Dealing with illness and uncertainty can be an extremely challenging time. Many people find that talking with a chaplain can help during this period. Chaplains with Spiritual Care Services provide support to patients, family members, friends and staff members at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

An integral part of our health care team, chaplains representing many faiths are available around-the-clock to be a caring presence, offer spiritual and emotional support, and listen with openness and understanding. Patients, families and staff are encouraged to call a chaplain when experiencing feelings of fear, anger, loneliness, helplessness, anxiety, grief or loss, or when they just need someone to talk to. Chaplains also are available for times of celebration, prayer and rituals.

Chaplains are available to support all of our patients and their families regardless of beliefs and religious affiliation. You do not need to be affiliated with a congregation or faith community to call a chaplain. However, if you do belong to a community, we can notify a faith community of your choice to make a visit. Your minister, rabbi or other spiritual advisor may visit you and your child at any time.

Services

• Contact with your home congregation and clergy
• End-of-life issues
• Ethics consultations
• Family support
• Help in interpreting your spiritual needs to staff
• Memorial services
• On-site meditation rooms
• Pastoral support in times of stress
• Prayer
• Sacraments or religious rituals
• Spiritual literature or sacred texts

Meditation Room

Our Meditation Room is a quiet place available to you and your family for reflection, prayer, meditation and comfort.

The room is located on the first floor of the hospital, at 505 Parnassus Ave.