Counseling and Support Groups

Many patients describe a cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship as a journey — sometimes one that comes with confusing maps and directions or without signposts and guidebooks. If you or a loved one need support, you have many options here.

Counseling

Our group of psychiatrists, psychologists, advanced practice clinicians and counselors provide compassionate support and symptom management for the challenges that often come with a cancer diagnosis. If you or your loved one is interested in speaking with a member of our counseling team, call 919-966-3494 to make an appointment.

(For inpatient consults: Inpatient consult: Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison Service, page 216-3834. Please identify the request as a Cancer Hospital consultation)

Some of the services we offer include:

Psychosocial support and psychiatric consultation
Individual, couples, family and/or group therapy
Coping with transitions in treatment
Support for children with cancer and healthy children whose parents have cancer
Management of depression, anxiety, mental changes, sleep problems and other symptoms caused by cancer and its treatment

UNC & CCSP Affiliated Support Groups

A complete list of support groups, classes and workshops is available on the Cancer Support Calendar. See our Resources for other local area support programs, and peer support programs.

Breast Cancer Support for Young Women

When: 1st Tuesday of the month, 7-8:30 PM
Where: Coco Bean Coffee Shop, Chapel Hill

For women ages 18-45 with breast cancer.

Contact: Michelle Manning mmanning@unc.edu

Caregiver Conversations

When: Tuesdays, 2-3 PM
Where: Patient & Family Resource Center, Lobby

Planned topics and social time for caregivers.

More caregiver resources

Caregiver Dinners

When: Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 PM
Where: BMT Unit & 4 Oncology

For caregivers of patients on those units.

Circle of Support

When: 2nd Monday of the Month, 6:30-8 PM
Where: SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home

For those who have lost a loved one. Support from hospice staff and volunteers.

Questions? Ann Ritter 984-215-2650 ann.ritter@unchealth.unc.edu

El Groupo de Conversación

Cuando: Todo los Jueves al las 1:00pm-2:00pm
Dónde: Centro de Recursos para Paciente y la Familias

Groupo de apoyo gratuito, estamos aquí para ti y no tienes que hacerlo solo. Venga a hablar con otros pacientes y familares que también están pasando por cancer.

Para más información llame 984-974-8100

Friday Family Coffee

When: Fridays, 9-11 AM
Where: Patient & Family Resource Center, Lobby

Weekly breakfast for patients and caregivers.

iCANcer: Teen & Parent Support Group

When: Varies, contact for details
Where: Ronald McDonald House, Chapel Hill and outings in the community

For patients of UNC Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology and their siblings ages 12 and up. Parents meet separately.

Questions? Meghan.Fox@unchealth.unc.edu

Triangle Bladder Cancer Support

When: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7-8:30 PM
Where: SECU Family House, Chapel Hill

For patients & caregivers affected by bladder cancer.

Questions? Ritchie Briggs 919-493-0551

Young Adult Meet Up

Sponsored by the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Support Program in partnership with Duke Cancer Institute

When: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6-8 PM
Where: Namu Restaurant, 5420 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707, Durham

For young adults in cancer treatment and their friends, partners and family. This is NOT a support group, rather, just a cool space to hang out with some folks who have experienced cancer treatment No need to RSVP, just show up!

Questions? Lauren Lux lauren_lux@med.edu.edu

Widowed Parent Support Groups

Mom’s Group

When: 1st Tuesday of every month, 6:00 – 7:30 PM.
Where: SECU Family House, 123 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill 27517

There is no cost for attending. You and your family do not have to be
patients at UNC or affiliated with UNC in any way. You are welcome to bring your children! They will be supervised in a separate room and given dinner, drinks, and activities. Dinner will also be provided for you.

Registration and Info: Diane Bensley 984-974-2548 diane.bensley@unchealth.unc.edu

Dad’s Group

When: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 6:00 – 7:30 PM.
Where: SECU Family House, 123 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill 27517

Registration and Info: Justin Yopp 984-974-8113 justin_yopp@med.unc.edu

Writing for Resilience

When: Every Tuesday from 12 Noon – 1:00 P
Where: Patient and Family Resource Center, which is located on the ground floor of UNC Cancer Hospital.

A writing group open to all in the hospital and community. Come and enjoy a respite from the demands of your day–to reflect and write. No writing experience necessary! Please enter in silence and begin writing in response to the opening prompt on the whiteboard, or about anything else on your mind.

Facilitated by Carol Henderson, writer and workshop leader; Heidi Gessner, UNC Hospitals Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator; and Joy Javits, founder of DooR to DooR.

Info: Heidi Gessner heidi.gessner@unchealth.unc.edu