About Services Schedule an Appointment Locations Providers

Counseling & Therapy

Our psychiatrists, psychologists and therapy providers can help support patients, family members, and caregivers through the stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

We are a specialty service that addresses the psychological, behavioral, emotional and social issues that arise as a result of a cancer diagnosis. We focus on patients who developed mental health issues as a result of their cancer, and those whose preexisting mental health conditions are impacting their ability to engage in treatment.

Our providers have expertise in the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families, including:

Adjusting to a cancer diagnosis
Anxiety, depression or stressors associated with medical treatment
Relationship and caregiving needs
Symptoms associated with cancer treatments, including pain, insomnia or other symptoms

Our team uses evidence-based psychotherapy treatments and/or medication to improve quality of life during cancer treatment.

Our services are available to those receiving their care through UC San Diego Health Cancer Services. We collaborate with other supportive care services, including social workers, Patient and Family Support Services, spiritual care services, and Palliative Care.

Services

We provide an initial thorough psychiatric or psychological assessment of your needs and concerns. We then offer ongoing, problem-focused individual, couples or family counseling or psychotherapy. This may focus on:

Emotional support
Relaxation training, guided imagery
Mindfulness training
Specific problem-solving
Communication and assertiveness training

We have specific psychotherapeutic expertise in:

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive processing therapy
Dignity therapy
Grief therapy
Meaning-centered psychotherapy
Management of symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and other concerns
Medication management (through psychiatry services)

Scheduling an Appointment

UC San Diego Health patients: Referrals should come from your oncologist or palliative care provider. To schedule, contact us directly at 858-249-2770.

Note:

Some insurance plans use a different carrier for mental health benefits. If this is the case, please check with your mental health carrier to determine coverage and other insurance issues.
If your insurance company will not cover mental health services at UC San Diego Health (whether or not you are a registered UC San Diego Health patient), we may be able to work with them to allow you to be seen, given that we offer specialized services. Please start by calling your mental health carrier, but if you need further assistance, call us at 858-249-2770.