Smith Center’s Approach to Patient Navigation
At Smith Center, our integrative navigators focus on engaging people in using their innate healing abilities to live better and potentially longer lives. Our goal is to empower each person to take a more active role in their healing and well-being through education, information, connection to community, assistance with resources, and emotional support.
We create a safe, confidential space for individuals to explore their personal challenges in living with cancer, wherever they are on their journey – newly diagnosed, moving through treatment, focused on recovery, or dealing with a recurrence. We work alongside you to make your experience less stressful and more in alignment with your life so that your unique needs and circumstances are addressed.
Our integrative navigation model advocates the use of integrative therapies that can support the individual physically in better coping with the side effects of cancer and its treatments as well as supporting recovery and overall wellness. We also offer many creative resources that address the emotional and spiritual issues raised by a cancer diagnosis, offering opportunities for healing on all levels.
To request navigation services, simply complete the Navigation Services Request Form or call Smith Center at 202-483-8600 during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect to meet with a caring professional who is committed to helping you get the support you need and deserve. Together you will explore your current challenges in living with cancer and find supportive resources that can assist in reducing the burden of these challenges. Our navigators serve as guides through the cancer experience, offering their presence, wisdom, and compassion to ease the journey.
Integrative navigators:
- Listen to your needs and goals, providing a compassionate and supportive ear;
- Empower you to better manage your care, including assisting you in compiling questions for your providers and supporting you in getting second opinions;
- Assist you in coping with your disease and treatment side effects;
- Educate and support you in selecting and accessing appropriate, evidence-based complementary therapies to support your healing on all levels
- Inform you in coordinating your integrative care with your physicians/medical team.
Any adult who has been diagnosed with cancer is eligible. Navigation services are also offered to family members or caregivers of cancer patients.
All Smith Center Integrative Navigators must successfully complete the Center’s comprehensive training in integrative navigation before they may offer navigation services at the Center.
To request navigation services, simply complete the Navigation Services Request Form or call Smith Center at 202-483-8600 during business hours. Our navigators can speak with you by telephone and are also are happy to schedule a time to meet with you in person if that is preferable.
Prior to meeting with your navigator, we ask that you read and acknowledge our Navigation Services Waiver Form.
You may meet with a navigator as often as you wish. Appointments are typically scheduled for one hour.
Your donation makes it possible to continue our life-enhancing programs and support for those affected by cancer. Any amount will help!