Psychiatry

Psychiatry and Psycho-Oncology Programs

Fox Chase has an experienced, multidisciplinary team of psychologists, advanced practitioners, and psychiatrists to support patients, families, and caregivers through their cancer journey and complicated medical illnesses.

Cancer and medical illness can lead to a stressful experience from time of diagnosis through various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy/radiation/hormonal therapy and/or surgery, to survivorship.

Patients and their caregivers may experience the following symptoms that may benefit from a psychiatric consultation:

Anxiety
Panic attacks
Depressed mood
Irritability
Mood swings
Fatigue
Insomnia
Cognitive changes
Decreased concentration

Treatment may include:

Individual, Family, Couples, Group Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Relaxation Techniques
Breathing Exercises
Mindfulness Meditation
Medication Evaluation and Management

Integrative Care

Yoga: Fox Chase Cancer Center offers evidence-based physical and psycho-spiritual healing practices through our yoga program, which can promote relaxation and help manage the physical and emotional side effects of treatment.

In treating cancer, yoga has been proven to improve quality of life by alleviating some side effects of treatment, such as depression, insomnia, pain, fatigue and anxiety. Fox Chase offers a chair-based yoga class for cancer patients and their families and caregivers taught by a certified yoga instructor who specializes in a gentle yoga regimen specialized for cancer patients that accommodates the abilities and limitations of each participant. The class emphasizes the stress reduction aspects of yoga through breathing techniques, meditation, deep relaxation and mental imagery to help guide participants to a state of peaceful awareness. No previous yoga experience is required to take our class, and scholarships are available. To register for a yoga class, or to find out more information, contact the Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Department of Psychiatry at 215-214-3940.

Collaboration

In addition to our oncologists, surgeons, and medical providers, our team works closely with the Pain and Palliative Program to help patients with psychological aspects of pain management, in addition to supporting patients and families through end of life care.

We also work closely with our team of social workers who provide psychosocial support to patients and their families, including guidance on financial and care needs.

Other collaborations include:

Insurance coverage can vary, we advise patients and families to contact their insurance company to confirm coverage for mental health treatment and speak with our Financial Counseling Office.

For more information or to request an appointment, please call the Division of Psychiatry at 215-214-3940.