Cancer Therapists in San Diego, CA

With a certified specialization in psychosocial oncology, I can help you and your loved ones navigate through the cancer diagnosis.
I understand that life happens to all of us. You can feel overwhelmed by unexpected situations, unfortunate losses and unendurable psychological pains. Exposure to high levels of prolonged stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Intense anxiety or panic attacks and social isolation are common experiences. Seeking help means that you are ready to work and bring your life into a healthier balance. Through self-acceptance and care, you can gain more tools to improve your lifestyle and relationships. By listening attentively with non-judgmental empathy, I provide ongoing support with therapeutic insight and expertise in a confidential setting.
With a certified specialization in psychosocial oncology, I can help you and your loved ones navigate through the cancer diagnosis.
I understand that life happens to all of us. You can feel overwhelmed by unexpected situations, unfortunate losses and unendurable psychological pains. Exposure to high levels of prolonged stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Intense anxiety or panic attacks and social isolation are common experiences. Seeking help means that you are ready to work and bring your life into a healthier balance. Through self-acceptance and care, you can gain more tools to improve your lifestyle and relationships. By listening attentively with non-judgmental empathy, I provide ongoing support with therapeutic insight and expertise in a confidential setting.

As a cancer survivor, I understand the burden of anxiety and difficulty enjoying life with so much fear.
You may be getting sick of trying so hard and never feeling like you are enough. Maybe you are drowning in self-doubt and criticism. When the ANXIETY of failing or being rejected becomes your main motivation, it’s time for a new way of being in the world. After working together, my clients are able to enjoy the process of growing, connecting & achieving. Clients start to feel pulled towards their goals, rather than pushed by fear.
As a cancer survivor, I understand the burden of anxiety and difficulty enjoying life with so much fear.
You may be getting sick of trying so hard and never feeling like you are enough. Maybe you are drowning in self-doubt and criticism. When the ANXIETY of failing or being rejected becomes your main motivation, it’s time for a new way of being in the world. After working together, my clients are able to enjoy the process of growing, connecting & achieving. Clients start to feel pulled towards their goals, rather than pushed by fear.

Some of my areas of speciality include working with patients regarding cancer, genetic issues, infertility, reproductive loss and other chronic health concerns.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I am committed to providing a safe,supportive and healing environment. During the course of treatment I will work collaboratively to help clarify issues, set goals, gain insight and understanding, and create more effective and satisfying methods of moving forward in your life. Depending on your needs, the course of therapy can range from short to longer term.
Some of my areas of speciality include working with patients regarding cancer, genetic issues, infertility, reproductive loss and other chronic health concerns.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I am committed to providing a safe,supportive and healing environment. During the course of treatment I will work collaboratively to help clarify issues, set goals, gain insight and understanding, and create more effective and satisfying methods of moving forward in your life. Depending on your needs, the course of therapy can range from short to longer term.

Joseph McConico
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
My specialties are centered on supporting people with value guided living, life transitions, cancer care support, grief & loss, and trauma.
While honoring you being the expert of your life, I seek to walk alongside you as a guide & partner during this particular challenging part of your life journey.
My specialties are centered on supporting people with value guided living, life transitions, cancer care support, grief & loss, and trauma.
While honoring you being the expert of your life, I seek to walk alongside you as a guide & partner during this particular challenging part of your life journey.

Hello there! I'd be happy to work with you. I work with adults and some teens (14 and older) and couples. In-person or video. I enjoy helping those with relationship strain, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+, couples/marital issues, alcohol abuse, PTSD, and difficult life circumstances. I have a specialty in medical psychology (i.e., health behavior change, insomnia, weight loss, cancer, grief/bereavement, etc.). Cognitive behavioral therapy is offered along with a non-judgmental approach that is supportive and non-confrontational. Please email, or text to set up your intake appt. (619) 880-5711. I am an exclusive LYRA Health provider!
Hello there! I'd be happy to work with you. I work with adults and some teens (14 and older) and couples. In-person or video. I enjoy helping those with relationship strain, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+, couples/marital issues, alcohol abuse, PTSD, and difficult life circumstances. I have a specialty in medical psychology (i.e., health behavior change, insomnia, weight loss, cancer, grief/bereavement, etc.). Cognitive behavioral therapy is offered along with a non-judgmental approach that is supportive and non-confrontational. Please email, or text to set up your intake appt. (619) 880-5711. I am an exclusive LYRA Health provider!

I have unique experience providing therapeutic support to those suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer and other medical ailments.
My name is Mindy Richard and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals and families in medical and educational settings. My focus is working with clients with emotional challenges such as Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, mood instability, and emotional distress related to coping with illness and injury. My goal is to help each client learn tools to increase their quality of life and decrease emotional distress.
I have unique experience providing therapeutic support to those suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer and other medical ailments.
My name is Mindy Richard and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals and families in medical and educational settings. My focus is working with clients with emotional challenges such as Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, mood instability, and emotional distress related to coping with illness and injury. My goal is to help each client learn tools to increase their quality of life and decrease emotional distress.

I am skilled at treating PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, trauma, relationship/communication issues, grief/loss, women's issues/postpartum depression, cancer (I’m a breast cancer survivor myself), and LGBTQ+ related issues.
Please note new office location in San Diego! Are you tired of feeling stuck, lost, or anxious? Have you experienced a recent loss or are you struggling with relationship difficulties? Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or trauma? I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment where a healthy therapeutic relationship is built so that you can work towards overcoming these obstacles! I will collaborate with you to help achieve your goals and provide honest feedback and practical, straightforward, and effective interventions. I view each client as unique and adapt my approach to meet your individualized needs.
I am skilled at treating PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, trauma, relationship/communication issues, grief/loss, women's issues/postpartum depression, cancer (I’m a breast cancer survivor myself), and LGBTQ+ related issues.
Please note new office location in San Diego! Are you tired of feeling stuck, lost, or anxious? Have you experienced a recent loss or are you struggling with relationship difficulties? Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or trauma? I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment where a healthy therapeutic relationship is built so that you can work towards overcoming these obstacles! I will collaborate with you to help achieve your goals and provide honest feedback and practical, straightforward, and effective interventions. I view each client as unique and adapt my approach to meet your individualized needs.

Cara Allen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MM, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Seeking support with sexual challenges, relationships, living with cancer, grief, or a combination of these? With over 20 years of experience providing therapy and AASECT certification as a sex therapist, you can talk with me about the things others are uncomfortable talking about. You may have experienced the death of a loved one or a different type of life transition. You may be struggling with adjusting to a new relationship or feeling disappointed with an aspect of your current one. I can provide you with support, insights, treatment, education, and guidance during times of transition and beyond.
Seeking support with sexual challenges, relationships, living with cancer, grief, or a combination of these? With over 20 years of experience providing therapy and AASECT certification as a sex therapist, you can talk with me about the things others are uncomfortable talking about. You may have experienced the death of a loved one or a different type of life transition. You may be struggling with adjusting to a new relationship or feeling disappointed with an aspect of your current one. I can provide you with support, insights, treatment, education, and guidance during times of transition and beyond.

Veronica Cardenas - Cancer Care Specialist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Online Only
Let’s rediscover the parts of you that the cancer cannot touch and reclaim the hope that’s been missing.
Everything is different now. Since your cancer diagnosis, your entire life has been turned upside down. The future that once felt so bright and full of potential now seems dark and frightening. Not long ago, your schedule was packed with dinners, dates, and vacations. Now, your calendar is all doctor appointments and hospital visits. The physical exhaustion and side effects of treatment pale in comparison to the emotional toll. You’re constantly wracked with fear over your illness. Loved ones offer support, but they don’t understand what you’re going through. You wonder if you’re going to feel this scared and lost forever.
Let’s rediscover the parts of you that the cancer cannot touch and reclaim the hope that’s been missing.
Everything is different now. Since your cancer diagnosis, your entire life has been turned upside down. The future that once felt so bright and full of potential now seems dark and frightening. Not long ago, your schedule was packed with dinners, dates, and vacations. Now, your calendar is all doctor appointments and hospital visits. The physical exhaustion and side effects of treatment pale in comparison to the emotional toll. You’re constantly wracked with fear over your illness. Loved ones offer support, but they don’t understand what you’re going through. You wonder if you’re going to feel this scared and lost forever.

I've provided psychotherapy since 1999, done research in addiction, PTSD, interpersonal violence and cancer.
Are you feeling lost or overwhelmed? Perhaps you are facing relationship issues, a divorce, a health crisis or a growing addiction. Whatever has guided you here is part of your path and not an accident. I am deeply grateful you are here. I can help you move through this difficult time with growth, grace and dignity. All you need to do is open your mind and heart and continue walking. My specialty is awakening through times of crises and transformation. There are no accidents; you are exactly where you are supposed to be in this moment. You Can Do This.
I've provided psychotherapy since 1999, done research in addiction, PTSD, interpersonal violence and cancer.
Are you feeling lost or overwhelmed? Perhaps you are facing relationship issues, a divorce, a health crisis or a growing addiction. Whatever has guided you here is part of your path and not an accident. I am deeply grateful you are here. I can help you move through this difficult time with growth, grace and dignity. All you need to do is open your mind and heart and continue walking. My specialty is awakening through times of crises and transformation. There are no accidents; you are exactly where you are supposed to be in this moment. You Can Do This.

The clients that I work most effectively with are adult women and men facing challenges such as anxiety, cancer and chronic illnesses, infertility, life transitions, grief and loss, and stress. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients on their journey to getting back to peace and meaningful connection within their lives.
The clients that I work most effectively with are adult women and men facing challenges such as anxiety, cancer and chronic illnesses, infertility, life transitions, grief and loss, and stress. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients on their journey to getting back to peace and meaningful connection within their lives.
15 Second Videos

Shirla de Magalhães
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT-S, RSP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Serves Area
Would you like to better understand yourself and break free from unhealthy patterns that no longer serve you? I offer a holistic approach to therapy, together we'll explore internal stressors, attachment styles, childhood wounds and unconscious beliefs that may be interfering in your present choices. Collaboratively we'll identify ways to better handle life's challenges such as any kind of grief and loss, trauma, relationship struggles, career changes, moving, acculturation, aging, menopause, empty nesters, retirement, family issues, feeling lost or lonely, caring for aging parents, dealing with cancer or other medical illnesses.
Would you like to better understand yourself and break free from unhealthy patterns that no longer serve you? I offer a holistic approach to therapy, together we'll explore internal stressors, attachment styles, childhood wounds and unconscious beliefs that may be interfering in your present choices. Collaboratively we'll identify ways to better handle life's challenges such as any kind of grief and loss, trauma, relationship struggles, career changes, moving, acculturation, aging, menopause, empty nesters, retirement, family issues, feeling lost or lonely, caring for aging parents, dealing with cancer or other medical illnesses.

You can reclaim your life from anxiety, stress, and medical concerns. You can live a more vibrant and healthy life, and I can walk with you every step of the way through your major struggles and everyday experiences. I will support you in taking action to improve what you can control and navigate what you can’t with deep compassion. You do not have to face these problems alone. Together we will explore the approaches and tools to help you define and move towards a life filled with what matters most to you. My additional subspecialties include: cancer, insomnia, and working with caregivers of those facing medical illness.
You can reclaim your life from anxiety, stress, and medical concerns. You can live a more vibrant and healthy life, and I can walk with you every step of the way through your major struggles and everyday experiences. I will support you in taking action to improve what you can control and navigate what you can’t with deep compassion. You do not have to face these problems alone. Together we will explore the approaches and tools to help you define and move towards a life filled with what matters most to you. My additional subspecialties include: cancer, insomnia, and working with caregivers of those facing medical illness.

Marlene Wendel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I began my career as a therapist for cancer patients and their loved ones, and I have since expanded my view to help folks from all walks of life.
Welcome! I'm Marlene Wendel, an LCSW offering virtual therapy from Santa Rosa, California. I'm deeply committed to helping you heal through the challenges you may have with anxiety, depression, low confidence, perfectionism, grief and loss, and/or PTSD. With close to a decade of experience, I focus on guiding individuals to release past burdens and gain a sense of mastery in their lives. I integrate modern, evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, IFS, ACT, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic tools to address the root causes of feeling stuck and help uncover a grounded, empowered sense of self.
I began my career as a therapist for cancer patients and their loved ones, and I have since expanded my view to help folks from all walks of life.
Welcome! I'm Marlene Wendel, an LCSW offering virtual therapy from Santa Rosa, California. I'm deeply committed to helping you heal through the challenges you may have with anxiety, depression, low confidence, perfectionism, grief and loss, and/or PTSD. With close to a decade of experience, I focus on guiding individuals to release past burdens and gain a sense of mastery in their lives. I integrate modern, evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, IFS, ACT, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic tools to address the root causes of feeling stuck and help uncover a grounded, empowered sense of self.

During my training and work at the Cancer Support Community, through my years of working with clients impacted by medical conditions and physical challenges, as well as through my own personal experience with illness, I have seen and valued the importance of psychological support during this vulnerable time.
My name is Jackie Rabinowitz and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work with people who are dealing with chronic illness and other medical and physical challenges, as well as people experiencing non-medical life transitions such as parenthood, divorce, career changes, and launching. Depending on the best fit for the client, some modalities I use are CBT, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness.
During my training and work at the Cancer Support Community, through my years of working with clients impacted by medical conditions and physical challenges, as well as through my own personal experience with illness, I have seen and valued the importance of psychological support during this vulnerable time.
My name is Jackie Rabinowitz and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work with people who are dealing with chronic illness and other medical and physical challenges, as well as people experiencing non-medical life transitions such as parenthood, divorce, career changes, and launching. Depending on the best fit for the client, some modalities I use are CBT, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness.

I have experience working with clients suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer, burn injuries, critical accidents and those dealing with end-of-life issues with themselves or within their family unit.
I understand how hard life can be sometimes. It is often hard to understand how we feel and determine how to help ourselves feel better. Emotional pain can stem from many different things. I will listen to you and work with you to determine where that pain is coming from and how you can work to better cope with it. It is my goal to help every patient feel heard, understood and valued. You have the strength within you to feel better, I will help you to find that strength and to use it. I will not just help you talk about it. I will help you to understand the pain and identify a better way to feel and a better way to live.
I have experience working with clients suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer, burn injuries, critical accidents and those dealing with end-of-life issues with themselves or within their family unit.
I understand how hard life can be sometimes. It is often hard to understand how we feel and determine how to help ourselves feel better. Emotional pain can stem from many different things. I will listen to you and work with you to determine where that pain is coming from and how you can work to better cope with it. It is my goal to help every patient feel heard, understood and valued. You have the strength within you to feel better, I will help you to find that strength and to use it. I will not just help you talk about it. I will help you to understand the pain and identify a better way to feel and a better way to live.

Dr. Nasrin Vossough is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience. I enjoy working with individuals 18 and older. I would like to help you to be more enthusiastic and optimistic about life. I enjoy working with adults overcoming life challenges and obstacles through mindfulness, relationship building, stress management, awerness, and much more.
Dr. Nasrin Vossough is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience. I enjoy working with individuals 18 and older. I would like to help you to be more enthusiastic and optimistic about life. I enjoy working with adults overcoming life challenges and obstacles through mindfulness, relationship building, stress management, awerness, and much more.

"There is no normal life that is free of pain. It's the very wrestling with our problems that can be the IMPETUS for our growth." (Mister Rogers). Approaching mental health and psychotherapy from a person-centered, solution-focused, and action-oriented perspective allows me to assist individuals from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds with creating and maintaining fulfilling relationships while sustaining a balanced life.
"There is no normal life that is free of pain. It's the very wrestling with our problems that can be the IMPETUS for our growth." (Mister Rogers). Approaching mental health and psychotherapy from a person-centered, solution-focused, and action-oriented perspective allows me to assist individuals from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds with creating and maintaining fulfilling relationships while sustaining a balanced life.

Barbara Morett, Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
Are you looking for a therapist who can hold space for all of your unique identities, neurotypes, culture and relationship dynamics? That's me! I specialize in working with couples who want to understand each other better, but are struggling to find common ground. I work with couples who are from different cultures, backgrounds, or have different neurotypes (Autism, ADHD, PDA) nor where there are a mix of different neurotypes in the relationship. My lived experience with neurodiversity adds to a fuller understanding for the ways neurodiversity affects relationship dynamics.
Are you looking for a therapist who can hold space for all of your unique identities, neurotypes, culture and relationship dynamics? That's me! I specialize in working with couples who want to understand each other better, but are struggling to find common ground. I work with couples who are from different cultures, backgrounds, or have different neurotypes (Autism, ADHD, PDA) nor where there are a mix of different neurotypes in the relationship. My lived experience with neurodiversity adds to a fuller understanding for the ways neurodiversity affects relationship dynamics.

I have been a psychotherapist for over 38 years. I enjoy working with adults of all ages. One of my specialties, is working with care-givers who have had a family member diagnosed with dementia. I have the personal and professional experience of understanding the difficult role required of the care-giver. I help you to balance the role of care-giver, while still maintaining a sense of your self. I will assist you to to get the necessary support, information, and resources to meet your own needs and maintain good self-care. Whether you are caring for a parent, spouse, child or friend, you deserve to have support focused on you.
I have been a psychotherapist for over 38 years. I enjoy working with adults of all ages. One of my specialties, is working with care-givers who have had a family member diagnosed with dementia. I have the personal and professional experience of understanding the difficult role required of the care-giver. I help you to balance the role of care-giver, while still maintaining a sense of your self. I will assist you to to get the necessary support, information, and resources to meet your own needs and maintain good self-care. Whether you are caring for a parent, spouse, child or friend, you deserve to have support focused on you.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Cancer Therapists Searches for San Diego
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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.