Stefanie London and Jonathan Reich
Stefanie and Jonathan have relied on the support of the Psychiatric Oncology department here at the Mass General Cancer Center to help get through Stefanie’s breast cancer diagnosis.
Contact Information
55 Fruit Street
Boston,
MA
02114
Phone: 617-726-1920
Support the Collaborative Care Program in Psychiatric Oncology
Patients with severe mental illness die nearly 25 years younger than the general population and are significantly more likely to die from cancer. We are researching how to improve cancer survival and quality of life in this neglected population. Make a gift.
Patients with cancer often deal with severe side effects and psychological distress during cancer treatment. Coping successfully can have a substantial impact on their quality of life and on the quality of life of those around them. This program, a collaborative effort of the Department of Psychiatry and the Cancer Center, is designed to provide easily accessible, state-of-the-art treatment for the psychological distress often experienced during cancer treatment.
The Center for Psychiatric Oncology and Behavioral Science is committed to a cancer care model that is unparalleled in its ability to treat the whole patient, to foster the best patient and family experience and the best clinical outcomes.
Our research program, supported by the National Cancer Institute, has seven main areas of focus:
We are at the forefront of this growing field, offering the following advantages to our patients and their families:
Every patient is cared for by a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists, including experts in psychiatric oncology. Patients and the family members involved in their care are viewed as an important part of this team, as is the referring physician. Working together, we form a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs and wishes and gives you the best possible chance of success.
Our contribution to this plan and to your treatment is to focus on your mood, your anxiety and your ability to think clearly while receiving treatment. This may include adjusting medications, clarifying medical and psychological aspects of your disease and treatment and suggesting treatments.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation:
All of our psychiatrists have had advanced sub-specialty training in the psychiatric care of medically-ill patients. We are able to offer comprehensive evaluations that include both medical and psychological causes of distress in individuals with cancer.
Expertise in Psychiatric Medications and Cancer Treatments:
We are sensitive and knowledgeable about the use of psychiatric medications during cancer treatments in order to avoid drug interactions and worsening of side effects.
Counseling/Psychotherapy Referrals:
As part of an individualized treatment plan, we often include a referral for counseling or psychotherapy. We work closely with Oncology Social Work and the Behavioral Medicine Service to ensure that patients are referred to the therapy that will be best for them.
Many of the specialists in this program are involved in clinical research to improve the quality of life for patients and their families during cancer treatment. Research areas include:
Every patient is cared for by a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists, including experts in psychiatric oncology.
Learn about Mass General's Department of Psychiatry.
Learn about the Collaborative Care and Community Engagement Program.
We offer a variety of education and support resources to help you and your family.
We offer a wide range of integrative therapies, workshops and support groups.
Our oncology social workers offer emotional support to patients and their families.
This program addresses the unique needs of patients with cancer ages 15-39.
Our support programs can help patients and their families cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
The Story Project is our effort to capture the stories from the people in our Mass General Cancer Center community.
Stefanie and Jonathan have relied on the support of the Psychiatric Oncology department here at the Mass General Cancer Center to help get through Stefanie’s breast cancer diagnosis.
Amy Corveleyn, MSW is a psychiatric oncology social worker with the Collaborative Care and Community Engagement program. Amy is an advocate for those affected by mental illness who also have cancer.
Contact us to make an appointment or to learn more about our programs.