Mental Health Conditions We Treat in Our Virtual IOP
Our virtual IOP treats the mental health effects of cancer: depression, anxiety and scan-related fear, trauma, insomnia and fatigue, and caregiver burnout. This specialty is called psycho-oncology. It means care built around how cancer affects your mind, mood and relationships, not only your body.
What is psycho-oncology?
Psycho-oncology addresses the psychological and emotional effects of cancer on patients, survivors and caregivers. Three Rivers was founded by Nina Abelowitz, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, whose background includes oncology nursing practice and psychiatric training. That combination informs the practice’s focus on cancer-related depression, anxiety and caregiver distress.
Conditions
Depression during and after cancer
Persistent sadness, numbness, loss of interest, or hopelessness that goes beyond normal grief over a diagnosis.
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Anxiety, scanxiety and fear of recurrence
Racing thoughts before scans, panic waiting for results, and constant worry that the cancer will come back.
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Trauma and PTSD after cancer
Flashbacks, avoidance or feeling on edge after a diagnosis, surgery, ICU stay or difficult treatment.
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Caregiver burnout and anticipatory grief
Exhaustion, resentment, guilt and grief for a loss that hasn't happened yet, in people caring for someone with cancer.
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Sleep problems, fatigue and chemo brain
Insomnia, cancer-related fatigue that rest doesn't fix, and trouble thinking clearly during or after treatment.
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Also addressed in group
- Body image and identity changes after surgery or treatment
- Adjustment to a new diagnosis or a change in prognosis
- Relationship and intimacy changes
- Living with uncertainty and metastatic disease
- Grief and loss
How the IOP treats these conditions
Each condition is addressed across several groups. For example, scan anxiety is worked on in DBT Skills (calming skills), the Rotating Theme Group (fear of recurrence) and the Sleep & Fatigue Group (night-time worry).
When you need more than IOP
If symptoms are severe or you're not safe, we'll help you find a higher level of care. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Talk it through with us
Have a question about the program? Call the practice.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.