At some time in our lives, each of us may need help with problems that can be hard to handle on our own. Often people with cancer find their diagnosis can trigger a range of emotions which affect different areas of their life. You may find it helpful to meet with a professional counselor to learn ways to deal with any difficult situations that may be caused by your diagnosis and cancer treatment. Research shows that when cancer patients have psychosocial support their overall quality of life improves.
Counseling and Support
Our providers, which include licensed psychologists and licensed clinical social workers, will complete a confidential assessment to identify and focus on your unique psychosocial needs through counseling. Counseling provides a supportive setting that can help you explore the effect that cancer is having on your life and to learn healthy ways to manage these challenges. Counseling is available to individuals diagnosed with cancer and to caregivers of a loved one with cancer.
You may want to talk with a counselor for the following reasons:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Unhealthy behaviors
- Family stressors/relationship concerns
- Life changes
- Communication struggles
- Sexual health or body image concerns
- Grief or loss
- Community supports/resources
- Advance care planning
- Caregiver stress
Harm Reduction Counseling
Harm reduction counseling can help you improve overall emotional wellbeing by identifying healthy coping strategies with the goal of reducing the harmful impact that tobacco, alcohol or drug use may have on your life. Harm reduction counseling can also help you learn safe ways to use, store and dispose of opioid medications. Our harm reduction team consists of social workers who hold dual licenses in clinical care and chemical dependency counseling.
Medication Management
Our James psychiatry experts provide short term emotional and mental health care for symptoms that may be affecting your cancer care such as anxiety or depression. Our team consists of a Psychiatrist and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who will evaluate your needs and provide support during your cancer treatment. Services include consultation, medication management and care coordination.
Art Therapy
Art therapy can be a creative intervention to assist you in identifying and expressing your emotions related to your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Art therapy can help you explore healthy coping skills to restore a personal sense of emotional well-being Art therapy is provided by a master’s prepared and board-certified art Therapist. You do not need to have prior experience with art. Services are available in The James Outpatient Cancer Supportive Care Clinic and during your hospital stay.
Art therapy may help with:
- Coping with a new cancer diagnosis
- Depressed mood
- Anxiety or fear related to cancer
- Lack of adequate support system
- Lengthy hospitalization
- Exploring creative outlets as a way to cope
- Adjustment for young adults diagnosed with cancer
Group art programs are also offered through JamesCare for Life.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, you may call 614-366-8700.
Music Therapy
Music therapy involves using guided music experiences that help to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life. Services are provided by a master’s prepared and board-certified Music Therapist. You do not need to have prior experiences with music. The music therapist will work with you to create a therapeutic plan of care using music therapy interventions like listening to or creating music. Music therapy services are available in The James Outpatient Cancer Supportive Care Clinic and during your hospital stay.
Music therapy may help with:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Adjustment to limitations
- Pain
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Poor sleep
Learn more about relaxation with music or sounds.
Group music programs are available through JamesCare for Life.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, you may call 614-366-8700.
James Patient Education Resources
The Patient Education website has an extensive inventory of resources, with many handouts available in multiple languages. Here are a few that may be of interest to you:
If you think you may benefit from counseling support, talk to your medical team about a referral. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you may call 614-366-8700.
Team
- Kevin Johns, MD. Medical Director
- Valerie Houseknecht, MD, Psychiatrist
- Besty Thompson, APRN-CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Emily Walters, APRN-CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Kristen Jackson, PhD, Psychologist
- Wanda McEntyre, PhD, Psychologist
- Katlin Schultz, PsyD, Psychologist
- Anthea Gray, PsyD, Psychologist
- Devita Streva, MSW, LISW-S, Clinical Social Worker
- Anna Rosselet MSW, LISW-S, Clinical Social Worker
- Norajill Pasos MSW, LISW-S, Clinical Social Worker
- Sheila Jones MSW, LISW-S, Clinical Social Worker
- Terel Jackson, MMT, NMT-F, MT-BC, Music Therapist
- Anne Harding, , ATCB, Art Therapist