Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Psycho-Oncology

A cancer diagnosis can and often does affect more than just the body. That is why Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center has an experienced and compassionate psycho-oncology team ready to help patients and families adjust to the emotional and psychological changes that can also occur. Our licensed clinical psychologists and clinical therapists are specially trained to help patients with cancer relieve the stress, sadness, or worry associated with cancer and its treatment.

Two women sit facing each other during a counseling session

Signs of emotional stress:

Difficulty adjusting to a new cancer diagnosis
Emotional difficulties in coping with cancer (such as sadness or anxiety)
Daily life stressors becoming more overwhelming since diagnosis
Challenges managing cancer symptoms or treatment side effects
Reduced quality of life and feeling unsure of how to improve it
Fear of cancer recurrence or uncertainty about survivorship

Our psycho-oncology team is here to offer support at any stage of cancer treatment. Services we offer include:

Initial assessment for diagnosis and treatment of overlapping psychological and cancer-related concerns
Brief individual psychotherapy to aid coping with cancer and develop strategies for wellness
Behavioral interventions to address treatment adherence and side effects
Psychological interventions for pain and symptom management
Resources for long-term therapy and comprehensive care

Video Resources

Our psycho-oncologists have prepared these short educational videos to help patients cope during different parts of their cancer journey.

A woman and a man sit across from each other at a table, engaged in a thoughtful conversation

Appointments

Our psycho-oncology team offers in-person appointments and Virtual Care to reduce barriers to care. Virtual Care is the use of a video and audio connection to communicate in real-time and face-to-face with the team from the comfort of home or wherever patients are. We use secure technology to ensure patient information remains private.

Team members are available in person at their respective locations, and all offer Virtual Care. Options can be discussed at the time of scheduling.

Talk with our medical team to request an appointment.

Laura Howe-Martin, Ph.D., ABPP

Medical Director, Psycho-Oncology
Fort Worth and Virtual Care

Tyler Evans, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Dallas and Virtual Care

Ashley Neduvelil, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Dallas and Virtual Care

Molin Shi, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Dallas, RedBird, and Virtual Care

Hailey Umosen, LCSW-S

Clinical Therapist
Fort Worth and Virtual Care

Scanxiety: How to recognize and manage imaging-related stress

"Scanxiety," or scan anxiety, is the nervousness – and in some cases, significant distress – that comes before, during, and after cancer-related imaging exams. Studies of patients with cancer show that more than half (55%) of people experience these feelings.

Psycho-oncology supports the whole person during and after cancer treatment

Hearing the words “you have cancer” can feel overwhelming. Along with medical decisions and treatment plans often comes a wave of emotions: fear, uncertainty, sadness, anxiety, and sometimes relief at finally having answers.