Psycho-Oncology Support in Florida: Specialized Mental Health Care for Cancer Patients and Survivors

Michelle Von Der Heyde, PMHNP-BC • August 15, 2025

Understanding Psycho-Oncology: Where Mental Health Meets Cancer Care

At MindRefined, we recognize that a cancer diagnosis affects not just the body, but profoundly impacts mental and emotional well-being. Psycho-oncology is a specialized field that addresses the psychological, social, behavioral, and emotional aspects of cancer for patients, survivors, and their families. With our unique combination of oncology nursing experience and psychiatric expertise, we're uniquely positioned to provide this specialized care to Florida residents.

What Is Psycho-Oncology?

Psycho-oncology is the intersection of psychology and oncology, focusing on the mental health needs of individuals affected by cancer. This specialized field acknowledges that cancer creates unique psychological challenges that require targeted interventions and support from professionals who understand both the medical and emotional complexities of the cancer journey.

Research shows that approximately 30-40% of cancer patients experience significant psychological distress, yet many don't receive adequate mental health support. This gap in care can impact treatment outcomes, quality of life, and long-term survivorship.

Our Unique Expertise in Cancer-Related Mental Health

What sets MindRefined apart is our provider's distinctive background combining oncology nursing with psychiatric nurse practitioner training. Michelle Von Der Heyde, PMHNP-BC, brings invaluable experience from her oncology nursing background, providing a deep understanding of:

  • The physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment
  • Side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy on mental health
  • The unique fears and anxieties cancer patients face
  • Survivorship challenges and fear of recurrence
  • Family dynamics during cancer treatment
  • End-of-life concerns and existential distress

This specialized knowledge means we speak the language of cancer care while providing expert psychiatric support, creating a bridge between your oncology team and your mental health needs.

Common Mental Health Challenges in Cancer

Cancer patients and survivors often experience unique psychological challenges that differ from general mental health concerns:

During Diagnosis and Treatment:

  • Adjustment disorders following diagnosis
  • Anxiety about treatment decisions and outcomes
  • Depression related to loss of control and uncertainty
  • Sleep disturbances from treatment side effects and worry
  • Cognitive changes ("chemo brain") affecting concentration and memory
  • Body image concerns following surgery or physical changes

During Survivorship:

  • Fear of cancer recurrence
  • Post-traumatic stress symptoms
  • Survivor guilt
  • Difficulty transitioning from active treatment to survivorship
  • Relationship and intimacy challenges
  • Career and financial stress

Our Comprehensive Psycho-Oncology Services

At MindRefined, we offer specialized mental health services tailored to the unique needs of cancer patients and survivors:

1. Specialized Assessment: We conduct comprehensive evaluations that consider your cancer diagnosis, treatment plan, and how these factors interact with your mental health. Our assessments account for medication interactions between psychiatric drugs and cancer treatments.

2. Evidence-Based Therapy: We utilize therapeutic approaches proven effective for cancer-related distress, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for cancer-related anxiety and depression
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for coping with uncertainty
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques
  • Meaning-centered psychotherapy for existential concerns

3. Medication Management: With expertise in both oncology and psychiatry, we carefully select psychiatric medications that won't interfere with your cancer treatment while effectively managing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

4. Symptom Management: We help manage cancer and treatment-related symptoms that impact mental health, including fatigue, pain-related mood changes, and cognitive difficulties.

5. Family Support: Cancer affects entire families. We provide support and guidance for caregivers and family members navigating their own emotional responses to their loved one's diagnosis.

The Importance of Integrated Care

Mental health support during cancer treatment isn't just about feeling better emotionally—it can actually impact physical outcomes. Studies show that addressing psychological distress in cancer patients can:

  • Improve treatment adherence
  • Enhance immune function
  • Reduce pain perception
  • Improve quality of life
  • Support better communication with oncology teams
  • Facilitate more effective coping strategies

We work collaboratively with your oncology team, ensuring that your mental health care complements and enhances your cancer treatment.

When to Seek Psycho-Oncology Support

Consider reaching out for specialized mental health support if you're experiencing:

  • Overwhelming anxiety about cancer or treatment
  • Persistent sadness or hopelessness lasting more than two weeks
  • Difficulty making treatment decisions due to emotional distress
  • Sleep problems affecting your daily functioning
  • Panic attacks or severe anxiety before medical appointments
  • Difficulty adjusting to life after treatment
  • Strain in relationships due to cancer-related stress
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Supporting Different Stages of the Cancer Journey

Newly Diagnosed: We help process the shock of diagnosis, manage initial fears, and develop coping strategies for the journey ahead.

Active Treatment: We provide support through the challenges of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, helping manage treatment-related anxiety and side effects impacting mood.

Post-Treatment Transition: We assist with the often-difficult transition from active treatment to survivorship, addressing fear of recurrence and identity changes.

Long-Term Survivorship: We support ongoing mental health needs, helping survivors process their experience and move forward with renewed purpose.

Advanced Cancer: We provide compassionate support for those with advanced cancer, addressing existential concerns, quality of life, and end-of-life anxieties.

Accessible Care Through Telehealth

We understand that cancer treatment can make traveling to appointments challenging. That's why we offer comprehensive psycho-oncology services via secure telehealth throughout Florida. This means you can receive specialized mental health support from the comfort of your home, without the added stress of travel during treatment.

Our telehealth platform allows for:

  • Flexible scheduling around treatment appointments
  • Continuity of care even during hospital stays
  • Family involvement when appropriate
  • Reduced exposure risks during immunocompromised periods

Insurance Coverage and Accessibility

We accept most major insurance plans, and many insurers recognize the importance of mental health support during cancer treatment. We can help verify your benefits and work with you to ensure you receive the support you need.

Why Choose MindRefined for Psycho-Oncology Services

Our unique combination of oncology nursing experience and psychiatric expertise means we truly understand the cancer experience from multiple perspectives. We don't just treat symptoms—we understand the context of your journey and provide compassionate, knowledgeable support that acknowledges the full complexity of living with or beyond cancer.

We believe that no one should navigate cancer alone, and mental health support is an essential component of comprehensive cancer care. Our specialized psycho-oncology services ensure you receive care from someone who understands not just mental health, but the unique challenges that cancer brings.

Taking the First Step

If you or a loved one is facing cancer and struggling with the emotional impact, you don't have to face these challenges alone. Specialized psycho-oncology support can make a significant difference in your quality of life and ability to cope with the challenges ahead.

Contact MindRefined today to schedule a consultation. We offer same-week appointments and are here to support you through every stage of your cancer journey. Remember, seeking mental health support during cancer isn't a sign of weakness—it's an important part of comprehensive cancer care that can enhance both your emotional well-being and physical health outcomes.

MindRefined specializes in psycho-oncology services for cancer patients, survivors, and families throughout Florida. With our provider's unique background in oncology nursing and psychiatric care, we offer unparalleled understanding and support for the mental health challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Contact us at 305-290-2175 or office@mindrefined.us to learn more about our specialized services.

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