JoyceH Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 How do I go about finding a psychiatrist or counselor who deals with cancer patients and their emotional problems? I've been severely depressed and feel kind of hopeless with this disease, and I feel I need help. Where should I look first? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Joyce, Try the ACS in your community. Here they are housed in the United Way building. If the ACS doesn't have a counselor on site, they should be able to line you up with one in the community... ....OR, talk to your family doctor and get a referral. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Joyce, I would call the oncologist's office, and ask them for recommendations. Try the staff of the hospital's oncology ward, or the social workers associated with that unit. You could try reverse referrals, talking to counselors and asking if they know anyone. In my experience, you might want to check out anti depressant medication, and seeing if you are a "fit" with a counselor. Very few counselors specialize in disabilities/traumas, never mind cancers. I got lucky and found one, once, who dealt with major medical life issues as a subspecialty. I happened to like her quite a bit. The other counselors I have had either I could work with -- and did, or not-- and didn't. Cancer is a serious bummer, and the biochemical manifestations can cause depression all by themselves, as can major invasive surgery. This board and all the warm" family members" on it have kept me from feeling so alone and negative. Good luck. XOXOXOX Prayers to keep your spirits up... MaryAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 On one of my appointments to the Onocologist I cried and sobbed and talked for an hour , he referred me to a counsellor at the cancer center and also ordered an antidepressent. Now I don't think I should not have let it go so far, I would advise just asking for bothe. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 I found my therapist through my oncologist office. It took me until the third cancer to give in and go. BEST MOVE I EVER MADE. My insurance was not going to cover it until I spoke to a supervisor. I assuared her that I needed this person and not someone on their usual list. I got the visits and three years later am still going and still on zoloft. Of course now my insurance company has me diagnosed as depressed, but I am still here on this earth so who cares. Make the call. gail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 Joyce-- I think a counselor or therapist or psychiatrist would help tremendously. Had some minor depression with my first contest with cancer--got anti-depressants and stayed on them. Second time around was 100X tougher--couldn't do it alone anymore. I started seeing a psychiatrist and continued going monthly till just now. I saw her last week and she said, "Why don't you come back and see me when you feel like it in a few months?" I will stay in touch with her, not as often as before. For a while I was taking anti-anxiety and anti-depressants. This is not uncommon. I've weaned off of both of them now, but still keep them at home. I didn't have a specialist in cancer counseling, but I agree that your onc's office or local cancer care center would certainly point you in the right direction. good luck--getting emotional care was the best thing I did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 Joyce, Maybe try asking your onc??? They may be able to help you, for Im sure your not the first patient in need. Also, remember...friends and family make the BEST therapists. My family and friends help keep me grounded when my thoughts go crazy. Hope you mind eases soon. Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hebbie Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 I made a call to my oncology nurse and she not only referred me to one of the hospital's staff psychiatrist who works with the cancer patients, but she actually called and set up the appt. for me. I would start at your oncology office. They deal with this issue on a daily basis and most likely have several resources on hand to point you in the right direction. Meeting with the psychiatrist was the best thing I ever did. I was all set to walk out with a prescription for an anti-depressent, but found that just TALKING to someone (who didn't want to just hear me say I am "doing fine" like my friends and family want to hear) did wonders for me. I was able to put it all out there -- my fears, my anxiety, my morbid thoughts. And after a few sessions I felt like I was getting back to my old self. A newer-sadder-old self.....but better than the bottled-up-anxiety-ridden -self I had been. Take care of yourself, Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Cheryl- Posted June 18, 2004 Share Posted June 18, 2004 Joyce, I am a therapist and am glad that you are seeking much needed support. Trust me, just because I am a therapist, does not make me immune from stress, sadness, and despair. There are some good recommendations here. Unfortunately, therapist aren't free. I personally work for a non-for-profit agency and provide services for individuals without insurance. I work with both adults and kids- I am over Chilren's Services though, and prefer that poulation most. Most communities have afordable services. Check your phone bookk for community agencies. We accept sliding scale fees, medicaid, and medicare. If you do have insurance, you will need to check with your insurance for providers in your area. As far as a specialty in treating cancer patients, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, and Psychiatrist are trained in general practice. We take it upon ourselves to specialize in a paticular field. Certification and licenesure in that field will vary from state to state, and profession to profession. Unfortunately, some training amounts to nothing more than a weekend seminar in that paticular interest. There is such a thing as online counseling, but it is very impersonal. It works well for those too sick too attend sessions. Joyce, I think a counselor will help you develop coping skills, be empathic, offer support, validate feelings, and assist you in identifying your genuine problems. Many people come to me to fix their problems; unfortunately, I cannot. If I had the answers I would cure the woulrd of all its ills. I can; however,assist people in awareness and help them to find their own answeres. I hope that you find someone that is right for you, and can help you find the answers you seek. If I can help, I am here. Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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