The University of Louisville Health Sciences Center and the Brown Cancer Center opened the Behavioral Oncology Clinic in 2004 to provide psychological support to individuals dealing with the behavioral and emotional aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Behavioral Oncology Clinic was founded on the idea of a mind-body connection, which recognizes that what a person experiences emotionally and mentally can affect his or her physical health and well-being.   The clinic offers science-based counseling programs to individuals in the Greater Louisville area at any time during the course of their disease.  Often, a diagnosis of cancer means coping with cancer as a chronic illness rather than as an acute disease. The Behavioral Oncology Clinic is available to assist individuals cope with cancer, not only while the individual is receiving treatment, but also to provide assistance in maintaining psychological well-being after treatment is completed.

These interventions have been proven to reduce stress, increase social support, manage side-effects of treatment as well as promote overall health and quality of life among individuals coping with cancer.  Services are available to all individuals dealing with cancer, regardless of where they receive their cancer care.

Individual counseling addresses various issues, including

• Psychological Assessments
• Adjusting to a cancer diagnosis 
• Treatment decision-making 
• Improving communication with the doctor 
• Managing treatment side-effects 
• Managing symptoms of stress
• Reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety

Our group support sessions are skills-based and short term:

• Supportive-Expressive Therapy emphasizes opportunities to share cancer experiences and emotions in a supportive environment. 
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teaches participants meditation-based stress management strategies. 
• Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management focuses on a range of coping strategies that reduce distress.

Smoking Cessation Counseling

Smoking cessation services offer assistance with

• Developing effective coping skills to deal with stress
• Developing a “Quit Plan”
• Identifying problem areas
• Understanding how tobacco cessation facilitates wellness and healing

Educational Seminars

Dr. Studts is available to provide group presentations on topics in behavioral oncology including: 

• Coping with breast cancer
• Cancer-related fatigue
• Providing support to a family member with cancer
• General information on breast, cervical, and lung cancer
• Clinical Trial Participation Decision Making