WA Psycho-Oncology Service
Clinical psychologists offer specialist help with the often complex emotional journey of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
How can a clinical psychologist help?
Many people say the hardest thing to manage with a cancer diagnosis is not knowing what the future will bring.
Talking over your problems and concerns with a qualified, caring professional, in a supportive and safe environment, can help in the following ways:
- Provide support and information, and help you manage the challenges arising from a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Assist you to resolve issues surrounding diagnosis, treatment and survival as well as broader issues in your relationships and your life.
- You can learn a range of practical coping skills such as relaxation, stress management and how to challenge self-defeating patterns.
- Assist you to develop the goals and focus you are looking for.
Who can attend?
Cancer patients and their loved ones are welcome. If you live outside the Perth metropolitan area, please contact us so we can discuss your individual needs.
Cost?
This a free, confidential service available to cancer patients, their families and carers.
Why talk to someone?
The emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. You may experience feelings of anger, shock, disbelief, fear, guilt, sadness, depression and anxiety about how your illness may bring about unwanted changes to your life and to the lives of your family and loved ones.
Spouses, family and friends may also experience difficulty in adjusting to the cancer diagnosis as they learn to cope with the increased demands of new roles and responsibilities, while trying to manage their own mixed emotions.
If you, or a family member, are experiencing any of the following, we may be able to help:
- anxiety and fear, sadness, hopelessness or irritability, loss of confidence
- trouble expressing your feelings to your spouse, children or those people close to you
- fatigue or problems sleeping
- pain and discomfort
- stress over changes to your body
- inability to enjoy the things you used to find pleasurable
- inability to participate in day to day life
- worry about the cancer coming back
How do I make an appointment?
Patients or family members can self-refer to the service and any health professional in the public or private system can also refer you.
WA Psycho-Oncology Service
Phone: (08) 9382 7480
Email: psychooncology@health.wa.gov.au
Please note people affected by Breast Cancer should contact the Breast Cancer Clinical Psychology Service directly on:
Royal Perth Hospital: (08) 9224 1629
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital: (08) 9346 4590