Psycho-Oncology

Patients and their families react to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in a variety of ways. It is normal to feel worried, sad, angry, anxious or isolated when affected by a serious illness. 

Living Beyond Cancer

You might also have feelings of loss — of your health or of control in your life. The emotions related to cancer survivorship can feel intimidating, and it’s natural to be unsure of what’s next.

A common question in survivorship is “What now?” You may also struggle with:

• Fear of recurrence
• Lingering side effects of treatment
• Re-entry stress
• Managing internal and external expectations

Our team wants to help you anticipate and manage these and other challenges.

We offer a variety of service options including inpatient psychotherapy and outpatient psychotherapy to help with emotional and practical issues as you work to establish a new normal.

Your Emotional Health and Coping with Cancer

Cancer can be a challenging time in anyone’s life. We are committed to helping you through this challenge. Because cancer affects all aspects of your life, it is helpful to have a treatment plan that goes beyond surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Our Psycho-Oncology Program is dedicated to providing patients who have cancer with emotional and practical support in dealing with anticipated or unexpected emotions and feelings from a cancer diagnosis — support that continues into survivorship.

Our team includes:

• Psychiatrists and advanced nurse practitioners
• Clinical health psychologists 
• Clinical therapists

Services

• Psychotherapy and supportive counseling
  • Adjustment to diagnosis, recurrence or survivorship
  • Education about emotions and cancer
  • Grief and loss related to the impact of cancer on one’s identity
  • Anxiety, panic and symptoms of depression
  • Insomnia
  • Family conflict related to cancer
• Medication evaluation and management

Through these services, our doctors and clinicians aim to promote well-being through the use of a multidisciplinary (team) approach as they provide compassionate, effective, high-quality care.

Benefits of Psycho-Oncology Care

Research has shown psycho-oncology care to be effective in helping people cope with physical and emotional cancer-related symptoms. Potential benefits may include:

• Improved well-being
• Reduced stress
• Better sleep
• Improvement in adjustment to changes in self-image and identity
• Coping strategies for pain and medical procedures
• Reduced nausea and anticipatory nausea
• Improved cancer outcomes

A cancer diagnosis can provide a crucial opportunity to live life differently, intentionally and, perhaps, more richly and authentically than before.

Emergency Resources for Suicide

If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, it is very important to talk with someone. Don't be afraid to seek professional help. A diagnosis of cancer can seem overwhelming, but there are people who will help you.

• Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee: If you are having a mental health or suicide crisis, call 988. For information, visit preventsuicidemke.com/crisis-resources.
• 988 Lifeline: Call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
• 24-Hour Crisis Line Milwaukee County: 414-257-7222 or visit county.milwaukee.gov

Make an Appointment in Psycho-Oncology

To make an appointment with one of our behavioral health professionals, please talk to your nurse or physician about getting a referral or call us at 414-805-0505.