Stephanie Aguirre, LCSW

Responsibilities   

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the UCLA Simms/Mann Center, I provide psychosocial care and support to our patients and their loved ones as they navigate different stages of their cancer journey. This support may range from emotional check-ins during an infusion visit, assisting with navigating the healthcare system, formal assessment of an individual’s needs followed by the necessary referrals, and individualized therapy. In my practice, I have come to appreciate the importance of providing a nonjudgmental and calming space in order to nurture a strong therapeutic relationship with my patients and their loved ones.   

Training and Professional Experience   

After receiving my bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology with a minor in Deaf Studies/American Sign Language from the University of California San Diego (UCSD), I went on to earn my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California (USC). During my time in graduate school, I interned with One Generation Adult Day Healthcare Center. I helped provide one-on-one support using motivational interviewing techniques, reminiscence, and other nontraditional interventions such as creative art therapies with individuals facing different forms of cognitive decline. Upon graduating, I had the opportunity to work for our Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital where I participated in a multidisciplinary setting, assisted with safe discharge planning and placement, and provided crisis intervention to our adult population. I then transitioned to the inpatient setting at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center where I worked with the adult liver transplant population doing hospital social work. During my time here, I assisted with program development meant to improve patient access to alcohol-use disorder resources/treatment options in collaboration with my addiction medicine and hepatology colleagues. As such, I have experience working with those facing chronic health issues, challenges with addiction, significant life adjustments, interpersonal conflict, and issues of grief/loss.   

Selected Professional Publications  

Choi G, Benhammou JN, Yum JJ, Saab EG, Patel AP, Baird AJ, Aguirre S, Farmer DG, Saab S. Barriers for Liver Transplant in Patients with Alcohol-Related Hepatitis. J Clin Exp Hepatol. 2022 Jan-Feb;12(1):13-19. doi: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.09.015. Epub 2021 Sep 22. PMID: 35068780; PMCID: PMC8766699.   

Saab S, Choi G, Benhammou JN, Amini C, Yum JJ, Rahal K, Aguirre S, Baird AJ, Farmer DG. Comparison of social support in alcohol hepatitis patients accepted and denied for liver transplantation. Dig Med Res 2021;4:47. doi: 10.21037/dmr-21-46   

Personal Interests   

Outside of work, I enjoy a good strength-training workout, finding new hiking trails in my area, reading on my Kindle, spending time with my family, going to AYCE sushi, and trying new food spots (preferably mom & pop spots, but all recommendations are welcome!).