Social Work Services
We're Here For You
MS can feel overwhelming, but finding support doesn't need to. At IMSMP, our Social Work Department helps patients and their families navigate ups, downs, and logistics of MS. Our licensed social workers are trained to help each person thrive within their own environment.
We offer:
- 1:1 sessions with patients and families to discuss the home environment, relationships, and coping strategies.
- In-person and virtual MS support groups
- Disability and workplace-related accommodation assistance,
- Help navigating government entitlement eligibility
- Assistance with Medicare and insurance questions
- Information about home care, meal delivery, and transportation services
- Letters of absence or exclusion
- Hospital liaison services
FAQ
What is the difference between social work and therapy?
Social workers and therapists both help people, but their focus and training can differ. Social workers often address practical life needs plus emotional support, while therapists mainly focus on emotional and psychological treatment.
Can you help me file for disability?
We do not file the application itself, but we do meet with and guide patients through the process.
Do you see family members of patients?
Yes -- we can meet with them a few times, but if they need more, we will refer them to couples or family counseling.
What happens during a new patient social work assessment?
We hold in-depth conversational sessions with patients and families to assess problems in the home environment, relationships and coping. These conversations take place in our office, or sometimes on Zoom. We bring our findings from these discussions to the interdisciplinary team in the event that there is something discovered that could be eased through medical care, and use practical resources we are familiar with as social workers to make recommendations for next steps.
Why is social work an important part of MS care?
Social work is an important part of MS care because MS affects every area of life, and patients need more than medical treatment -- they need support for the emotional, social, and practical challenges that come with the disease.
