Psychosocial Oncology Health Care Professionals provide psychotherapy and counselling to cancer patients and their families to help them deal with the emotional and practical impact of cancer. Many people who have cancer find that seeing a professional therapist or counsellor can be very helpful. Health care providers are experts in treating cancer, but you are the expert in the way that cancer affects your life. Therapy can help you find meaning, cope, adjust, manage practical concerns and deal with the emotional impact of cancer (e.g., worry, anxiety, sadness and depression, loss, and grief).
The psychosocial cancer team at the QEII Cancer Care Program helps people who have been diagnosed with and treated for cancer anywhere in Nova Scotia. The team provides therapy and counselling to cancer patients and their families. Team members include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, drug access navigators and spiritual care providers. Support can be provided to you by phone or in-person during your cancer experience including at the end of treatment.
The Cape Breton Cancer Centre provides psychosocial oncology services including therapy and counselling, for patients seen at their Centre. Their team includes cancer patient navigators, social workers, drug access navigator, and spiritual care providers.
There are psychosocial health care providers across the province who may be able to help you. These include cancer patient navigators, social workers, and other health care professionals (e.g., mental health services, primary care providers).
If you would like to talk to a Psychosocial Oncology health care professional, ask your cancer care team to refer you.
Contact
If you are a patient of the QEII Cancer Care Program in Halifax, you can call directly to speak with a social worker 902-240-8129. For additional cancer care services please check with your health care provider.
If you are a patient of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre in Sydney, please call the social worker 902-567-8551.
For those in the Antigonish area you may call the Social Worker at 902-867-4500 ext. 4993.
If you live in the Yarmouth area and would like to talk to either a Cancer Patient Navigator or a social worker, please email CancerCareProgramYRH@nshealth.ca.
If you live in the South Shore or Valley area, please call the Social Worker at 902-599-2945.
If you are unable to travel to Halifax or Sydney, check with your health care provider to find out about services in your area. To reach your local cancer patient navigator please call 1-866-524-1234.
How do I access this service?
Patients can be referred by their health care provider or can self refer.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Patients will have a clinical assessment/interview with a psychosocial health care professional.
Will there be any follow up?
As discussed and arranged by the psychosocial health care professional who sees the patient.
