Psychological Services

Psychological services are provided to patients and family members at Baptist Cancer Institute and Baptist Medical Center to help them cope with the physical and emotional stress associated with the diagnosis and treatment of chronic health problems such as cancer, anemia and sickle cell disease.

Referrals are made for the purposes of health promotion and prevention of problems, as well as to help you and your family cope with common problems such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, pain, eating problems, fatigue and general adjustment. Often intervention and advice from a clinical psychologist at the time of diagnosis or during medical treatment helps you and your family avoid future difficulties.

Common Problems

This is a sampling of the types of issues that are referred to the Psychological Services staff.

Anticipatory Anxiety about Side Effects Anxiety Child Behavior, Academic, Emotional Issues Chronic Fatigue Communication Issues - with the medical team, spouse, children, co-workers, etc. Depression Eating Problems Fear and Anxiety Fear of Medical Procedures

Feelings of Anger, Guilt, Resentment Feelings of Helplessness, Loss of Control and Hopelessness Grief Issues Intimacy and Relationship Concerns Pain Management Self-Esteem Issues Sleep Disturbance Stress Work-related Problems / Concerns