Counseling

Support services to help patients cope with the emotional and social impacts of a cancer diagnosis must be included in the standard care patients receive, urges a recent report from the National Academies' Institute of Medicine (IOM).

Learning that you or your loved one has cancer can be frightening and overwhelming. Talking to a professional about your concerns, a practice known as counseling, can help you feel more hopeful and in control.

Counseling is not just about emotions, though. It also includes practical concerns, such as how to tell your children or your boss that you have cancer. Counseling will give you tools to manage the cancer experience.

To learn more about counseling, read our Counseling Frequently Asked Questions.

Whether you need to express your fears, triumphs or concerns, we’re here for you. At CancerCare, you can receive free counseling from compassionate, professional oncology social workers in a way that is most convenient for you – online, on the phone or face-to-face. This counseling is offered individually or through support groups.

Online Counseling

Online support groups can be accessed whenever you need them, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone Counseling

No matter where you live in the country, a toll-free call to CancerCare connects you with a professional oncology social worker. Or, telephone support groups bring together people from around the country on a weekly one-hour phone call to share experiences, concerns, and triumphs.

Face-to-Face Counseling

One-on-one conversation with a professional who understands can be a great help. And, CancerCare social workers can help you find face-to-face support groups in your community, no matter where in the country you live.