Medical psychology cancer services
You may have some questions about what a cancer psychologist or therapist can offer you. This leaflet aims to address some of the things people commonly ask.
Who is in the team?
Cancer psychologists and therapists are specifically trained to help people cope with stressful situations, such as cancer.
Sometimes the psychologist or therapist may be called a doctor, but they cannot give medicine or send people to hospital. They understand a person’s thoughts and emotions.
Why have I been asked if I want to see a psychologist or therapist?
When you are ill, it is normal to feel worried, sad, or angry. You may also feel upset about the things you can no longer do.
Sometimes it helps to talk about these feelings with family, friends, doctors, or nurses.
Other times, the feelings might feel too big or too hard to share, and you may struggle to cope with them on your own.
Who can see a psychologist or therapist?
You can see a psychologist or therapist if you have been told you have cancer and you are being looked after by a South Tees Hospitals doctor or specialist nurse.
What sort of problems can a psychologist or therapist help with?
Cancer diagnosis, symptoms and treatment can cause changes which you may struggle to cope with.
We know that cancer affects the whole person, not just the body.
Concerns may include:
- Coping with symptoms or treatment.
- Making decisions about care.
- Feeling worried, fearful and angry.
- Relationship difficulties, including issues around sexuality and intimacy.
- Dealing with uncertainty.
- Feeling unhappy about changes to the way you look.
- Coping with adjustments or change.
- Coming to terms with losses.
- Depression and anxiety.
Where will I be seen?
Appointments are held at The James Cook University Hospital (this could be at the disablement services centre or the haematology day unit), University Hospital of Hartlepool, Redcar Primary Care Hospital and The Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.
You can also be seen on the ward if you are a James Cook inpatient.
What will happen at my appointment?
Once you have been referred, you will receive a letter asking you if you want to opt-in to the service. If you do, you will be sent another letter to arrange a telephone call.
This initial phone call will involve talking about your situation, thoughts and feelings and will help us to understand your needs and make sure you get the right service.
Further sessions may be offered after this.
What if I am an inpatient?
If you are staying in The James Cook University Hospital, a psychologist or therapist can visit you on the ward. The first meeting will help us understand your worries and concerns. You may also be asked to fill in a short questionnaire. This will be explained at your first meeting.
The psychologist or therapist will help you understand your difficulties and build up your ability to cope. They will also be happy to answer any questions.
How long will the appointment last?
Appointments last around 50 minutes.
How many appointments will I have?
This will vary according to your needs.
What if I no longer want to be seen?
If you decide at any time that you do not want to see the psychologist or therapist, please let us know. This will not affect your medical care or treatment.
What about confidentiality?
What you talk about in the session is usually kept private and a summary of each session is recorded on your hospital record which your doctors and nurses can refer to, if required.
Your psychologist or therapist will explain this to you in your first appointment. Please tell them if there is anything you do not want them to share. The only time this may change is if there is a risk of harm to yourself or someone else.
Contact numbers
If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below:
James Cook University Hospital
Telephone: 01642 282708
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30 pm
Email: [email protected]
If you have any worries or concerns, you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours, you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.
Further information is available from
ID: PI105 version 1
Date: 20 July 2029