Cancer handbook: Psychology service
Psychologists in oncology (cancer) are experts in treating emotional and behavioural problems that arise from or complicate the management of a patient’s cancer journey.
Services to help patients and families:
- diagnosis and treatment of mental illness
- clinical interviews of patients to help inform how medical treatments or other services are provided
- counselling for individuals and/or their families
- strategies for dealing with pain and other effects of cancer
- consultation with other health professionals if psychiatric medications or psychiatric review is needed
- referrals to mental health services
- assessing for and providing recommendations about treatment that may be impacting school performance
- advocacy and representation for patients and families experiencing mental health difficulties due to cancer diagnosis.
Referrals
We accept referrals from all medical and allied health staff within The Children’s Hospital at Westmead who are involved in the patient's care. Speak with a member of your treating team or oncology social worker.
The department is unable to accept referrals for children and young people receiving care from another health facility, or for non-cancer related issues.