Therapist for Cancer Patient
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
- Father's anxiety & depression after cancer
- Therapist to help me cope with breast cancer
- Therapist for young woman with cancer
- Therapist for cancer/loss issues
- Cancer support for mom with young child
Father's anxiety & depression after cancer
May 2009
I am looking for recommendations of a good cognitive-behavioral therapist for my father who has anxiety and depression mostly related to his declining health. Does anybody know of a psychologist near Berkeley/Oakland who has experience in helping people with chronic/terminal illness and the issues surrounding it?. I?m interested in the SF Bay Area Cognitive-Behavioral Center in Oakland- anybody love their psychologist there? My father is a cancer/stem cell transplant survivor currently in remission but constantly plagued by the likelihood that the cancer will return and claim his life. He wants to work on developing better coping skills to deal with his anxiety, depression and catastrophic thinking. My dad doesn't like ''touchy feely/kumbaya'' therapy- someone smart, articulate but with a sense of humor would be ideal.
I would like to recommend a colleague of mine for your father to try, Larry Yabroff, Ph.D. He is a seasoned, older therapist, wise, warm, practical and not touchy-feely. Though not specifically CBT, he works extensively to help people reduce anxiety and depression and specializes in chronic illness issues. I have known his work for many years and recommend him highly. He's on Ward Street in Berkeley and his # is 649-0640. I wish your father and you all the best. Lynn
Therapist to help me cope with breast cancer
May 2008
I have Health Net Insurance with Hills Physicians Group. I am dealing with breast cancer right now and am looking for a good therapist on my plan that has experience with this. Any recommendation would be appreciated. Kelly
I don't know if he's in Hill Physicians, but Burton Presburg deals primarily with cancer patients and he's wonderful. I saw him a couple of times just for medication, because he took my insurance at the time and his office, which is at the former Herrick Hospital site, was convenient, but he told me that cancer was his main focus. RW
Therapist for young woman with cancer
Jan 2008
Need recs for excellent therapist or support group who deals w/ young adults with cancer - and spouses and family members...Dealing with the denial, anger, depression, etc.. through the long journey. Someone who is also uplifting. Preferably in WC, Phill, Lamorinda. Thx. love someone recently diagnosed
I'm sorry this is happening. I lost my mom to breast cancer and it was a difficult road.
Christie Rigg, MFT is a therapist who has had breast cancer, and specializes in dealing with the issue. She's wonderful--empathetic, warm and smart.
Her website: breastcancertherapist.com ph: 510 287-5845 her email: christieriggmft [at] aol.com
Feel free to email me if you have questions. denise
Therapist for cancer/loss issues
Sept 2007
My aunt is looking for a therapist that specializes in working with people with cancer. She has healthnet insurance. Any suggestions would be appreciated. C
The Women's Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley may be an excellent resource for you. They offer an information and referral line for resources and therapists throughout Northern California, an extensive resource library, support groups and peer support networks, forums and workshops, as well as a multicultural outreach program.
Contact Information: Office Hours~ Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM and also available by appointment. Women's Cancer Resource Center 5741 Telegraph Avenue Oakland, CA 94609 Helpline: 510.420.7900 ~~ Toll Free: 888.421.7900 Website: http://www.wcrc.org ~~ Email: wcrc [at] wcrc.org
I have a close friend who has been on staff there for 15+ years and other friends who offer their services through their agency. Hope this helps! Maya
Cancer support group for mom with young child
March 2005
Has anyone had recent experience with cancer support groups for mothers with school age children? Ideally, it would be a group where there would be support for the moms, and the children either played together or were in their own support group. It would be ok if the mother's partners were included, but also ok if they weren't. I woke up last night convinced that my daughter was calling me, but when I went into her room she was sound asleep. I know I need support, and I haven't told her yet, but I know she'll need support.
I also wonder if anyone has up-to-date contact info and experience with that group that supports kids whose mothers are being treated for cancer. worried
Try the Women's Cancer Resource Center at 510 601 4040. They can tell you about the various support groups and services available to you. It's a terrific place to start. Best of luck! Cari
If you are under 40, there is a support group for women under 40 with breast cancer there (I didn't see your original post so I don't know if this is your diagnosis) where women with children come to talk (but women under 40 without children are in the gruop too). This is a second support group for women over 40. Another ''mixed age'' group is at Summit. I recommend any and all. Cancer survivor Mom
This is not a therapist rec, but there are group support programs for young adults with cancer at the online community called cactuscancer.org
First, I am so sorry your and your family are dealing with cancer. I can highly recommend Dr. Korie Leigh to help you and your young adult navigate the emotional aspects of dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Korie has vast experience working with children, young adults and families dealing with cancer and other illnesses and health issues. She is kind, compassionate and just an all around wonderful therapist for exactly this situation. She used to be in the bay area but relocated to New Mexico, so you'd have to be open to meeting remotely. If anything, she most likely can recommend someone in the bay area if zoom, etc isn't ideal. Here is her website. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. Wishing you and your family healing. Here is her website: https://www.korieleighphd.com/
Check for support groups through the center where your young adult is being treated. If you child is a woman, the Women's Cancer Resource Center is an invaluable local resource.
I'm so sorry about your child's diagnosis and hope that their treatment will go very well. I don't know what her experience is with cancer specifically, but I saw Zara Drapkin for help navigating issues relating to chronic illness, and she helped me tremendously. She is also willing to see patients over zoom if that helps. https://www.zaradrapkin.com/. Best of luck to your family.
Hi there,
So sorry you are going through this. I recommend Laura Matthews. I worked with her taking care of oncology patients (I am a nurse practitioner and she is a clinical social worker). She also has her own practice and continues to specialize with people like your young adult.
https://www.lauramatthewslcsw.com/
Hope this helps! Thinking of you and your family during this time.