Do you need a referral for psycho-oncology counselling?

Some cancer centres accept self-referrals, while others arrange counselling through your oncologist, nurse or primary care clinician. Contact the service directly and ask what it requires before booking.

A referral is a clinical request that introduces you to the psycho-oncology team and explains relevant cancer care, symptoms and medicines. It can help the counsellor coordinate with your treatment team, but needing one is an administrative access rule rather than a sign that your concerns are unusually severe.

Psycho-oncology support can address fear, low mood, treatment stress, changes in relationships, sleep difficulties, body-image concerns and adjustment after treatment. Family members and caregivers may also be eligible for support, depending on the service.

Ask the cancer centre whether you can book directly and whether it needs a referral letter or a summary of your treatment. If a referral is required, your oncology team or primary care clinician can usually direct the request to the appropriate service.

When contacting the clinic, mention whether you prefer an in-person or remote appointment, whether you need language support, and whether a caregiver will attend. You do not need to wait until distress becomes overwhelming to ask for counselling.

Seek urgent help now if you are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, feel unable to keep yourself safe, or are severely confused or agitated. Contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department, and tell a trusted person who can stay with you. Do not wait for a routine counselling referral in these circumstances.

Ask who receives the referral, how counselling will fit around cancer appointments, whether family sessions are available, and whom to contact if distress worsens before the first visit. You can also ask how information is shared between the counsellor and oncology team.