Transplant Institute
The Transplant Institute, part of the Department of Surgery, offers nationally recognized patient care, research programs, and education and training opportunities.
Transplant Behavioral Health Services & Support
Boosting the well-being of transplant recipients and their caregivers
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Information, Assistance and Guidance for Successful Transplant Surgery
The time surrounding an organ transplant can be difficult, physically and mentally. And the challenges can affect everyone involved. Often, caregivers experience a wide array of emotions. Fear, anxiety and depression are common.
At the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Transplant Institute, we understand the complexities of an organ transplant for all involved. And we know how important good mental health is to a successful surgery and recovery.
To help the transplant journey go smoothly, we offer behavioral health programs, counseling and support groups. Our team of clinical social workers and psychologists have special expertise and experience working with transplant patients and their caregivers. If necessary, we can call in psychiatric specialists who also have extensive transplant experience. All our experts are here to support you every step of the way.
More About Transplant Behavioral Health Services
Acceptance for Transplant
Our team participates in your care from day one. Part of the process to determine your eligibility and readiness for transplant includes a psychosocial and behavioral health evaluation. The goal is to identify and try to resolve issues that might interfere with the success of your surgery and long-term recovery.
Our programs help with these and other issues:
- Alcohol and drug relapse prevention
- Depression and anxiety
- Quality of life before and after transplant
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Stress related to illness, transplantation or transplant caregiving
- Medication management
- Smoking cessation
Our transplant social worker also assesses your personal support system. Getting a new organ is a major life event. One key to a successful transplant is the commitment that supportive caregivers and friends can make to your health and well-being.
Our behavioral health programs can help strengthen your support system. Help is available for living donors, those receiving new organs, as well as family members before, during and after the transplant surgery.
Before Your Transplant
We're here to help with all the challenges you might face before your organ transplant.
If you're accepted for transplant, waiting for an organ to become available can be difficult. It may be even more difficult if your wait is long or if you have false alarms (when you think it's time for your transplant, only to learn it's not). We're with you through every leg of this journey.
During pre-transplant check-ins at the Transplant Institute while you wait for your new organ, we monitor your emotional well-being. We know that depression and anxiety can impact quality of life as well as survival after an organ transplant. We're here to help when times are tough. Remember, a positive outlook is critical for successful surgery, recovery and overall good health.
To help keep your mind and your body healthy:
- Do not smoke cigarettes — quit if you are a smoker
- Eat healthy foods and follow your prescribed diet
- Exercise to the best of your ability
- See your doctor regularly
- Take your medications as directed
Other services we offer before surgery include transplant orientation classes and support groups. Support groups can provide reassurance and comfort, information, friendship and help in dealing with the emotional issues surrounding chronic illness and transplantation. We also provide living organ donor education. You and your caregivers may be interested in learning more about living organ donation if you're in need of a new liver or kidney.
After Your Transplant
There's a lot involved in caring for yourself after organ transplant. Whether you've received a new organ yourself or you're caring for someone who has, at times it might seem overwhelming. We help you adjust in the hospital and after your discharge.
We educate you and your caregivers about your disease, treatment, recovery, medications and much more. And we're always available to answer questions.
For many people, our organ transplant support groups are especially helpful. They allow you to spend time with others who understand what you're going through. As a result, you may feel less isolated and more hopeful about your future. You may get helpful advice for dealing with challenges, too. We can provide you with details about support groups here at BIDMC, as well as groups in your local community.
Receiving an organ transplant can be life changing, but that doesn't mean it won't be stressful. Our team can offer coping strategies. We also can help with your transition from inpatient recovery here at the hospital to your own home.
