Aditi Wahi-Singh Headshot

Aditi Wahi-Singh, LCSW

Clinical Oncology Social Worker

Responsibilities

As a clinical social worker at the Simms/Mann Center, primarily serving patients in Orange County, in the Laguna Hills clinic, I provide comprehensive, evidence-based psychosocial services to patients and families as they undergo the unique challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. My goal is to provide emotional support through individual counseling while also connecting patients and families to myriad resources available to make their cancer journey as seamless as possible. I aim to empower patients and assist in reducing stress to allow focus on their healing. I do this by working collaboratively with the medical providers and by establishing a connection with my patients through empathy, active listening and non-judgement. I hope to be a resource to patients and to assist in maintaining or improving their quality of life as they navigate their cancer experience.

Training & Professional Experience

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Social Behavior and Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of California, Irvine. During this time, I conducted research measuring levels of anxiety and uncertainty of illness and their impact on patients’ quality of life. The results were astounding to me as I learned the impact our thoughts and feelings can have on our health and the overall wellbeing of our bodies. I went on to work as a Project Manager at the UCI Chao Comprehensive Cancer Center running several nationwide NIH studies and clinical trials and learning a tremendous amount about the psychosocial burdens of cancer.

After a few years of working in oncology research settings, I decided to pursue my Master of Social Work (MSW) to train as a clinician and provide supportive care to oncology patients. While in my MSW program at University of Southern California (USC), I had the opportunity to intern at Kaiser Permanente’s Behavioral Health Program, providing brief therapy and care coordination to patients in outpatient clinics throughout Orange County.

After graduating from USC, I worked as a clinical social worker at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in various inpatient and outpatient settings, including pediatric and adult oncology. In this position I had the opportunity to support patients and families through their cancer journey and provide support and care to them as they navigated the difficulties that come with a cancer diagnosis. Each of these experiences have shaped me over the years and have led me to this career as a clinical oncology social worker and I could not be more grateful for my journey. I am thrilled to have now found my home at the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology and feel honored to be able to provide psychosocial care to cancer patients and families as they go through their unique cancer journey.

Selected Professional Publications

  • Tucker, J.A., Osann, K., Hsieh, S., Wahi, A., Monk, B.J., Wenzel, L., Nelson, E.L. (2021). Longitudinal changes in sleep association with shifts in circulating cytokines and emotional distress in a cancer survivorship population. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 28: 140-50.
  • Wenzel, L., Osann, K., Wahi, A., Scroggins, M. & Birrer, M. J. (2016). Quality of life  among long-term ovarian cancer survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology.
  • Wahi, A. Phelan, M., Sherman. S.,  Sender,  L.S.,  Fortier, M.A. (2015). The impact of Ethnicity, Language, and Anxiety on Quality of Life in Children with Cancer. Applied Research in Quality of  Life, 1-20.              
  • Fortier, M.A., Wahi, A., Bruce, C., Maurer, E.L., Stevenson, R. Pain Management at Home in Children with Cancer: A Daily Diary  Study (2013). Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 1545­47.      
  • Fortier, M.A., Batista, M., Wahi,  A., Kain, A., Strom. S., Sender, L. (2013). Illness Uncertainty and Quality of Life in Children with Cancer. Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 35(5):366-70.

Personal Interests

Outside of my life as a clinical social worker, I enjoy spending time with my children, husband and our pup. Some of my hobbies include spending time at the beach, trying out new coffee shops and restaurants, reading, hiking, traveling, and learning about different cultures. As a part of my own self-care, I engage in activities such as yoga, mindfulness, and spending quality time with friends and family. I am grateful to have a fulfilling career doing something I love and look forward to learning and growing in the years to come.

Languages

Hindi/Punjabi