Cancer Therapists in Palo Alto, CA

Photo of Lianzhe Zheng, Psychologist, PhD
Lianzhe Zheng
Psychologist, PhD
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Many of my clients are women, people of color, and 1st or 2nd generation immigrants. Navigating family relationships, trauma and chronic stress, and your relationship to work can be hard at times. I am here to support you to build a deeper connection with yourself and your community. I particularly enjoy working with people who are exploring their identities, such as race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and class. Common concerns include scarcity mindset and imposter syndrome, microaggressions, LGBTQ+ identity development, and immigration mental health.
Many of my clients are women, people of color, and 1st or 2nd generation immigrants. Navigating family relationships, trauma and chronic stress, and your relationship to work can be hard at times. I am here to support you to build a deeper connection with yourself and your community. I particularly enjoy working with people who are exploring their identities, such as race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and class. Common concerns include scarcity mindset and imposter syndrome, microaggressions, LGBTQ+ identity development, and immigration mental health.
(650) 582-2129 View (650) 582-2129
Photo of Rachel Prabhu, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Rachel Prabhu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Online Only
My specialty areas are pregnancy loss, fertility challenges, and cancer support.
I integrate somatic work to help you reconnect with your body and ease physical manifestations of grief, while narrative therapy offers a space for you to reexamine your story in a way that supports healing. With DBT, we work on building mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance so you can regain a sense of balance.
My specialty areas are pregnancy loss, fertility challenges, and cancer support.
I integrate somatic work to help you reconnect with your body and ease physical manifestations of grief, while narrative therapy offers a space for you to reexamine your story in a way that supports healing. With DBT, we work on building mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance so you can regain a sense of balance.
(510) 880-3441 View (510) 880-3441
Photo of Dr. Brittany S. Caulkins, Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Brittany S. Caulkins
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer.
I have extensive training in ACT for anxiety and depression. Using ACT and other techniques, I guide clients in how to live a meaningful life, build self-awareness, and cope with stressful situations. I honed these skills during my postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Medical Center, where I specialized in working with cancer patients.
I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer.
I have extensive training in ACT for anxiety and depression. Using ACT and other techniques, I guide clients in how to live a meaningful life, build self-awareness, and cope with stressful situations. I honed these skills during my postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Medical Center, where I specialized in working with cancer patients.
(650) 699-6087 View (650) 699-6087
Photo of Brittany Anne McLaren, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Brittany Anne McLaren
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
I know life can feel overwhelming, and it's okay to seek help. You may be navigating intense emotions like anxiety or depression, or experiencing strain in your relationships. Perhaps you're adjusting to significant life changes or healing from past hurts. Whatever you're going through, I'm here for you, offering a compassionate, judgment-free space where your voice matters. Together, we can work through these challenges, creating a personalized plan to find balance, build coping strategies, and strengthen your relationships. Let's work together to nurture the resilience and positive change you deserve in your life.
I know life can feel overwhelming, and it's okay to seek help. You may be navigating intense emotions like anxiety or depression, or experiencing strain in your relationships. Perhaps you're adjusting to significant life changes or healing from past hurts. Whatever you're going through, I'm here for you, offering a compassionate, judgment-free space where your voice matters. Together, we can work through these challenges, creating a personalized plan to find balance, build coping strategies, and strengthen your relationships. Let's work together to nurture the resilience and positive change you deserve in your life.
(415) 569-1794 View (415) 569-1794
Photo of Angela A Sowa, Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Angela A Sowa
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Palo Alto, CA 94306
While some individuals enter therapy with acute distress and specific problems that need to be addressed; others have a more vague feeling of discontent. In either case, the self-exploration of analytic work is meant to expand the way one thinks and feels. Learning to think creatively is one way to describe the goal of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. WIth guidance, an individual learns to hold the tension of multiple perspectives/emotions resulting in a flexibility of thinking that involves both analytic and imaginative parts of the mind. This "full thinking" can be applied to personal life issues, relationships and creative pursuits.
While some individuals enter therapy with acute distress and specific problems that need to be addressed; others have a more vague feeling of discontent. In either case, the self-exploration of analytic work is meant to expand the way one thinks and feels. Learning to think creatively is one way to describe the goal of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. WIth guidance, an individual learns to hold the tension of multiple perspectives/emotions resulting in a flexibility of thinking that involves both analytic and imaginative parts of the mind. This "full thinking" can be applied to personal life issues, relationships and creative pursuits.
(650) 381-9588 View (650) 381-9588
Photo of Jeff Clark, Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Jeff Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Palo Alto, CA 94306
It has been over 30 years of helping families, adolescents and children. There have been hundreds of family members enjoying better lives and better relationships. You can, too! Give me a call or set up an appointment and lets start figuring out the right direction and getting past the things that are in the way to help you have the best years of your life!
It has been over 30 years of helping families, adolescents and children. There have been hundreds of family members enjoying better lives and better relationships. You can, too! Give me a call or set up an appointment and lets start figuring out the right direction and getting past the things that are in the way to help you have the best years of your life!
(650) 241-1720 View (650) 241-1720
Photo of Dr. Nina Singh - Dr. Nina Singh | Inclusive Health Psychology, Psychologist, PhD
Specialized training in Behavioral Medicine, Cancer, Family Therapy, & Palliative Psychology at Palo Alto VA Health.
Expert care for chronic health conditions and preventive health - including sleep, eating habits, and physical activity. As a South Asian health psychologist with specialized training in behavioral medicine, I've learned that tuning into the nuances of your health AND culture leads to lasting change. I work to: 1) Help individuals & couples move from suffering to resilience, 2) Enable folks to apply psychological techniques to their health, whether to fix sleep or learn mindful eating, and 3) Help bicultural clients navigate the rich, at times pain-in-the-ass complexities of life.
Specialized training in Behavioral Medicine, Cancer, Family Therapy, & Palliative Psychology at Palo Alto VA Health.
Expert care for chronic health conditions and preventive health - including sleep, eating habits, and physical activity. As a South Asian health psychologist with specialized training in behavioral medicine, I've learned that tuning into the nuances of your health AND culture leads to lasting change. I work to: 1) Help individuals & couples move from suffering to resilience, 2) Enable folks to apply psychological techniques to their health, whether to fix sleep or learn mindful eating, and 3) Help bicultural clients navigate the rich, at times pain-in-the-ass complexities of life.
(650) 675-2213 View (650) 675-2213
Photo of Andrea Throndson, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Andrea Throndson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in grief, addiction, and trauma. In the late 1990’s, I had the privilege of running the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. At that time, I witnessed first hand the power and strength of the human spirit. In my work with Kara in Palo Alto (Grief counseling agency), the Addictions Institute, the Camden Center (treatment for anxiety and addiction) and Abilities United (serving nuerodivergent clients), I have had the privilege of working with many diverse populations. I bring years of evidence-based practices to my work.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in grief, addiction, and trauma. In the late 1990’s, I had the privilege of running the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. At that time, I witnessed first hand the power and strength of the human spirit. In my work with Kara in Palo Alto (Grief counseling agency), the Addictions Institute, the Camden Center (treatment for anxiety and addiction) and Abilities United (serving nuerodivergent clients), I have had the privilege of working with many diverse populations. I bring years of evidence-based practices to my work.
(650) 540-1241 View (650) 540-1241
Photo of Jayn Rajandran - Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org, Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
(650) 727-1761 View (650) 727-1761
Photo of Anne Elise Joseph-Ingham, Psychologist, PsyD
Anne Elise Joseph-Ingham
Psychologist, PsyD
3 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I am a warm and direct psychologist. For over 20 years I've had the privilege of helping people with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions, issues related to gender and sexuality, relationships and many other things. Together, we can take on what is most difficult in your life and help you feel more fulfilled and more alive. Whether it’s getting help with symptoms of anxiety or depression, or addressing difficulties with relationships and intimacy, i will work to understand you and tailor treatment to your individual needs..
I am a warm and direct psychologist. For over 20 years I've had the privilege of helping people with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions, issues related to gender and sexuality, relationships and many other things. Together, we can take on what is most difficult in your life and help you feel more fulfilled and more alive. Whether it’s getting help with symptoms of anxiety or depression, or addressing difficulties with relationships and intimacy, i will work to understand you and tailor treatment to your individual needs..
(844) 325-4982 View (844) 325-4982
Photo of April R Holman - April R Holman PHD A Professional Psychology Corp, Psychologist, MA, PhD, MFT
April R Holman PHD A Professional Psychology Corp
Psychologist, MA, PhD, MFT
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process helping clients enhance their coping and adaptation. I have extensive experience using a diverse array of evidence-based treatment interventions, and often integrate strategies. Treatment goals are established with the client, using those tools that best fit client's goals, whether more limited or far reaching in scope. I work with adults, kids 12 years and older,adults, the elderly,and couples. For kids peer pressure, bullying, academic problems, self harm, developmental transitions, parenting issues among other problems are addressed . Please view my website for an in-depth view of how I work with clients.
I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process helping clients enhance their coping and adaptation. I have extensive experience using a diverse array of evidence-based treatment interventions, and often integrate strategies. Treatment goals are established with the client, using those tools that best fit client's goals, whether more limited or far reaching in scope. I work with adults, kids 12 years and older,adults, the elderly,and couples. For kids peer pressure, bullying, academic problems, self harm, developmental transitions, parenting issues among other problems are addressed . Please view my website for an in-depth view of how I work with clients.
(650) 879-8842 View (650) 879-8842
Anna Lewis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Palo Alto, CA 94302
Therapy often helps when both the client and therapist put their time and effort into the process. Whether you are bringing a specific issue or you just need an open, non-judgmental space in which to be heard, I’d like to help. To start I’ll find out what you want out of therapy, what’s worked in the past, and what hasn’t. I’ll talk honestly about a timeline and encourage you to ask questions, voice any concerns, clarify your expectations and offer me feedback.
Therapy often helps when both the client and therapist put their time and effort into the process. Whether you are bringing a specific issue or you just need an open, non-judgmental space in which to be heard, I’d like to help. To start I’ll find out what you want out of therapy, what’s worked in the past, and what hasn’t. I’ll talk honestly about a timeline and encourage you to ask questions, voice any concerns, clarify your expectations and offer me feedback.
(650) 334-0729 View (650) 334-0729
Photo of Wynn Anderson, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Wynn Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Are you thinking about making a change or have you found yourself in the midst of an unexpected challenge? I specialize in working with people navigating life transitions, struggling with anxiety, depression, experiencing sleep problems, relationship difficulties, school issues or managing ADHD. I help my clients uncover core issues and build the skills to succeed in the long-term. As a licensed psychotherapist with experience in counseling across the lifespan, I employ a warm, compassionate client-centered approach. Additionally, I have advanced training from the University of Pennsylvania in behavioral sleep medicine and CBT-I.
Are you thinking about making a change or have you found yourself in the midst of an unexpected challenge? I specialize in working with people navigating life transitions, struggling with anxiety, depression, experiencing sleep problems, relationship difficulties, school issues or managing ADHD. I help my clients uncover core issues and build the skills to succeed in the long-term. As a licensed psychotherapist with experience in counseling across the lifespan, I employ a warm, compassionate client-centered approach. Additionally, I have advanced training from the University of Pennsylvania in behavioral sleep medicine and CBT-I.
(650) 681-0821 View (650) 681-0821
Photo of Rachna Rangan, Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Rachna Rangan
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Life can feel disorienting during times of change. You may find yourself caught in worry, burnout, grief, or self-doubt—unsure how to move forward. Perhaps old coping strategies no longer work, or you’re navigating a major transition in work, health, or relationships. Therapy offers space to pause, reflect, and regain direction. My approach is collaborative and active, blending mindfulness, CBT, acceptance, and lifestyle-medicine principles in a structured yet flexible way to reduce anxiety, restore balance, and support lasting growth.
Life can feel disorienting during times of change. You may find yourself caught in worry, burnout, grief, or self-doubt—unsure how to move forward. Perhaps old coping strategies no longer work, or you’re navigating a major transition in work, health, or relationships. Therapy offers space to pause, reflect, and regain direction. My approach is collaborative and active, blending mindfulness, CBT, acceptance, and lifestyle-medicine principles in a structured yet flexible way to reduce anxiety, restore balance, and support lasting growth.
(650) 675-2738 View (650) 675-2738
Photo of Katherine Viret, Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Katherine Viret
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
There are many reasons you may be seeking therapy: you may want help with a specific issue (divorce, loss, depression, anxiety), you may not be exactly sure why you want help other than a vague sense that things aren't right, or you may be experiencing discontent, anxiety or depression even though you function at a high level and are living a "good" life.
There are many reasons you may be seeking therapy: you may want help with a specific issue (divorce, loss, depression, anxiety), you may not be exactly sure why you want help other than a vague sense that things aren't right, or you may be experiencing discontent, anxiety or depression even though you function at a high level and are living a "good" life.
(650) 453-8966 View (650) 453-8966
Photo of Maggie Wang, Psychologist, PsyD
Maggie Wang
Psychologist, PsyD
Online Only
I provide evidence-based care for a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, work/life transitions, eating disorders, and relationship difficulties. I am also passionate in delivering care that focuses on women's wellness areas such as pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. I have a background in health psychology and work with individuals coping with new medical diagnoses, health conditions, and chronic illnesses.
I provide evidence-based care for a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, work/life transitions, eating disorders, and relationship difficulties. I am also passionate in delivering care that focuses on women's wellness areas such as pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. I have a background in health psychology and work with individuals coping with new medical diagnoses, health conditions, and chronic illnesses.
(650) 242-5173 View (650) 242-5173
Photo of Julie Gerhardt, Psychologist, PhD
Julie Gerhardt
Psychologist, PhD
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Life presents us with many opportunities, moments of fulfillment, lack of fulfillment, trauma and/or terrible loss leading to difficulties in emotional intimacy, isolation, panic, resentment, depression - even despair. Our histories and fears mold our choices and can prevent us from achieving a more meaningful fulfilling life. Therapy involves, in part, a journey into the life of buried feelings/beliefs about self and others. Coaching involves emotionally intelligent problem solving. My clients typically consist of professional adults and couples who feel stuck in their lives/relationships. Some are in acute distress, others are unsure of the source/nature of their more chronic difficulties.
Life presents us with many opportunities, moments of fulfillment, lack of fulfillment, trauma and/or terrible loss leading to difficulties in emotional intimacy, isolation, panic, resentment, depression - even despair. Our histories and fears mold our choices and can prevent us from achieving a more meaningful fulfilling life. Therapy involves, in part, a journey into the life of buried feelings/beliefs about self and others. Coaching involves emotionally intelligent problem solving. My clients typically consist of professional adults and couples who feel stuck in their lives/relationships. Some are in acute distress, others are unsure of the source/nature of their more chronic difficulties.
(650) 262-4719 View (650) 262-4719
Photo of Lisa Shumway, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Lisa Shumway
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Everyone deserves to feel like themselves. Sometimes life gets ahead of us and we can feel lost, stuck and/or disconnected. It can be distressing and cause suffering. Maybe it is a major life event or role change, a spiraling negative thought pattern, mounting academic or career pressure, or parenting or relationship challenges. Whatever the reason, it takes courage to seek help and effort to imagine change and improvement. You have taken the first step. Your next steps will be joined by a therapist who will treat you with respect and work diligently to address your presenting problem.
Everyone deserves to feel like themselves. Sometimes life gets ahead of us and we can feel lost, stuck and/or disconnected. It can be distressing and cause suffering. Maybe it is a major life event or role change, a spiraling negative thought pattern, mounting academic or career pressure, or parenting or relationship challenges. Whatever the reason, it takes courage to seek help and effort to imagine change and improvement. You have taken the first step. Your next steps will be joined by a therapist who will treat you with respect and work diligently to address your presenting problem.
(650) 275-5479 View (650) 275-5479
Photo of Kevin Kuhlow, LAADC, MS
Kevin Kuhlow
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303
I work with high‑performing professionals and executives who want to improve health, manage stress, and perform at a higher level, but find alcohol or other habits are getting in the way. Many don’t relate to traditional rehab or recovery models and want a discreet, practical approach. Drawing on my background as a senior executive and licensed counselor, I help clients use science‑backed tools to restore balance, improve well‑being, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
I work with high‑performing professionals and executives who want to improve health, manage stress, and perform at a higher level, but find alcohol or other habits are getting in the way. Many don’t relate to traditional rehab or recovery models and want a discreet, practical approach. Drawing on my background as a senior executive and licensed counselor, I help clients use science‑backed tools to restore balance, improve well‑being, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
(650) 420-4560 View (650) 420-4560
Photo of Dr. Emily Moore, Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Emily Moore
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a Licensed Psychologist with advanced education and training from leading academic medical centers. After completing my PhD at McGill University, I pursued specialized postdoctoral training at Stanford University and later spent two years on faculty at Stanford Medicine. I specialize in working with high-achieving professionals who are struggling with burnout, stress, perfectionism, self-criticism and procrastination. I also have a particular interest and expertise in working with individuals experiencing chronic pain and other persistent physical symptoms. I thrive working at the intersection of physical and mental health.
I am a Licensed Psychologist with advanced education and training from leading academic medical centers. After completing my PhD at McGill University, I pursued specialized postdoctoral training at Stanford University and later spent two years on faculty at Stanford Medicine. I specialize in working with high-achieving professionals who are struggling with burnout, stress, perfectionism, self-criticism and procrastination. I also have a particular interest and expertise in working with individuals experiencing chronic pain and other persistent physical symptoms. I thrive working at the intersection of physical and mental health.
(650) 383-3757 View (650) 383-3757

See more therapy options for Palo Alto

Cancer Therapists
How does cancer affect mental health?
A cancer diagnosis is a major life event that can significantly influence the mental health of any individual. Being diagnosed with cancer often introduces a sense of uncertainty about the future, which can cause clients to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and significant distress. Many cancer patients may also worry about the toll that their diagnosis may have on their family, their physical health, their job, and their financial situation. The compounding of such stressors can also decrease mental health in clients and may lead to additional symptoms that can influence mental health, such as sleeping difficulties or social withdrawal.

What is the best psychological therapy for cancer patients?
The best type of psychological therapy for cancer patients is highly dependent on the needs of the individual. The therapy type that a client benefits from may also depend on what stage of the cancer journey they are in. Recently diagnosed cancer patients, for instance, may benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help clients develop skills to manage the emotional distress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Alternatively, cancer patients further along in their journey may benefit from therapies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or other forms of mindfulness therapy to help manage symptoms or physical pain associated with treatment. Clients may also consider group therapy, which offers cancer patients an opportunity to receive support from other individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Are there any risks or drawbacks in going to therapy while dealing with cancer?
Although attending therapy while dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be helpful, one major concern for cancer patients can be the financial cost of seeking therapy. Many therapists are out-of-network, meaning they do not accept insurance, and thus clients are expected to pay the entirety of the session fee. Since many cancer patients may be out of work as a result of their diagnosis or cancer treatment regimen, the costs of therapy sessions can be substantial. Luckily, many cancer centers and local clinics may offer free or substantially reduced-cost counseling services to cancer patients and their families. In addition, cancer patients may be eligible for grants or other forms of funding from local agencies and nonprofits to seek therapy for their cancer diagnosis. Such opportunities can be very helpful for cancer patients, as they allow clients to obtain the benefits of therapy without the financial strain.

How long does cancer therapy typically last?
The length of cancer therapy depends on the needs of each client. In some cases, cancer patients may only require therapeutic support during the period following their initial diagnosis—to help manage the uncertainty and shock of a cancer diagnosis. In other cases, clients may choose to receive therapy throughout their treatment, and even following, their cancer journey. Pursuing therapy for a longer period of time can help clients develop a deeper relationship with their therapist and provide opportunity to process the challenges presented by cancer treatment, such as physical pain, and challenges associated with cancer survivorship, such as ongoing identity concerns, physical limitations, or relationship challenges.