Psychology and counselling support

Being diagnosed with breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer or DCIS is a shock for many people. You or your family may need support to deal with the uncertainty and anxiety of a diagnosis.

Our Helpline is here to connect you with information and support so you feel heard and informed. We have a range of online resources to support your mental wellbeing.
You may also want to ask for help from a psychologist or trained counsellor.

Some psychologists specialise in helping people through cancer treatment. They are called ‘psycho-oncologists’ or health psychologists. Areas they can help with include:

• coming to terms with a new diagnosis
• depression and anxiety following diagnosis
• making decisions about treatment and surgery
• living with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer
• learning you have a genetic risk of cancer.

Where to find a psychologist

• Your GP can help. They can write a Mental Health Treatment Plan for you. With this plan, Medicare gives you a rebate on up to 10 sessions each calendar year. Use your referral to see a psychologist, social worker or counsellor.
• If your breast cancer treatment is in a public hospital, ask for a referral to the Psycho-Oncology team. In regional areas this may be an oncology social worker.
• In a private hospital, ask your surgeon or breast care nurse who is available. They will know psychology practices that work with people affected by cancer.
• Use the Find a psychologist tool from the Australian Psychological Society. Go to ‘Specific issue’ then ‘General health’ and select ‘Cancer support’. If your location has no psychologists, try telehealth with a psychologist in another city or state.
• Our Service Finder has counselling and psychology services around Australia.
• For people in regional, rural or remote locations, a telehealth appointment over the phone or via video applications (such as Zoom) may give you better access to support. 

Other places to find support

• Our Online Network is a safe space to share what you’re going through with people who understand.
• Local in-person support groups: breast cancer support groups around Australia.
• Cancer Australia’s Cancer Connect service connects you with a volunteer who has had a similar cancer experience. They also have local support groups around Australia.
• Private health insurance, if covered
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if your workplace offers this
• Community mental health services - some offer free or low-cost support
• NDIS, for eligible people with significant, long-term psychosocial disabilities
• Low-cost services such as university psychology clinics for the public
• Bulk-billing psychologists, if you are eligible for financial hardship concessions.