Providing Holistic Support: The Role of Social Work at Boston Children’s Hospital
Rachel Nyakako serves as a clinical social worker in the Children’s Hospital Primary Care Center (CHPCC) at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between families and vital mental and behavioral healthcare resources. Working within a multidisciplinary team, Nyakako’s responsibilities encompass conducting psychosocial assessments, delivering ongoing therapy, coordinating care, intervening during crises, and connecting families to necessary resources and referral services. “A family may come in for a well-child visit or to urgent care and want to speak to a social worker,” she explains. “We’re here to establish relationships and act as a resource hub for diverse needs.”
Nyakako’s journey into social work began during her studies in osteopathy in the United Kingdom, where she developed a keen interest in the mental health components of holistic care. Upon her return to the United States, she shifted her focus to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW), drawn particularly to Simmons University’s program for its clinical focus and the opportunity to specialize in trauma-informed care. “I knew I wanted to do therapy after graduation,” she says, emphasizing the program’s potential to equip her with skills applicable across various fields.
The Social Work + Trauma Practice Certificate program at Simmons provided Nyakako with an in-depth understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals throughout their lives. Beyond classroom instruction, she engaged in a robust simulation partnership with Tufts University School of Medicine, allowing her to role-play scenarios with medical students, thereby enhancing her practical skills. Her initial internship at Babson College exposed her to crisis intervention and psychoeducation related to COVID-19, while her subsequent placement at Franciscan Children’s allowed her to focus on medical social work with children and adolescents. In this capacity, she provided therapy to patients in the Inpatient Adolescent Unit and coordinated family meetings while collaborating with a dynamic healthcare team.
Nyakako expresses a deep sense of fulfillment in her role at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she supports families navigating difficult challenges. “When they come in for an appointment and share pictures of their child’s graduation or a new baby, we’re there for both the struggles and the joys, fostering a sense of community in our work,” she reflects. This holistic approach underscores the importance of social work in improving the mental health landscape within pediatric care, highlighting the integral role social workers like Nyakako play in not only addressing urgent needs but also in nurturing long-term well-being.
As mental health awareness grows, the contributions of social workers in healthcare settings are becoming increasingly vital, emphasizing the need for trained professionals capable of supporting diverse family dynamics through both challenging and celebratory times.
