Delivering effective behavioral health services requires a nuanced, thoughtful approach—one that deeply understands the unique needs of each patient. This is particularly true when it comes to specialized and vulnerable populations, such as those battling cancer. Cancer is not only a physical disease; it also affects the psychological, emotional, and social well-being of patients and their loved ones. As we learn more about the effects of cancer on mental health, the importance of psychosocial oncology has never been clearer.
Dr. Guy Maytal, Chief of Integrated Care and Psychiatric Services at Forge Health, a leading outpatient mental health and substance use care provider, is at the forefront of integrating behavioral health services with cancer care. Recently, in an insightful conversation with Behavioral Health Business (BHB), Dr. Maytal shared his expertise on psychosocial oncology—the intersection of behavioral health and cancer care. During the discussion, he elaborated on how Forge Health is expanding its services to assist patients and families affected by cancer. The conversation also delved into how psychosocial oncology differs from traditional mental health care, the barriers to accessing these services, and the broader implications for improving the quality of care for cancer patients.
What is Psychosocial Oncology?
Psychosocial oncology is a specialized field within cancer care that focuses on the psychological, emotional, social, and behavioral challenges faced by cancer patients and their families. Dr. Maytal defines it as the aspect of cancer care that addresses the complex psychological and emotional issues that arise as individuals cope with cancer. From diagnosis to treatment and even into survivorship, cancer deeply impacts a person’s mental state, relationships, and overall well-being. This is where psychosocial oncology plays a critical role, offering support and care for the psychological struggles that accompany the physical aspects of the disease.
While behavioral health clinicians have always worked with patients dealing with mental health issues, cancer patients face a unique set of stressors that require specialized knowledge and care. As Dr. Maytal notes, psychosocial oncology is delivered by a variety of trained clinicians across different disciplines, each equipped to understand and help navigate the complex emotional terrain that cancer patients experience. This approach involves more than just offering therapy—it includes offering social support, guiding patients through difficult conversations, and helping individuals manage the distressing realities that cancer brings into their lives.
The Growing Importance of Psychosocial Oncology
Cancer is a life-altering disease that can have a profound impact not just on an individual’s physical health, but on their mental and emotional well-being. A cancer diagnosis disrupts life on nearly every level. It is associated with intense fear and anxiety, whether the cancer is treatable or chronic. The unknowns of a diagnosis, the side effects of treatments, and the disruption of daily routines and relationships all contribute to heightened psychological distress.
Dr. Maytal emphasizes that cancer is a disease that brings unique emotional burdens, making psychosocial oncology a vital part of the overall treatment plan. Unlike other illnesses, cancer forces individuals to confront mortality head-on. Patients often experience feelings of helplessness, sadness, and loss of control as they navigate through treatments and the unpredictable outcomes of their condition. This emotional distress is not just about the illness itself but the profound impact it has on every aspect of their lives—physical, social, and financial.
In this context, the role of psychosocial oncology becomes clear. The specialized care in this field addresses not only the psychological symptoms of distress but also the social issues that cancer patients face. For example, patients may struggle with maintaining relationships due to changes in appearance, physical abilities, or energy levels. Additionally, there are social challenges related to communicating with friends, family, and even medical professionals about the diagnosis and treatment plan. These factors necessitate a specific focus that goes beyond general mental health care.
How Psychosocial Oncology Differs from General Mental Health Care
While there are similarities between psychosocial oncology and general mental health care—both fields aim to improve psychological well-being, after all—there are several key differences. Dr. Maytal highlights that psychosocial oncology specifically addresses the unique distress experienced by cancer patients. The fear of death, the uncertainty about diagnosis and treatment, the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation, and the social impact of a cancer diagnosis are just a few of the stressors that cancer patients face.
To adequately support patients, psychosocial oncology professionals must possess a deep understanding of the specific challenges cancer patients encounter. It’s not just about offering therapy—it’s about tailoring care to the particular emotional and psychological stresses of living with cancer. The therapeutic approach is different because it must consider the ways in which cancer treatment itself can affect a patient’s mental state. For example, chemotherapy and radiation can cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments, which require careful management alongside the physical treatment.
In addition, cancer patients often face the challenge of maintaining normalcy in their lives—balancing treatment with work, family responsibilities, and daily routines. Dr. Maytal explains that psychosocial oncology professionals need to address these challenges in a way that considers the patient’s entire experience, including their ability to function socially, emotionally, and psychologically.
Another key difference is the way in which psychosocial oncology professionals help patients and families cope with end-of-life issues. As cancer treatment progresses, some patients must confront the possibility that their illness may be terminal. Shifting the focus from curative care to palliative care or even end-of-life planning requires a delicate and highly specialized approach—one that ensures patients and families are supported throughout the process.
Psychosocial Oncology Services and Treatments
The services offered in psychosocial oncology vary depending on the stage of the patient’s cancer journey. Early on, patients may experience heightened anxiety and uncertainty about their diagnosis. In these early stages, a psychosocial oncology-trained therapist can provide emotional support to help patients manage their fears and anxieties. Later in the treatment process, when patients may face issues such as physical changes from treatments or disruptions in their family life, the focus of therapy may shift to helping patients and their families adapt to these new challenges.
Dr. Maytal describes a range of services provided within psychosocial oncology. One of the core services is psychotherapy, which can be offered individually or in group settings. These therapy sessions help patients navigate emotional distress, build coping mechanisms, and improve their overall quality of life.
Psychiatric care is another crucial aspect of psychosocial oncology, as certain cancer treatments can lead to significant mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety. Dr. Maytal emphasizes that understanding how cancer treatments interact with the brain and emotions is essential to managing these side effects. Psychiatrists trained in psychosocial oncology are adept at recognizing the complexities of how cancer treatment can affect mental health and are skilled in providing the right interventions, whether through medication management or therapy.
Other important services include social work and crisis management, which are often needed in hospital settings. Social workers help manage practical concerns, such as transportation to and from treatment or securing financial assistance. They also play an important role in supporting patients and families through emotionally difficult times.
Another aspect of psychosocial oncology care involves helping patients and families transition through various phases of cancer treatment. As the disease progresses, the role of the clinician shifts from providing curative treatments to offering palliative or end-of-life care. This transition requires thoughtful guidance and emotional support as patients and their families face difficult decisions about care and quality of life.
Dr. Maytal’s Personal Commitment to Psychosocial Oncology
Dr. Maytal’s dedication to psychosocial oncology has deep roots in both his personal and professional life. From his earliest days as a psychiatrist, Dr. Maytal has been interested in the profound questions of life—questions about human existence, meaning, and the inevitability of mortality. Cancer, with its unavoidable confrontation with death, naturally drew him to this field, where he could combine his passion for understanding human experience with his professional expertise in psychiatry.
Psychosocial oncology, according to Dr. Maytal, requires an intimate understanding of the entire human experience. It’s not just about treating the illness but understanding how the illness impacts every aspect of a person’s life—emotionally, socially, and psychologically. This holistic approach is what makes the field so meaningful to him.
The Challenge of Accessibility
Despite its critical importance, psychosocial oncology services are not widely accessible. As Dr. Maytal points out, while certain leading cancer centers offer excellent psychosocial oncology care, this level of support is often unavailable at smaller, local cancer treatment facilities. In many cases, patients may not even know that psychosocial oncology is an option for them. The field remains relatively unknown, and as a result, many patients are left without the psychological support they need to navigate their cancer journey.
Dr. Maytal hopes that with increased awareness and investment—such as the recent strategic growth investment from MFO Ventures into Forge Health—there will be greater access to these specialized services, ensuring that more cancer patients can receive the comprehensive, holistic care they deserve.
Conclusion: The Need for a Comprehensive Approach to Cancer Care
Cancer is an overwhelming and life-changing disease, and its impact extends far beyond physical health. The emotional and psychological toll on patients and their families can be profound, but through psychosocial oncology, individuals can find the support they need to navigate this difficult journey. As the field continues to grow, it is crucial that more institutions invest in expanding access to these vital services.
By providing patients with a comprehensive care model that integrates psychological support, psychiatric care, and social services, psychosocial oncology can help improve the quality of life for cancer patients—allowing them not just to survive, but to thrive in the face of adversity. With greater access to these services, we can ensure that all cancer patients receive the holistic, compassionate care they need to face the challenges of their illness and emerge stronger on the other side.
