MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network

Psychosocial Oncology

This service provides help for patients and their family with coping with the stress that often comes with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Taking care of your emotional, social, spiritual and practical well-being is an important part of your treatment plan and coping.

We are a part of your oncology treatment team. We offer different types of programs and services to support your wellbeing;

Individual, couple and family counselling
Professionally-led support groups
Practical support for your finances and other basic needs
Classes and programs

Availability of programs and services changes depending on the cancer centre.

Services may be available via telephone, online platform (Zoom) or at your healthcare centre through Telehealth.

Pamphlets:

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

for patients and their families / supports to help cope with the practical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual stresses that often surface as a result of cancer and its treatment
please ensure the patient has verbally consented to the referral
patient requires specialty outpatient psychosocial oncology services for assessment and intervention related to their cancer or cancer treatment
patient has goals that are appropriate for a psychosocial oncology program

Exlusion Criteria:

for non-cancer related psychosocial concerns, please refer to other AHS / community-based services (e.g., Access Mental Health)"

How to access service

See below

Healthcare providers should consult the Alberta Referral Directory for service referral information.

Patients can self refer or be referred by their doctor or nurse.

Patients can call for appointment or to register for classes.

Key providers

cancer patient navigators, drug access coordinators, indigenous cancer patient navigators, psychiatrists, psychologists, sexual health consultants, social workers, spiritual care counsellors