Cancer Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Elizabeth Corsale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with cancer patients and their partners.
I work with sensitivity and compassion to create a safe environment in which issues can be explored. I de-mystify the therapeutic process in order to help you maximize your efforts to create the life you wish to have. I help you to discover the unique person you are, whether you are a professional, an artist, a parent, or a couple. Whether your challenge is situational, chronic, or acute, my goal is to help you learn how to create a more fulfilled life and enrich your relationships. I work deeply and pragmatically, so that you gain both insight, development, growth and practical knowledge.
I work with cancer patients and their partners.
I work with sensitivity and compassion to create a safe environment in which issues can be explored. I de-mystify the therapeutic process in order to help you maximize your efforts to create the life you wish to have. I help you to discover the unique person you are, whether you are a professional, an artist, a parent, or a couple. Whether your challenge is situational, chronic, or acute, my goal is to help you learn how to create a more fulfilled life and enrich your relationships. I work deeply and pragmatically, so that you gain both insight, development, growth and practical knowledge.
(415) 723-4321 View (415) 723-4321
Photo of Rebecca LoMonaco, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca LoMonaco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have extensive experience in assisting adults experiencing a cancer diagnosis, supporting a loved one with cancer, facing life transitions, living with chronic illness or coping with grief in all of its forms.
Change and uncertainty are unavoidable parts of life whether initiated by choice or unforeseen circumstance. Change can come in the form of a life transition such as moving, a new job, grief and loss, or even a cancer diagnosis. This can be scary and destabilizing. I collaborate with individuals to develop grounding coping strategies, make meaning out of life's challenges, and identify opportunities for growth. My goal is for you to feel supported and seen in a compassionate, nonjudgmental space.
I have extensive experience in assisting adults experiencing a cancer diagnosis, supporting a loved one with cancer, facing life transitions, living with chronic illness or coping with grief in all of its forms.
Change and uncertainty are unavoidable parts of life whether initiated by choice or unforeseen circumstance. Change can come in the form of a life transition such as moving, a new job, grief and loss, or even a cancer diagnosis. This can be scary and destabilizing. I collaborate with individuals to develop grounding coping strategies, make meaning out of life's challenges, and identify opportunities for growth. My goal is for you to feel supported and seen in a compassionate, nonjudgmental space.
(805) 491-9407 View (805) 491-9407
Photo of Caitlin West, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caitlin West
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
My areas of clinical expertise include breast and gynecological cancers, lung cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, and organ transplant.
Is a chronic or serious illness impacting your life? Are you struggling with anxiety, adjustment to illness, uncertainty, role changes, loss, or depression? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or isolated in your experience? I can help you. I help clients navigate the impact that illness has on all areas of their lives. Please note that I am part of the Compassionate Integrative Counseling Group. Our group consists of three seasoned therapists who specialize in working with patients, caregivers, and loved ones around the complexities of serious illness.
My areas of clinical expertise include breast and gynecological cancers, lung cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, and organ transplant.
Is a chronic or serious illness impacting your life? Are you struggling with anxiety, adjustment to illness, uncertainty, role changes, loss, or depression? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or isolated in your experience? I can help you. I help clients navigate the impact that illness has on all areas of their lives. Please note that I am part of the Compassionate Integrative Counseling Group. Our group consists of three seasoned therapists who specialize in working with patients, caregivers, and loved ones around the complexities of serious illness.
(707) 634-8419 View (707) 634-8419
Photo of Rachel Prabhu, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Prabhu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi! I'm your go-to therapist for all things grief. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual virtual therapy to clients in California. My specialty areas are pregnancy loss, fertility challenges, and cancer support. What do these areas have in common? Grief. That's where I come in. I have a deep capacity to hold someone's grief while they experience it in its entirety and then learn how to cope with it as it shows up in different parts of their lives. Working in the NICU, ante/postpartum, and oncology units for 4 years combined with my personal experience with traumatic loss and cancer informs my work.
Hi! I'm your go-to therapist for all things grief. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual virtual therapy to clients in California. My specialty areas are pregnancy loss, fertility challenges, and cancer support. What do these areas have in common? Grief. That's where I come in. I have a deep capacity to hold someone's grief while they experience it in its entirety and then learn how to cope with it as it shows up in different parts of their lives. Working in the NICU, ante/postpartum, and oncology units for 4 years combined with my personal experience with traumatic loss and cancer informs my work.
(510) 880-3441 View (510) 880-3441
Photo of Charlie Nesbitt, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Charlie Nesbitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have personal experience with cancer and addiction myself.
My areas of specialization include substance abuse, cancer, health-related issues, and trauma. With a background in substance abuse treatment dating back to 2008 and personal experience as a stage 3 lung cancer survivor, I am committed to understanding my clients' unique situations and recommending strategies to facilitate the changes they seek. My goal is to provide genuine assistance.
I have personal experience with cancer and addiction myself.
My areas of specialization include substance abuse, cancer, health-related issues, and trauma. With a background in substance abuse treatment dating back to 2008 and personal experience as a stage 3 lung cancer survivor, I am committed to understanding my clients' unique situations and recommending strategies to facilitate the changes they seek. My goal is to provide genuine assistance.
(760) 624-3783 View (760) 624-3783
Photo of Dr. Brittany Salerno Caulkins, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Brittany Salerno Caulkins
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I honed these skills during my postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Medical Center, where I specialized in working with cancer patients.
As your therapist, my goal is to provide a warm, safe space for you to step into your most authentic self while working toward your goals. I provide care for anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship issues, and other concerns. I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer. I am trained in evidence-based treatments including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and others. I am dedicated to working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
I honed these skills during my postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Medical Center, where I specialized in working with cancer patients.
As your therapist, my goal is to provide a warm, safe space for you to step into your most authentic self while working toward your goals. I provide care for anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship issues, and other concerns. I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer. I am trained in evidence-based treatments including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and others. I am dedicated to working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
(650) 699-6087 View (650) 699-6087
Photo of Yvette Villa, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Yvette Villa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Welcome, I'm Yvette. As an Oncology Social Worker, I’ve gained a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by cancer. I am passionate about supporting adults who are facing chronic illness, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, and grief and loss.My role is to walk alongside you on this journey, helping you tap into your inner strengths while exploring tools, rituals, and resources that align with your unique path. Together, we’ll work towards nurturing your well-being, bringing more peace, fulfillment, and joy into your everyday life.
Welcome, I'm Yvette. As an Oncology Social Worker, I’ve gained a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by cancer. I am passionate about supporting adults who are facing chronic illness, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, and grief and loss.My role is to walk alongside you on this journey, helping you tap into your inner strengths while exploring tools, rituals, and resources that align with your unique path. Together, we’ll work towards nurturing your well-being, bringing more peace, fulfillment, and joy into your everyday life.
(408) 872-9767 View (408) 872-9767
Photo of Amanda M. Chan, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Amanda M. Chan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Whether you are experiencing grief, relationship issues, or difficulties related to biculturalism, cancer, infertility, parenthood, and work/life balance, we can create a compassionate space for you to explore the different layers of your lived experience and reconnect with what truly matters to you.
You work hard and often achieve the goals that you set for yourself. You are recognized as someone, who is responsible, trustworthy, and “successful.” You are fiercely independent. Despite what you have accomplished, you also have a harsh inner critic and struggle with self-doubt. And while you willingly help others, you have difficulty asking for and accepting help yourself. You wonder why you sometimes feel like something is missing in your life, but you are unsure what it is and what to do about it, leaving you feeling anxious and unsettled.
Whether you are experiencing grief, relationship issues, or difficulties related to biculturalism, cancer, infertility, parenthood, and work/life balance, we can create a compassionate space for you to explore the different layers of your lived experience and reconnect with what truly matters to you.
You work hard and often achieve the goals that you set for yourself. You are recognized as someone, who is responsible, trustworthy, and “successful.” You are fiercely independent. Despite what you have accomplished, you also have a harsh inner critic and struggle with self-doubt. And while you willingly help others, you have difficulty asking for and accepting help yourself. You wonder why you sometimes feel like something is missing in your life, but you are unsure what it is and what to do about it, leaving you feeling anxious and unsettled.
(415) 669-6924 x711 View (415) 669-6924 x711
Photo of Beth Myler, LCSW, JD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Beth Myler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, JD
Verified Verified
Online Only
My clinical training was completed at the Livestrong Cancer Foundation.
Currently accepting new clients in California and Texas. In addition to psychotherapy for anxiety and depression, I also provide counseling and coaching to clients managing various kinds of change in their lives. I help clients navigate challenges presented by relationships, career, and changes in their health status due to aging, illness or injury. I trained as a psychotherapist after a long career as a lawyer and enjoy helping clients focus on pragmatic goals as well as developing insight and personal growth.
My clinical training was completed at the Livestrong Cancer Foundation.
Currently accepting new clients in California and Texas. In addition to psychotherapy for anxiety and depression, I also provide counseling and coaching to clients managing various kinds of change in their lives. I help clients navigate challenges presented by relationships, career, and changes in their health status due to aging, illness or injury. I trained as a psychotherapist after a long career as a lawyer and enjoy helping clients focus on pragmatic goals as well as developing insight and personal growth.
(415) 200-3465 View (415) 200-3465
Photo of Bev Jewell Aasect Certified Sex Therapist, LPCC, Counselor
Bev Jewell Aasect Certified Sex Therapist
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Medical issues, having children, cancer survivors, performance concerns or painful intercourse.
Are you experiencing: relationship issues, feeling overwhelmed, or stuck? Perhaps you are in a Neuro-Diverse relationship (you're wired differently) and stuggle to understand each other and get your needs met? Do you want to learn better commuication and problem-solving skills? Maybe you want a more fulfilling sex life - solo, or with your partner. There are many things that affect us and our sexuality over time - stress, age, life events, hormone changes... I can help you navigate these areas to find the answers you're looking for and get you to a better place!
Medical issues, having children, cancer survivors, performance concerns or painful intercourse.
Are you experiencing: relationship issues, feeling overwhelmed, or stuck? Perhaps you are in a Neuro-Diverse relationship (you're wired differently) and stuggle to understand each other and get your needs met? Do you want to learn better commuication and problem-solving skills? Maybe you want a more fulfilling sex life - solo, or with your partner. There are many things that affect us and our sexuality over time - stress, age, life events, hormone changes... I can help you navigate these areas to find the answers you're looking for and get you to a better place!
(442) 254-0043 View (442) 254-0043
Photo of Molly Kathleen Saeger, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Molly Kathleen Saeger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I have a special interest in working with relationship issues, trauma, behavioral issues, eating disorders, parent coaching, divorce/separation/single parenthood, and medical issues ( cancer, infertility, postpartum depression, and type 1 diabetes, to name a few).
Feelings and thoughts, at times, may be difficult to manage. Unprocessed trauma, anxiety, depression, painful entanglements, behavioral issues, and the lingering effects of damaging experiences can exhaust us. They may also interfere with relationships and affect behaviors. Developing meaning regarding our trauma's, difficult emotions and life events can be invaluable. My hope is provide understanding and insight for people to discover potentially destructive patterns, heal from trauma and past experiences and find what really matters to them. Managing strong emotions can lead to a more creative, flexible, and full life.
I have a special interest in working with relationship issues, trauma, behavioral issues, eating disorders, parent coaching, divorce/separation/single parenthood, and medical issues ( cancer, infertility, postpartum depression, and type 1 diabetes, to name a few).
Feelings and thoughts, at times, may be difficult to manage. Unprocessed trauma, anxiety, depression, painful entanglements, behavioral issues, and the lingering effects of damaging experiences can exhaust us. They may also interfere with relationships and affect behaviors. Developing meaning regarding our trauma's, difficult emotions and life events can be invaluable. My hope is provide understanding and insight for people to discover potentially destructive patterns, heal from trauma and past experiences and find what really matters to them. Managing strong emotions can lead to a more creative, flexible, and full life.
(415) 964-4721 View (415) 964-4721
Photo of Rachael A. Henderson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachael A. Henderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I began my master's training in 2014, and I have worked with individuals and their families struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and seizure disorders.
I began my master's training in 2014, and I have worked with individuals and their families struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and seizure disorders.
(415) 539-2643 View (415) 539-2643
Photo of Patricia E Lund, PhD, Psychologist
Patricia E Lund
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
Have you recently received a medical diagnosis that has thrown you "off your path?" Do you have an upcoming surgical procedure that has you frightened, and you want to be as prepared as possible? Are you scheduling an elective procedure that will make your life better, but that has inherent risks? Or perhaps you need help in healing from a disturbing medical procedure? One of my specialties as a psychotherapist is to help you manage and heal from such events. I have spent 30 years helping people diagnosed with breast cancer, other forms of cancer, and medical crises as well as life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief.
Have you recently received a medical diagnosis that has thrown you "off your path?" Do you have an upcoming surgical procedure that has you frightened, and you want to be as prepared as possible? Are you scheduling an elective procedure that will make your life better, but that has inherent risks? Or perhaps you need help in healing from a disturbing medical procedure? One of my specialties as a psychotherapist is to help you manage and heal from such events. I have spent 30 years helping people diagnosed with breast cancer, other forms of cancer, and medical crises as well as life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief.
(415) 592-6893 View (415) 592-6893
Photo of Meghan Crane, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meghan Crane
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Relationship/Intimacy Issues, Aging Parents, Anxiety, Anger/ Emotional Dysregulation, Sexual/Physical/Emotional Abuse, Addiction (alcohol/drugs, sex/love, work stress,Grief/Loss, Pet Loss, Chronic Illness, Cancer, Co-Dependency, Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
Welcome! Mindfulness is a practice of self awareness where one learns the significance of what I call the "emotional pause", this is essential in both individual and couples work. Being able to pause allows our minds and bodies to process and integrate information, creating space for self acceptance and making choices that support and align with our personal wellbeing. It also allows us to "respond" rather than "react" in relationship. My approach is direct yet compassionate,I use talk therapy and somatic practices to help couples and individuals fully get to know themselves and make choices that create lasting change.
Relationship/Intimacy Issues, Aging Parents, Anxiety, Anger/ Emotional Dysregulation, Sexual/Physical/Emotional Abuse, Addiction (alcohol/drugs, sex/love, work stress,Grief/Loss, Pet Loss, Chronic Illness, Cancer, Co-Dependency, Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
Welcome! Mindfulness is a practice of self awareness where one learns the significance of what I call the "emotional pause", this is essential in both individual and couples work. Being able to pause allows our minds and bodies to process and integrate information, creating space for self acceptance and making choices that support and align with our personal wellbeing. It also allows us to "respond" rather than "react" in relationship. My approach is direct yet compassionate,I use talk therapy and somatic practices to help couples and individuals fully get to know themselves and make choices that create lasting change.
(415) 639-9917 View (415) 639-9917
Photo of Wendy Von Wiederhold - Beyond Coping, PhD, Psychologist
Beyond Coping
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
Are you living with or have you recently been diagnosed with a major medical condition? Caring for someone who is ill or dying? Are you having difficulties coping with a chronic or newly diagnosed illness? Are your children struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with the impact of illness on body image? Are you considering end of life options or dealing with issues such as loss and grief? We help patients, their loved ones, and caregivers coping with cancer, life-altering illness, chronic pain, neurological conditions, infertility, complex pregnancy, and end of life issues.
(844) 382-8410 x701 View (844) 382-8410 x701
Photo of Carrie K Evenden, PsyD, Psychologist
Carrie K Evenden
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have a particular interest and expertise in working with medical issues ( cancer, auto-immune disorders), reproductive health challenges and loss, as well as pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood.
The decision to start psychotherapy is significant as it often means that you are suffering in some way or you've realized that what you have been doing is no longer working, and you are seeking change in your life. As your therapist, I will help you find meaning in the connections of your story and the patterns of your relationships, as well as discover and challenge your conflicts, assumptions and limitations. Through this exploration, you will be able to know yourself more deeply and live with more freedom, possibility, joy and self-understanding. My approach is collaborative, warm, and authentic.
I have a particular interest and expertise in working with medical issues ( cancer, auto-immune disorders), reproductive health challenges and loss, as well as pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood.
The decision to start psychotherapy is significant as it often means that you are suffering in some way or you've realized that what you have been doing is no longer working, and you are seeking change in your life. As your therapist, I will help you find meaning in the connections of your story and the patterns of your relationships, as well as discover and challenge your conflicts, assumptions and limitations. Through this exploration, you will be able to know yourself more deeply and live with more freedom, possibility, joy and self-understanding. My approach is collaborative, warm, and authentic.
(415) 980-8621 View (415) 980-8621
Photo of Jen Plummer, PsyD, Psychologist
Jen Plummer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in Complex Trauma, Substance Misuse/Opiate Dependence and Cancer Survivorship.
Beginning psychotherapy can be both an exciting and sometimes, challenging process. Each person is the "expert" on their own experience, but at times we need collaborative support in order to sort through our emotional lives. We may feel stuck in our current ways of coping and desire to make a change, or we may have been urged by loved ones to seek help. Therapy allows us to open up our minds in an environment of safety, leaving us free to explore new ways of thinking and being in the world.
I specialize in Complex Trauma, Substance Misuse/Opiate Dependence and Cancer Survivorship.
Beginning psychotherapy can be both an exciting and sometimes, challenging process. Each person is the "expert" on their own experience, but at times we need collaborative support in order to sort through our emotional lives. We may feel stuck in our current ways of coping and desire to make a change, or we may have been urged by loved ones to seek help. Therapy allows us to open up our minds in an environment of safety, leaving us free to explore new ways of thinking and being in the world.
(415) 340-6256 View (415) 340-6256
Photo of Kimberly Mascaro, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly Mascaro
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Everyone wants to live a life of purpose and meaning. Whether you are currently facing challenging times, or desiring support in your next life chapter, I'm here for you. I'm known for my warm, relational approach and holistic style, integrating multiple therapeutic approaches. Currently, I serve a diverse adult population (in the 20s through their 50s) in many aspects of their lives, such as creativity, spirituality, post-trauma care, ADHD and executive functioning, anxiety, postpartum, big life transitions, grief/loss, cancer support, sleep and dreams, unconventional lifestyles, and mid-to-late stage recovery.
Everyone wants to live a life of purpose and meaning. Whether you are currently facing challenging times, or desiring support in your next life chapter, I'm here for you. I'm known for my warm, relational approach and holistic style, integrating multiple therapeutic approaches. Currently, I serve a diverse adult population (in the 20s through their 50s) in many aspects of their lives, such as creativity, spirituality, post-trauma care, ADHD and executive functioning, anxiety, postpartum, big life transitions, grief/loss, cancer support, sleep and dreams, unconventional lifestyles, and mid-to-late stage recovery.
(530) 203-5874 View (530) 203-5874
Photo of Wendy Von Wiederhold, PhD, Psychologist
Wendy Von Wiederhold
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
A special area of interest is working with women who have recently received or are living with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Emotions can sometimes be difficult to bear-sadness, worries about yourself and others, fears, painful recurrent interactions and relationships. Working with an understanding professional to explore feelings and expectations about yourself and your relationships can be the key to clarifying troubling emotional states. These feelings can cause recurrent painful states, or push us toward repetitive or self-destructive behaviors. Exploring these feelings in a safe relationship can cause feelings about yourself and others to shift, opening to new ways of thinking and behaving. This allows for greater flexibility, enhanced creativity, a better relationship with yourself, and better connections and relationships.
A special area of interest is working with women who have recently received or are living with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Emotions can sometimes be difficult to bear-sadness, worries about yourself and others, fears, painful recurrent interactions and relationships. Working with an understanding professional to explore feelings and expectations about yourself and your relationships can be the key to clarifying troubling emotional states. These feelings can cause recurrent painful states, or push us toward repetitive or self-destructive behaviors. Exploring these feelings in a safe relationship can cause feelings about yourself and others to shift, opening to new ways of thinking and behaving. This allows for greater flexibility, enhanced creativity, a better relationship with yourself, and better connections and relationships.
(415) 322-0318 View (415) 322-0318
Photo of Don Mulford, MDiv, JD, Pastoral Counselor
Don Mulford
Pastoral Counselor, MDiv, JD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105
I "get it" because I have lived it as a pastoral counselor (being an ordained minister), hospice chaplain, certified mediator, and even an attorney, as well as a terminal cancer survivor.
There is a wonderful Gaelic term “anamcara” which means soul friend. We all search for such a person from time to time, when life is challenging or perhaps turbulent. We feel a sense of hunger, yearning, and seeking instead of peace. We are uncertain about the next turn in the road. Words like anxiety and depression come to mind. Usually the source of our discomfort comes from a deeper place within us, in our spirit. This can include a faith tradition, or being spiritual but not religious, or not. But what we want is healing in the depths of our being, and hope we can find someone who can bring it.
I "get it" because I have lived it as a pastoral counselor (being an ordained minister), hospice chaplain, certified mediator, and even an attorney, as well as a terminal cancer survivor.
There is a wonderful Gaelic term “anamcara” which means soul friend. We all search for such a person from time to time, when life is challenging or perhaps turbulent. We feel a sense of hunger, yearning, and seeking instead of peace. We are uncertain about the next turn in the road. Words like anxiety and depression come to mind. Usually the source of our discomfort comes from a deeper place within us, in our spirit. This can include a faith tradition, or being spiritual but not religious, or not. But what we want is healing in the depths of our being, and hope we can find someone who can bring it.
(650) 675-2747 View (650) 675-2747
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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.