Lipson Cancer Institute adapted the University of Washington's Collaborative Care model to embed counseling services into oncology and palliative care across 6 clinic locations. This model allows patients with cancer to receive counseling for depression, anxiety, and other psycho-social concerns while in active treatment and survivorship, eliminating many barriers to care. Counseling is provided in-person or virtually, ensuring that critical support and mental health care are accessible to all, including patients in rural areas and those who are homebound.

Guest:

Earon Lehning, LMSW, Collaborative Care Therapist

Rochester Regional Health – Lipson Cancer Institute

Rochester, New York

"When our social work team meets with patients…and identifies a mood concern, they are able to put someone on my schedule within the next 2 days for an intake, compared to [services] in the community where it might take months to connect with a mental health provider."

This podcast is part of a special series with the 2023 ACCC Innovator Award winners. For a deeper dive into this and other content that will help your team reimagine how care is delivered at your cancer program or practice, register today for the ACCC 40th National Oncology Conference, Oct. 4-6, in Austin Texas.

Resources:

Collaborative Care: A Solution for Increasing Access to Psychosocial Care in Cancer Programs and Practices

Oncology Leaders Issue Urgent Call for Mental Health Support Improvements

[Podcast] Cancer Care Team Mental Health: Normalizing Helpers Seeking Help

Delivery of Psychosocial Cancer Centers Care in Oncology Summit

AMCCBS Psychosocial Summit Pre-Read

[Blog] Psychosocial Care in Oncology: Advocating for Policy Changes that Improve the Culture of Care

[Blog] Psychosocial Care in Oncology: The Impact of Social Determinants of Health

Supportive Oncology in Lung Cancer: Program Development for Patients and Care Partners

Providing Psycho-Education to Combat Fatigue