Psycho-Oncology
Psycho-Oncology offers emotional and supportive care to patients of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and their families. Our psychologists and psychiatrists are trained in using behavioral approaches and medications to help patients facing cancer, cancer treatment and cancer survivorship.
Our team works closely with other cancer center providers to identify and address psychological and social distress, including the stresses of illness and medical treatment and concerns with relationships and caregiving. We also help patients learn behavioral strategies for coping with pain, insomnia, challenges with eating and other issues. We teach goal setting and mind-body strategies to help patients make meaningful changes that improve their quality of life, regardless of their diagnosis.
We collaborate with other support programs at UCSF – such as the Patient and Family Cancer Support Center, social work, Spiritual Care Services, Art for Recovery, the Osher Center for Integrative Health and the Symptom Management Service – to provide the best possible care for our patients and their families.
Our services are available to UCSF patients and their family members.
Special Programs
We lead a thriving survivorship wellness group program that teaches skills in stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cancer survivorship health strategies. In our Behavioral Sleep and Fatigue Clinic, we help patients and caregivers address the challenges of disrupted sleep and tiredness.
Our providers often lecture and lead workshops on these topics at UCSF and elsewhere in the community.
Making a Donation
Your support of UCSF Psycho-Oncology allows us to provide more patients and families with access to psychological and psychiatric care, fund our many programs and services, and continue to raise awareness and promote excellence in the field of mental well-being for cancer patients.
To donate online, please use our gift form.
To donate by phone, call (877) 499-8273.
Our locations
Our team
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Jamie Cohen
PsyD
Psychologist -
Vittorio Comelli
PsyD
Clinical psychologist -
Mayra Gomez Padua
PhD, MA
Psychologist -
Neha G. Goyal
PhD
Psychologist -
Lauren Harris
PhD
Clinical psychologist -
Emily Kantoff
NP, MSN
Nurse practitioner -
Lawrence E. Kaplan
DO
Psychiatrist -
Patricia J. Moran
PhD
Psychologist -
Jim Spira
PhD, MPH
Psychologist
U.S. News rankings
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Among the top hospitals in the nation
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Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
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Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for psychiatric care
Accreditations & memberships
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National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.
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Commission on Cancer
UCSF's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.
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National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.
Support services
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your condition
- List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
