Clinical Psychology
Location:
Radiation Oncology, Level 3, East Wing, Royal Adelaide Hospital
Contact Details:
Telephone +61 8 8222 5626 and +61 8 8222 2922
Pagers 22772 or 22898
Fax: +61 8 8222 2016
The Clinical Psychology Service provides a specialist psychological service to patients and their families, offering assessment, treatment planning and management, and a range of psychological interventions. Topics that may be discussed include: making choices about treatment, communicating with treating professionals and significant others, the impact of cancer on self and others, psycho-education, strategies to assist with mood management and exploring "where to from here?" Clinical Psychology assistance is offered to individuals and/or couples/families as required, and is provided as both an inpatient and outpatient service. The Clinical Psychology Service also provides education sessions for patients, professionals and the wider community through research and teaching activities and presentations
Why offer a Clinical Psychology service?
The diagnosis of cancer and associated medical treatments can result in additional stress to the lives of patients and their families. As part of care in the Royal Adelaide Hospital Cancer Centre, it is important that patients and their families have the opportunity to address their worries regarding their illness and treatment.
Who can be referred?
- Royal Adelaide Hospital Cancer Centre patients and their families.
Why speak with a Clinical Psychologist?
- Anxiety
- Depression / Suicidal thoughts
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Denial Reactions
- Interpersonal problems (e.g. family and relationship concerns)
- Pre-Bone-Marrow Transplant Assessment
- Pre-Stem-Cell Transplant Assessment
- Medical Phobias (e.g. injection phobias)
- Grief and Loss issues
- Crisis Intervention
- Body image concerns
- Sleep disorders
- Decision making
- Coping with the side-effects of cancer treatment
- Health promotion (e.g. smoking cessation)
- Sexuality concerns
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Fertility concerns
How can a Clinical Psychologist help?
Clinical Psychologists use a combination of interview and questionnaires to design a treatment plan that is right for you. They aim to help patients and their families:
- Understand their emotions
- Learn stress management and relaxation strategies
- Manage uncomfortable feelings (i.e. anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, guilt)
- Adjust to changes
- Cope better with their illness and treatment
- Communicate their wants and needs
The frequency and number of sessions with a Clinical Psychologists varies according to individual needs. Psychological services are provided to patients and their families for as long as is considered necessary.