Natalie Buchen, LCSW

Responsibilities

As a clinical social worker at the Simms Mann Center for Integrative Oncology and the Bowyer Oncology Clinic in Westwood, I support our patients and their families as they navigate cancer diagnosis and treatment. I have a special focus on our hematology/oncology patients undergoing stem cell transplant and am honored to walk alongside them throughout their transplant journey. I complete psychosocial evaluations, provide support in the clinic setting, and collaborate with the medical team to ensure optimal access to comprehensive care.

Training / Professional Experience

I hold a bachelor’s degree with dual majors in Psychology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

While completing my MSW degree, I interned at multiple community agencies providing trauma-informed therapy and support for survivors of domestic violence. After graduating, I served as a Domestic and Sexual Violence Clinician at the YWCA and launched essential programming for children and adolescents impacted by violence. I most recently served as the Living Donor Advocate at Keck Medicine of USC, where I was recognized as the 2024 Program Social Worker of the Year. During my time at Keck, I helped patients navigate complex medical systems, provided psychosocial support for critically ill patients, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to deliver expert patient care. I also had the opportunity to provide psychosocial support at Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and found myself constantly in awe of my patients’ strength and resilience. I was drawn to the world of oncology care and am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting our hematology/oncology patients at UCLA.

Publications

Breaux, R. P., Dvorsky, M. R., Marsh, N. P., Green, C. D., Cash, A. R., Shroff, D. M., Buchen, N., Langberg, J. M., Becker, S. P., & Becker, S. P. (2021). Prospective impact of COVID-19 on mental health functioning in adolescents with and without ADHD: Protective role of emotion regulation abilities. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Personal Interests

In my free time, I enjoy cuddling with my dog, Cleo, tending to my houseplant collection, playing beach volleyball, and making Sunday dinners with my grandma. I also love trying out new coffee shops and restaurants whenever I get the chance. I’m from the East Coast and never take the sunshine for granted, so you’ll find me soaking up the sun as much as possible!