Head and neck cancer psychology service

The head and neck cancer psychology service can hep you with a range of issues after a diagnosis of head and neck cancer. We can support you with psychological issues throughout your medical treatment.

We can provide psychological assessment and treatment, and help them with issues such as:

Adjusting to their diagnosis and the after-effects of treatment
Body image issues
Anxiety and depression
Stopping smoking
Managing alcohol consumption
Pain, fatigue or other symptoms related to treatment
Communication difficulties as a result of treatment
Low confidence, self-esteem, or social difficulties after treatment.

In addition, we offer help and support to families.

Where will I be seen?

We can support you if you are an inpatient staying in hospital for treatment or after you have returned home.

We see inpatients on the ward they are staying on at the Freeman Hospital.

Outpatients are generally seen in ENT Outpatients on a Thursday morning. Some people may be offered telephone or video conferencing.

We also see patients at the Royal Victoria Infirmary if required.

How can I access the service?

You or your family can be referred to our service by any member of the head and neck cancer team.

This includes doctors, nursing staff, speech and language therapists, the Macmillan specialist nurses, or dietitians.

Meet the team

Lead clinical psychologist

Provides assessments and therapy sessions for patients.

Trainee Psychologist

Sometimes a Newcastle or Teesside university student is with us on a placement.

Administration staff

Arrange appointments, type and send letters, and deal with the day-to-day administration of the service.

Psychology in Healthcare service

Patients may also see another psychologist from the wider healthcare team.

Useful websites

Changing Faces – the website of the national charity supporting people with a changed appearance (both face and body).

Northern Cancer Network – a partnership of primary, secondary and palliative care services across the North East.

Coping with Cancer NE – free services to cancer patients, including support groups, counselling and complementary therapies such as massage and aromatherapy.