- Nutrition guidance
Rehabilitation
Your child may need rehabilitation throughout treatment, recovery and life after cancer. Our physical, occupational and speech therapists work with your child to improve their functional skills and self-care. Your child will become more independent with newfound confidence. With ongoing therapy, they can get back to being a kid again.
Pain Management
Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute’s Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Team collaborates with your child’s oncology team to treat pain and other symptoms. They use integrative medicine therapies, new medications and innovative procedures to promote your child’s happiness, healing and improved quality of life.
Nutrition and Exercise Counseling
Good nutrition, exercise and healthy living can help the body heal. Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute’s registered dietitians and exercise physiologists work with your child’s medical team to develop a personalized nutrition and exercise plan to help your child feel better and stay stronger during treatment. Sticking with these healthy behaviors after treatment can lower your child’s risk for other cancers or late side effects from treatment.
Survivorship Program
Our care for your child doesn’t stop with their last cancer treatment. Their follow-up care is equally important. Our team of experts monitor and manage your child’s health and check for potential delayed complications after treatment.
We often partner with your child’s primary care physician to monitor growth, development and cognitive (learning) issues that may result from treatment. We also provide counseling on preventive health behaviors and promote wellness through healthy lifestyle habits. Our goal is to help your child achieve the best possible quality of life.
