Mental health therapy for cancer patients

It’s not uncommon for patients dealing with cancer or chronic illness to experience emotional and psychological distress. This may present as loss of interest, depressed mood, fatigue, changes in appetite, anxiety and worry, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, irritability, or fear. Cancer and illness can negatively impact a person’s mood, routine, ability to work or limit participation in activities and relationships.

Being able to talk with trained mental health professionals is one way to address and remedy these issues. At FCS, the Behavioral Health team is comprised of seven Licensed Clinical Social Workers who can provide telehealth therapy to patients experiencing these concerns. At FCS, patients can request to speak with a therapist via a Behavioral Therapy Telehealth Consult, to which their physician can submit an order. Patients can also self-refer by calling the FCS Care Coordination department. Therapy services are provided virtually via video or telephone and are billed to insurance. Services are confidential, voluntary, and patient-driven.

Support groups are another option that patients may benefit from and are a viable resource to connect with others who can relate to their experience. At FCS, there are three virtual support groups available to patients and caregivers. They are free of charge and require registration.

Real Talk Support Group
Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m.
FLCancer.com/RealTalk

Register

Understanding Your Emotions
Last Thursday of the Month from 11 a.m.-noon
FLCancer.com/UnderstandingEmotions

Register

Caregiver Support Group
Second Tuesday of the Month from 2-3 p.m.
FLCancer.com/CaregiverSupport

Register

Research shows that having access to supportive services, such as behavioral health, improves patient treatment outcomes, thus demonstrating the importance of patients having access to and connecting with a therapist when needed.