Social Work

At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, clinical social workers support patients and their families throughout their time with us. We're here to make sure you have everything you need to provide for your child and support their healing. We'll take care of you. You're not in it alone.

About Clinical Social Work at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Our clinical social workers are trusted resources for the families we serve. We’re here as your advocates throughout your hospital stay and beyond. Our social work team offers:

• Unique support for every family: Social work support takes many forms, depending on what you need. We’re here to answer questions, connect you with hospital and community resources, and more.
• 24/7 help: Our team of more than 100 social workers has the reach to help any child or family at CHLA. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide 24/7 support. Any time, day or night, a social worker is available when you need one.
• Unparalleled expertise: The Clinical Social Work team includes masters-level and licensed providers, as well as bachelor-level caseworkers, who are trained to provide care, coordination, therapy, and support for patients and families.
• Protection for the most vulnerable: The Audrey Hepburn CARES Center provides compassionate examinations, diagnosis and intervention for suspected child abuse victims and their families. Team members also provide education and training throughout the region.

How Clinical Social Workers Support Your Child and Family

The Clinical Social Work team’s goal is to support patients and families and make sure they have what they need while at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. We work with you to determine your needs and the best way to address them, including connecting you with direct behavioral health services. Our Clinical Social Workers are embedded as part of the Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison Service and many other medical teams at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Depending on the patient, family and the circumstance, clinical social workers can provide support with:

• Behavior and school challenges
• Connecting patients and families with hospital and community resources
• Crisis intervention
• Discharge planning
• Emergency assistance
• Finding answers about your child’s diagnosis and treatment
• Connecting patients and families with their medical team
• Grief counseling
• Psychotherapy services
• Providing or finding support groups
• Teaching families coping skills

Contact Us

If your family is interested in receiving social work services at the hospital, ask your charge nurse or clinic staff. You also can call us directly at 323-361-2485.