Cancer Care Psychology Service
Why Psychological Therapy?
A diagnosis of cancer and related treatments can be very difficult. A range of emotions can be experienced, and it can affect a person’s mood, their relationships, work and many other parts of their life. People often benefit from talking to someone about the emotional effects of their illness. This can include family, friends and/or a member of the medical team. Sometimes, your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider may suggest you talk to a member of the Cancer Care Psychology Service.
Our service offers support to patients who are having their oncology care at the Whittington Hospital. We are a team of psychologists who specialise in the psychological effects of cancer and work in consultation and collaboration with you and your medical team. We will listen and explore your concerns and help with specific issues relating to cancer and its treatments such as:
- Adjusting to your diagnosis
- Coping with symptoms of the illness
- Coping with side effects of treatments
- Coping with change, loss, and uncertainty
- Feelings of depression/low mood, anxiety, and worry
- Managing and preparing for medical procedures and its side effects
- Support with decision making regarding treatment
- Changes to how your body looks and feels
- Longer standing problems that have returned or been made worse by illness
- Coping with how cancer affects relationships, sexual functioning, and fertility
- Living with and beyond cancer
How to get referred to the Cancer Care Psychology team
We do not accept self-referrals. All referrals to our service must be made by a member of your oncology team (for example your doctor, clinical nurse specialist, a member of the Macmillan team).
If you want to talk to a psychologist, but this opportunity has not yet been offered to you, you can ask the medical team to make a referral to our service.
What to expect
Following the referral, we aim to contact you as soon as possible and within 4 weeks.
During our initial contact, we will briefly discuss how you are and if you would still like to proceed with the referral to our service. If so, we will schedule an initial assessment. You can attend your assessment on your own or with a partner, family member or close friend.
An initial assessment will last about 45 minutes to an hour. We offer in person, virtual and telephone appointments. In person appointments are at The Whittington Hospital. We also work with interpreters. You will have the opportunity to get to know the psychologist, talk about your concerns and discuss the ways in which our service could help you. At the end of the assessment, together we will agree appropriate next steps.
What we offer
Our service offers one-to-one psychology sessions and group work. As part of an initial assessment, we would discuss and agree what options would be most helpful for you.
We strive to be an inclusive and equitable service in which everyone is welcome, and we work to meet the different and diverse needs of all backgrounds.
One-to-one Psychology: We offer in person, virtual and telephone appointments. Interpreters can also be arranged if/when required. In person appointments are at The Whittington Hospital. We aim to schedule further sessions as soon as possible after your initial assessment. However, there can sometimes be a wait of several weeks. This will be discussed during your initial assessment. Some people may only need one or two sessions or to meet occasionally. Others may need more. We typically offer between 6 - 8 sessions with each session lasting 50 to 60 minutes.
Group work: theme based and occur at various times throughout the year.
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Further information
My psychologist really listened and helped me cope better when I was in a very dark place.
Last updated08 Sep 2025