Sometimes just being in the hospital can raise questions or create stress for you or members of your family. For this reason, medical social services are available to all Cottage patients and their families at no additional charge. Social workers can help you deal with the stresses caused by illness and hospitalization. They offer counseling and referral services to help you adjust to illness or disability. Please ask your nurse to put you in touch with the medical social worker assigned to your unit or call the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Medical Social Services department at (805) 682-7111, x7495.