Mental Health & Cancer

Mental Health Support for Cancer Patients and Families

The Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers comprehensive care for people with cancer. As part of this, we offer cancer-focused mental health care for you and your family.

We understand the impact that a cancer diagnosis, treatment or recurrence can have on your mental health. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause troublesome side effects that impact your daily life.

Our compassionate team offers a range of services to address your mental and emotional needs. We support you and your loved ones from diagnosis through treatment, and beyond.

Cancer Wellness Psychiatry Clinic

Our Cancer Wellness Psychiatry Clinic is part of the Department of Psychiatry ambulatory service. We offer consultation and treatment for people who are in active cancer treatment at BIDMC. These and other common problems may develop during cancer treatment:

Psychotherapy — and in some cases medication — may help. Your care will begin with a consultation to evaluate your psychiatric needs. Then, our psychiatrists will recommend the best interventions. If needed, we’ll prescribe and monitor medicines over time.

Our clinicians work closely with the BIDMC oncology teams to ensure that care is well-coordinated. We collaborate with the social work and palliative care services.

To learn more about the clinic, or to schedule an appointment, call BIDMC's Department of Psychiatry at 617-667-4735.

Counseling & Support Services

Our Social Work Services offers specialized counseling and support services for people with cancer during all stages of treatment. Our oncology social workers provide these and many other services: