Which specialist performs psycho-oncology counselling?

A psycho-oncology professional helps you manage the emotional and practical impact of cancer. Sessions may cover fear, sadness, anger, sleep difficulty, treatment-related stress, changes in body image, family communication and worries about the future. A psychiatrist can also assess whether medication may help with significant anxiety, depression or other mental-health symptoms.

The counsellor or psychologist works alongside your oncology team. They do not replace your cancer specialist, and counselling does not alter your cancer treatment plan unless you and your treating team agree on a change.

Ask your oncology clinic whether it has a psycho-oncology service or can refer you to a mental-health professional familiar with cancer. You can mention the specific problem you want help with, such as panic before treatment, difficulty telling family members, or persistent low mood.

Before the first appointment, check whether sessions are individual, family-based or group-based, and ask how urgent concerns are handled between appointments. Bring a list of current medicines and any symptoms affecting sleep, eating or daily activities.

Contact your cancer team promptly if distress is making it hard to attend treatment, take medicines, eat, sleep or care for yourself. Seek urgent help if you feel unsafe, have thoughts of harming yourself, or cannot manage an immediate crisis; contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

Which mental-health professional is available through my cancer service? What experience do they have with my diagnosis and treatment? Could my family or caregiver join a session? How will you coordinate counselling with my oncology care?