Find a Cancer Therapist in Australia

How cancer therapy works for Australia residents

If you are living with cancer or supporting someone who is, therapy is focused on helping you manage the psychological and practical challenges that often come with diagnosis and treatment. In Australia, therapy is commonly delivered by psychologists, counsellors and social workers who have experience with health-related distress, grief and adjustment. You can access care through public hospitals, community health services, outpatient cancer centres and private practices. Many people are referred by their GP, oncology team or a hospital social worker, and you may find that a coordinated approach - where your therapist liaises with other members of your health team with your permission - gives the best continuity of care.

For some Australians there are options to reduce out-of-pocket costs when a GP provides a referral under an appropriate mental health plan. If cost is a concern, you can discuss session limits, fees and possible rebate pathways with both your GP and potential therapists. Health insurance may also contribute to the cost of some sessions depending on your policy and provider.

Finding specialised help for cancer in Australia

When you look for specialised help, you want someone who understands the emotional impact of diagnosis, treatment side effects, changes in roles and relationships, and concerns about recurrence. Many hospitals in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have psycho-oncology teams or allied health services that work directly with oncology departments. Outside of metropolitan areas you may find community health services or regional hospital clinics offering counselling, and telehealth has made it easier to access clinicians who specialise in cancer-related issues regardless of where you live.

Start by considering whether you need a therapist with specific experience in oncology, palliative care or survivorship. Some clinicians focus on grief and loss, others on helping you adjust to life after treatment or manage ongoing pain and fatigue. You can look for descriptions that mention oncology experience, ask about clinical training in health psychology or psycho-oncology, and check whether the therapist has experience supporting families and carers as well as patients.

What to expect from online therapy for cancer

Online therapy has become a common option for people affected by cancer, offering flexibility when you are undergoing treatment or dealing with fatigue and travel limitations. If you choose telehealth, sessions are usually conducted via video or phone calls and will start with an initial assessment where the therapist will ask about your medical history, mental health history and current concerns. You can expect collaboratively set goals, an agreed plan for the number of sessions, and regular reviews of progress.

Therapists will use evidence-informed approaches such as cognitive behavioural techniques, acceptance-based strategies, supportive counselling and interventions designed specifically for cancer-related distress. If you are receiving treatment in a hospital setting, your therapist can often coordinate with oncology nurses or social workers if you give permission. It is also important to discuss what happens in an emergency - for example when you are experiencing severe distress between sessions - and to have contact details for crisis services or your GP handy.

Common signs you might benefit from cancer therapy

You might consider therapy if you notice persistent anxiety that interferes with medical appointments or sleep, or if low mood and loss of interest in activities are affecting your ability to carry out daily tasks. Relationship strain with family or partners, heightened fear of recurrence, difficulty managing pain and fatigue, and trouble coping with changes to work or finances are all common reasons people seek specialist support. You may also find therapy helpful if you are dealing with body image changes after surgery, struggling with decision-making about treatment options, or feeling overwhelmed by existential questions related to illness and mortality.

If you are a carer or family member, therapy can help you manage caregiver stress, grief and role changes. Young people and children with a family member living with cancer may benefit from age-appropriate therapeutic support, and many therapists can advise on ways to talk about illness within a family to reduce confusion and distress.

Tips for choosing the right therapist for this specialty in Australia

When choosing a therapist, start by thinking about what matters most to you - clinical experience with cancer, a therapeutic approach you prefer, appointment times that fit treatment schedules, or the ability to work via telehealth. Ask potential therapists about their experience working with people affected by cancer, and whether they have training in areas such as grief, chronic illness management or palliative care. It is reasonable to ask how they integrate care with medical teams and whether they can provide written reports for employers or insurers if required.

Check professional registration and memberships. Psychologists and allied health clinicians working in clinical roles are typically registered with national health regulators or recognised professional bodies in Australia. If cultural responsiveness is important to you, ask whether the therapist has experience with your cultural background or can provide referrals to practitioners who do. Language needs, LGBTQ+ affirming practice, and sensitivity to Indigenous perspectives are all useful topics to raise during an initial conversation.

Practical matters such as fees, cancellation policies and session length are important to clarify. Some therapists offer a brief introductory call so you can get a sense of rapport before committing to sessions. If you live in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane you may have more face-to-face options nearby, while people in regional or remote areas often rely on telehealth appointments. Consider also whether you would prefer someone who focuses on short-term, goal-oriented work or a clinician who offers longer term support.

Working with your medical team and next steps

Therapists who specialise in cancer-related care often work as part of a broader clinical team. With your consent, a therapist can communicate with oncologists, GPs and palliative care teams to ensure your mental health care complements your medical treatment. If you decide to see a therapist, bring notes about your treatment timeline, medication and any recent changes in health or functioning to your first appointment to help make the assessment more efficient.

When you are ready to begin, use this directory to review profiles, read clinician descriptions and contact therapists to ask about availability and approach. If you are experiencing severe distress or feel you might harm yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or your local crisis line immediately, and let your GP know so they can support you with urgent care options. For non-urgent concerns, a conversation with your GP can often be a helpful next step to arrange referrals and discuss rebate options.

Finding ongoing support

Recovery and adjustment after cancer can be a long road, and having access to ongoing psychological support can make a meaningful difference. Whether you live in a capital city or a regional town, therapy can help you develop coping strategies, rebuild routine and find meaning after illness. Browse the clinician listings below to compare backgrounds, approaches and availability, and reach out to start a conversation about what support might feel most useful to you.