Psychological care and counselling
Alongside the care you receive from doctors, nurses and other health professionals The Royal Marsden offers a dedicated and confidential psychological and emotional support service.
It is quite usual to experience stress, worry and concerns as a result of your diagnosis or treatment. Having cancer may lead people to experience one or more of the following:
- anxiety
- uncertainty about the future
- anger
- adjustment difficulties
- distress
- family communication problems
- changes in body image
- depression
- decision-making difficulties
- challenges balancing the demands of illness and treatment alongside being a patient.
Some people can find it helpful to discuss their feelings, needs and concerns with our specialist team.
Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists and nurse counsellors is experienced in helping adults, children with cancer and those close to them.
Our psychological and counselling care service offers:
- individual sessions on a one-to-one basis
- sessions for you together with a partner, relative or carer
- individual sessions on a one-to-one basis for your partner, relative or carer
- telephone-based sessions taken in the comfort of your home
- family sessions to support children where a parent has cancer.
We can also provide support if you are having difficulties with sexuality or intimacy. This may be a response to having an altered body image following cancer treatment, for example scarring following surgery, colostomy or hair loss. If you need specialist support you can be referred to an appropriate service.
Chelsea – Psychological Medicine Department: 020 7808 2777
Sutton – Psychological Medicine Department: 020 8661 3006