Our team of clinical psychologists offer a range of trauma-informed techniques and therapies to help people with cancer and their families adjust to the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer.
Our clinical psychology team works closely with psychiatrists, mental health nurses, allied health and medical teams across the hospital as part of the Psychosocial Oncology Program.
Cancer affects people differently. Common emotional and psychological concerns include:
- Anxiety
- Fear of cancer recurrence or progression
- Pain
- Sleep difficulties
- Depression
- Worrying about fertility
- Disfigurement
- Sexual functioning
- The impact that cancer may have on those around you
Some of the questions people bring when they see one of our psychologists include:
- Why me?
- How do I talk with my children, partner or friends about cancer?
- I worry that my cancer will come back - is that normal?
- How can I get a better night’s sleep?
- What can I do about feeling low, sad and hopeless?
- My body and the way I look have changed; how do I adjust to these changes?
- Is there anything I can do about treatments side-effects like nausea, pain and fatigue?
- Will my relationship ever be the same again?
- I’ve been given so much information, how do I make the right treatment decision for myself?
- Treatment is over, any tips on how I get back to normal or find the new normal?
How psychology can help
Our clinical psychology team offers a range of trauma-informed psychological therapies and interventions, such as:
- Individual therapy (Hover list to individual therapies listed, CBT, Mindfulness, ACT, Existential therapy, CALM)
- Group programs (hover to sleep, advanced cancer group, fear of cancer recurrence)
- Specialised interventions
Our psychologists will adapt their approach to meet your needs. They may offer individual group, couple, or family consultations.
Appointments with a clinical psychologist are approximately 45 minutes in duration. Your initial consultation will involve a discussion about your cancer situation and the impact of your diagnosis/treatment on yourself and your family and friends. People can often benefit from one session alone, while others find that periodic or regular sessions are helpful for them. You do not need to bring anything to your sessions; this is a free service and interpreter services can also be arranged.
Cancer Mind Care
The Psychology team has a website, Cancer Mind Care, with useful information about the emotional aspects of cancer, including a tool to assess your needs and get help.
Cancer psychology experts and people affected by cancer have written the information in the Cancel Mind Plan. They have also tailored it based on your answers to the questions in the screening tools.
This project is a collaboration with:
- Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (WCMICS)
- Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS)
Making an appointment
You can make appointments with a clinical psychologist Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.
You can access the psychology service if you have recently received treatment with us.
You can refer either by yourself or with the help of a health practitioner.
Self-referring
To refer yourself, please contact the Psychosocial Oncology Program:
- Phone: (03) 8559 5220 (during office hours)
Discuss your situation with any member of your treating team - for example
- Oncologists
- Nurses
- Social workers
They can make a referral to the psychology service for you via the refer a patient page.
Once we have received your referral, a staff member will contact you to discuss it.
At times, we may recommend another of our services - or other services in the community - if we feel they are more relevant and suitable.
Please tell us if you want us to arrange an interpreter service at your appointment.
You do not need to bring anything to your sessions.
Your initial consultation will involve a discussion about:
- Your cancer situation
- The impact of your diagnosis/treatment on yourself and your family and friends
Book any subsequent appointments
People can often benefit from one session alone, while others find that periodic or regular sessions are helpful for them.
You can make any subsequent appointments with a clinical psychologist, once you have the initial referral, by calling (03) 8559 5220.
Psychology contact
Clinical Psychology Department
Phone: (03) 8559 5265
Useful psychology phone numbers
- Cancer Council, Information and Support: 13 11 20
- Carers Victoria: 1800 242 636
- Beyond Blue Support Service: 1300 22 46 36
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Griefline: (03) 9935 7400
- MensLine: 1300 78 99 78
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800