Background: Screening for psychosocial distress is an unmet need for cancer survivors. The oncology team has a critical role caring for the whole patient. We designed a comprehensive screening for newly referred patients in a community oncology setting. The purpose of our screening is early detection of moderate to severe distress and early intervention through social workers. Methods: This feasibility study included 292 newly diagnosed cancer and hematology patients entering our center between May 1 and July 31, 2015. Each participant completed the NCCN Distress Thermometer with checklist and PHQ-2 survey as part of the New Patient Questionnaire. The psychosocial team designed the triage process and contacted each patient if either the distress score or the PHQ-2 scores were ≥ 4. The screened patients underwent counseling by social work and were provided educational materials by nurse navigators and referred to community counselors as needed. Results: 67 % of the 292 newly diagnosed patients completed the screening tool. The average distress score was 4.31, and the average PHQ-2 score was 1.48. Based on the predefined criteria, 63% of all new patients reported significant distress. One-third of these patients had a distress score of 4, and were managed by nurse navigators. 63 patients with higher score were seen by social worker, 23 (37%) were referred to community counseling and 16 (25%) received ongoing follow-up. The documented need of psychosocial counseling increased by 28% during the program. By the end of the project period the early detection rate of severe depression (PHQ-2 ≥ 4) increased from 33% to 80%. The majority of the patients appreciated the distress screening, and the suggested coping strategies and support. Conclusions: Distress screening for newly diagnosed hematology and oncology patients is feasible in the community oncology setting. A large number of previously undetected patients with distress and depression were identified. The distress tool aided in early intervention and providing follow-up. The screening was also effective in identifying patients with high distress and in need to mitigate a crisis. Providing appropriate resources and referrals is essential to manage the extra workload on the psychosocial team.