Oncology counseling

At Allina Health, oncology counseling services are provided by experts who are part of the Allina Health Cancer Institute cancer care team. This means your entire team is seamlessly connected, contributing to whole person care that provides emotional support in tandem with your physical health care needs.  

Our oncology counseling team is made up of experienced, licensed therapists who work exclusively with people who have cancer and their loved ones.  They are well versed in the unique needs associated with cancer treatment and flexible with scheduling because they understand the demanding appointment loads of active cancer treatment. Oncology therapists work with you to make appropriate recommendations and referrals to other specialty areas to further support your needs. They also work specifically with your surgical, medical and radiation oncologists and their team of advanced practice providers, nurse navigators and nurses to provide the best possible outcomes for you.  

Oncology counseling is appropriate if you are experiencing new or changing emotions after receiving a cancer diagnosis, during active treatment or after recently completing treatment. You may be referred to oncology counseling by any member of your cancer care team or by self-referral.   

Oncology counseling can help address the emotional distress often experienced when diagnosed with or supporting someone with cancer. Your first appointment will be a mental health intake, which will help your therapist gather important information about you. Follow up sessions will include developing a treatment plan specific to your needs. Counseling sessions are billed to your health insurance under a mental health diagnosis determined by your therapist.