Emotional support for children and families.
Childhood cancer can affect the emotional wellbeing of the whole family. These organisations offer counselling, psychosocial care, support groups, family programmes and other resources to help children, parents, siblings and caregivers cope.
Organisations that can help.
The resources below were selected because their official websites specifically describe emotional, psychological, psychosocial or family support connected to childhood cancer.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Provides psychosocial services and family support throughout a child's illness. The team includes psychologists, social workers, child-life specialists, music therapists and other professionals who support children, siblings, parents and caregivers.
St. Jude →CURE Childhood Cancer
Offers a dedicated counselling programme addressing the psychological needs of families affected by childhood cancer. Support can include counselling sessions for the child, parents and siblings through licensed therapists.
CURE Childhood Cancer →Georgia & eligible families
CancerCare for Kids
Provides free professional support from oncology social workers for children and adolescents affected by cancer, including one-on-one counselling, support groups, resource navigation and programmes for parents and families.
CancerCare for Kids →Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance
Provides emotional, educational and practical support to families of children with cancer. Parent consultants and family programmes help families navigate the emotional challenges of childhood cancer.
Candlelighters →Texas
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada
Offers emotional support, peer connection, art therapy and professional counselling for children with cancer, siblings, parents and families. Counselling is available through in-person and telemedicine options.
Candlelighters Nevada →Nevada
Cancer Support Community
Provides professionally led psychosocial support for people affected by cancer and their families. Services include individual and group counselling, support for children and teens, education, navigation and community connection.
Cancer Support Community →Nationwide network
Children's Oncology Group
Provides trusted patient and family resources for children and young people with cancer, including guidance for families from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. Its network also connects families with specialised childhood cancer care.
Children's Oncology Group →International network
National Cancer Institute
Provides evidence-based guidance specifically for families facing childhood cancer, including resources on coping, communication, sibling support, relationships and finding professional and community support.
National Cancer Institute →Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Its Resource Navigator helps childhood cancer families identify and connect with support that fits their individual needs, including resources provided by trusted organisations.
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation →Childhood Cancer Canada
Provides emotional and mental wellness support to children, parents, caregivers and siblings affected by childhood cancer, including virtual support groups, one-on-one counselling, sibling and teen programmes and wellness sessions.
Childhood Cancer Canada →Canadian Cancer Society
Provides information and access to support for children and families affected by childhood cancer, including peer support, family counselling resources, online communities, camps and connections to local services.
Canadian Cancer Society →Asociación Mexicana de Ayuda a Niños con Cáncer (AMANC)
Provides comprehensive support to children and adolescents with cancer and their families in Mexico. Its psychosocial model includes psychological support, social assistance and interventions throughout treatment and beyond.
AMANC →A note about psychological support
Psychological and psychosocial services can vary by location, age, diagnosis and stage of treatment. Some organisations serve families only within specific states or through participating hospitals. Always check the organisation's official website and eligibility requirements before contacting or applying for support.
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