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SUPPORTING THE ENTIRE FAMILY THROUGH A CANCER EXPERIENCE

Untreated mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, can significantly impact cancer treatment outcomes.

About This Course

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: 

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

 

Enroll in Just this Course

MEET THE PRESENTER

LARA ANDERSON SAINTE, LCSW, 

Clara Anderson Sainte is a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in grief and loss, chronic illness, cancer, depression, anxiety and trauma. She is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and trained as a Grief Recovery Specialist. 

Clara believes therapy is most effective when individuals can be their authentic selves, a principle that guides her practice. She ensures her clients feel understood and heard, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Her private practice welcomes adults of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, religious or spiritual beliefs and body types of abilities. Clara's clients appreciate her relatable approach of implementing humor and sarcasm in her sessions as they navigate complex and heavy issues. 

In addition to her private practice, Clara serves her community in multiple roles. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare and a clinical social work supervisor. She also works as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant and Continuing Education Coach. Her past roles includes serving as the 6th District Commissioner on Kansas City's LGBTQ Commission, Chair of Children's Mercy's Equity & Diversity Council, board member for Big Brother Big Sisters KC DEI Board and volunteer Big, board member of KC Center for Inclusion Board of Directors, Vice Chair of Mental Health America of the Heartland Board of Directors, and healthcare instructor at Johnson County Community College. 

Course Materials

  • Prerecorded Video: (180 minutes)
  • Presentation 
  • Handouts + Worksheet
  • Quiz 
  • Presentation Feedback Survey
  • Certificate of Completion*
*A passed quiz of at least 80% and a completed feedback survey required for certificate.  

Continuing Education (CE) hours 

 3 NBCC CE hours are available for licensed mental health providers. Please check with your licensing board to confirm that NBCC CE hours are accepted.

Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6912. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. 

Become a Member! 

A monthly subscription to ITTC’s Professional Learning Community, KALOS Includes: 

  • Unlimited Access to asynchronous courses and workshops with more being added all the time. 
  • Access to the Learning Community where you can connect with colleagues worldwide.  
  • Discounts on our live events like trainings, webinars, retreats, and our Trauma Summit.

 All courses offer continuing education credits unless otherwise indicated.

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