About This Course
3 NBCC CE hours are available for licensed mental health providers.
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This training on diagnosing depression and anxiety in cancer patients provides mental health and healthcare providers with the knowledge to recognize, diagnose, and manage mental health conditions in this population. Participants will gain insight into how untreated mental health issues can affect cancer treatment outcomes and explore evidence-based interventions tailored to the unique needs of cancer patients. The training also highlights the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological well-being of both patients and their caregivers, promoting a compassionate, patient-centered approach to cancer care.
Key Learning Objectives:
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Identify and Diagnose Mental Health Concerns in Cancer Patients: Understand the prevalence and presentation of depressive and anxiety disorders in cancer patients, including the challenges of distinguishing these symptoms from those related to cancer or its treatment. Gain skills in accurately diagnosing mental health conditions in this population.
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Support Families Impacted by Cancer: Explore how untreated mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can negatively affect cancer treatment outcomes, patient adherence to treatment protocols, and overall quality of life.
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Enhance Communication Skills with Cancer Patients: Learn about various evidence-based interventions for managing depression and anxiety in cancer patients, including pharmacologic, cognitive-behavioral, and mind-body approaches, and understand when and how to apply these strategies.
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Identify and Utilize Community Resources for Families: Recognize the common emotional responses to cancer diagnosis and treatment and develop communication strategies to support patients in coping with fear, grief, and uncertainty, fostering a holistic approach to care.
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Supporting Caregivers and Family Members: Identify the mental health challenges faced by caregivers and family members of cancer patients and learn strategies to provide them with the necessary emotional and psychological support.
Course admission requirements:
Minimum of a Master's Degree in a mental health or related field; or be a student in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. In Low- and Middle-Income Countries, a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is required.