The Brown Cancer Center’s Behavioral Oncology Clinic provides psychological support to cancer patients. This service offers science-based counseling programs to anyone diagnosed with cancer, regardless of where they are receiving their cancer care.

Each patient deals with cancer differently. There is no right or wrong way. However, many people find it helpful to take advantage of these services to maximize their ability to cope with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our psychiatrist, counselors, social workers, and chaplains, who specialize in behavioral oncology, offer confidential assistance to cancer patients through individual and group counseling, as well as educational seminars.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 502.852.7843.

One-to-One

Some of the side effects patients may experience from cancer and treatment, such as pain, poor sleep and fatigue, can be intensified by anxiety or depression. Often, counseling can help patients cope with these symptoms.

Our caring specialists will provide private guidance and support to help improve your quality of life and psychological well-being. Our staff is specially trained to care for patients with cancer, and is experienced in structuring counseling sessions to meet each patient’s individual needs.

A few of the issues we can address include:

• Adjustment to your cancer diagnosis
• Treatment decision-making
• Talking with your doctor
• Pain management
• Coping with side effects of treatment
• Stress management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Smoking cessation

A Circle of Friends

One of the most powerful ways we can help you is through group counseling designed specifically for people with cancer. Through group counseling, you can share experiences, information, and emotions with others coping with cancer in a supportive environment.

Our group support sessions include:

• Supportive-Expressive Therapy, which emphasizes opportunities to share cancer experiences and emotions in a supportive environment.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, which coaches participants on meditation-based stress management strategies.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management, which focuses on a range of coping strategies that reduce stress.

These interventions are effective in reducing stress, increasing social support, and managing side effects of treatment, as well as promoting overall health and quality of life among patients facing cancer.

In addition, we recognize the benefit of participation in community-based support groups.

The goal of our group program is to complement your participation in existing ongoing support groups.

New groups are forming on a regular basis. Call 502.852.7843 to join.