Our clinical psychology team works closely with psychiatrists, social workers and music therapists as part of the Psychosocial Oncology Program.
Cancer affects people differently. Common emotional and psychological concerns include:
- Anxiety
- Fear of cancer recurrence or progression
- Pain
- Sleep difficulties
- Depression
- Worrying about fertility
- Disfigurement
- Sexual functioning
- The impact that cancer may have on those around you
Some of the questions people bring when they see one of our psychologists include:
- Why me?
- How do I talk with my children, partner or friends about cancer?
- I worry that my cancer will come back - is that normal?
- How can I get a better night’s sleep?
- What can I do about feeling low, sad and hopeless?
- My body and the way I look have changed; how do I adjust to these changes?
- Is there anything I can do about treatments side-effects like nausea, pain and fatigue?
- Will my relationship ever be the same again?
- I’ve been given so much information, how do I make the right treatment decision for myself?
- Treatment is over, any tips on how I get back to normal or find the new normal?
How psychology can help
Our clinical psychology team offers a range of psychological therapies and interventions, such as:
- Cognitive behaviour therapy
- Mindfulness
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Existential therapy
Our psychologists will adapt their approach to meet your needs. They may offer individual, couple, or family consultations. Our clinical psychologists only use treatments that are effective, safe, and based on evidence.
The Psychology Department also provides a specialist Can-Sleep service aimed at improving night-time sleep problems (such as insomnia) for people with cancer.
Appointments with a clinical psychologist are approximately 45 minutes in duration. Your initial consultation will involve a discussion about your cancer situation and the impact of your diagnosis/treatment on yourself and your family and friends. People can often benefit from one session alone, while others find that periodic or regular sessions are helpful for them. You do not need to bring anything to your sessions; this is a free service and interpreter services can also be arranged.
Cancer Mind Care
The Psychology team has a website, Cancer Mind Care, with useful information about the emotional aspects of cancer, including a tool to assess your needs and get help.
Cancer psychology experts and people affected by cancer have written the information in the Cancel Mind Plan. They have also tailored it based on your answers to the questions in the screening tools.
This project is a collaboration with:
- Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (WCMICS)
- Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS)
Psychology service times
You can make appointments with a clinical psychologist Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm.
Non-appointment psychology services
If you do not wish to make an appointment with a clinical psychiatrist, the Psychology Department also provides the following specialist services:
- Cancer Mind Care - useful information about the emotional aspects of cancer, including a tool to assess your needs and get help
- Can-Sleep - improves night-time sleep problems (such as insomnia) for people with cancer
Seeing a psychiatrist
It is free to see one of our clinical psychiatrists.
Check your eligibility
You can access the psychology service if you have received any of your treatment with us.
Getting referred
You can refer either by yourself or with the help of a health practitioner.
Self-referring
To refer yourself, please contact the Psychosocial Oncology Program:
- Phone: (03) 8559 5220 (during office hours)
Getting referred by a health practitioner
Discuss your situation with any member of your treating team - for example
- GPs (General Practitioner)
- Oncologists
- Nurses
- Social workers
They can make a referral to the psychology service for you via the refer a patient page.
We’ll contact you
Once we have received your referral, a staff member will contact you to discuss it.
At times, we may recommend another of our services - or other services in the community - if we feel they are more relevant and suitable.
Make an appointment
You can arrange an appointment with the most appropriate clinician when we contact you about your referral.
Our service times are Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm.
Please tell us if you want us to arrange an interpreter service at your appointment.
Attend your appointment
Appointments with a clinical psychologist are about 45 minutes long.
You do not need to bring anything to your sessions.
Your initial consultation will involve a discussion about:
- Your cancer situation
- The impact of your diagnosis/treatment on yourself and your family and friends
Book any subsequent appointments
People can often benefit from one session alone, while others find that periodic or regular sessions are helpful for them.
You can make any subsequent appointments with a clinical psychologist, once you have the initial referral, by calling (03) 8559 5220.
Psychology contact
Clinical Psychology Department
Phone: (03) 8559 5220
Useful psychology phone numbers
- Cancer Council, Information and Support: 13 11 20
- Carers Victoria: 1800 242 636
- Beyond Blue Support Service: 1300 22 46 36
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Griefline: (03) 9935 7400
- MensLine: 1300 78 99 78
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800