The Importance of Counseling After a Cancer Diagnosis

People who face cancer and those who care for them experience many stresses and emotional upheavals. Talking with an objective and caring professional can help the patient and family and non-family caregivers express feelings, share fears, talk about family issues, raise concerns about the health care team, improve the ability to solve problems, and tap into inner sources of strength and hope.

How is it Done?

Counseling can be as informal as dropping in to see the chemotherapy clinic social worker or as structured as a weekly psychotherapy appointment. Social workers at comprehensive cancer centers and university medical centers specialize in the emotional and practical aspects of cancer. In psychotherapy, you and the therapist togetheridentify issues that are important for you and agree to work on them together. Counseling goals may include learning to address current challenges with confidence, managing stress, reshaping self-defeating ideas, identifying strengths and applying them to your circumstances, and strengthening your social support.

Does it Work?

Numerous studies show that counseling helps cancer patients cope better and feel more effective as they navigate the health system. Research also shows reductions in distress, depression, and anxiety and improved quality of life for those who receive counseling from a skilled mental health provider familiar with the cancer journey. Some cancer patients also find that antidepressant medication helps support and strengthen the work done in counseling.

Is it Safe?

Generally, counseling is safe. Professional counselors have an ethical and legal responsibility to provide a confidential and trusting relationship. You can research the qualifications of a counselor by asking to see his or her license, and then contacting the state board that licenses them.

Practitioner Qualifications

Counselors should have a graduate degree from an accredited university and be licensed by a state board. Counselors also may specialize in working with cancer patients and their families or have additional training in the use of complementary therapies, such as guided imagery or biofeedback. Ask your doctor for a referral or call national organizations that represent particular professions. Master's-level social workers are specialized in cancer care and work in settings including chemotherapy clinics, radiation therapy departments, inpatient hospital floors, and private practice.

Cost in Time and Money

Oncology social workers or nurses with mental health training sometimes offer free counseling in cancer clinics. Mental health professionals in the community charge from $90 to $250 per hour, depending on their profession. Most health insurances reimburse for short-term counseling. The client and counselor agree on the number of therapy sessions, based on need and/or insurance coverage. Counseling sessions generally are weekly and last about 50 minutes.