Liver transplantation has become an accepted treatment for many patients with end‐stage cirrhosis. Often, liver transplant candidates have had to cope with alterations in their daily life routines for a number of years prior to transplantation. Both patients and their families may experience stress associated with chronic illness. Although the prospect of a liver transplant may add a dimension of renewed hope for a normal life, new fears regarding outcome usually arise. A mixture of hopes and worries will be apparent during the inpatient stay required for the evaluation of transplant candidacy. This article focuses on the psychiatric and psychosocial assessment of these patients. We also describe interventions to ensure optimal psychosocial care during hospitalizatio