PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Program Director, Comprehensive Cancer Support Program
UNC-Chapel Hill
Area of Interest
Justin Yopp, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry who serves as program director of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Support Program at the North Carolina Basnight Cancer Hospital. He provides outpatient psychotherapy services for adults with cancer, specializing in working with parents with cancer who have children at home. He co-leads the Parenting with Cancer clinic at UNC, which offers patients with cancer who have children 17 years or younger with tailored guidance to best communicate with their children about illness, treatment and prognosis, and to enhance family adaptation during a challenging time. He conducts research in the area of family adaptation to cancer.
Along with Dr. Rosenstein, Dr. Yopp co-leads the Widowed Parent Project for mothers and fathers who have lost a spouse or partner and are raising children at home. The project includes monthly support groups, a website resource for parents, and an active research agenda aimed at better understanding the needs of this largely underserved population. Drs. Yopp and Rosenstein co-authored the book, The Group: Seven Widowed Fathers Reimagine Life, which was published by Oxford University Press in 2018. All proceeds from the book go back to supporting the Widowed Parent Project.
Awards and Honors
- American Psychosocial Oncology Society Fellow, 2023
- Best Poster, American Psychosocial Oncology Society annual meeting, 2012
- President, Clinical Student Association, Central Michigan University, 2003
- President, Parent-Child Interaction Research Group, Central Michigan University, 2000-2003
- Outstanding Clinical Research Award, Central Michigan University, 2001
- Rose Memorial Academic Scholarship, Appalachian State University, 1994
News and Stories
Scientific retreat underscores impact and promise of cancer center’s research
UNC Lineberger's annual scientific retreat brought together faculty, staff and trainees to learn about the latest research at the cancer center.
Yopp elected as American Psychosocial Oncology Society fellow
Justin Yopp, PhD, was elected as a fellow of the APOS, a distinction that recognizes and honors people who make outstanding contributions to the science and practice of psychosocial oncology.
Mom’s memory inspires new parenting clinic
The new Parenting with Cancer Clinic will help cancer patients talk to their children openly and honestly about their cancer, and to help with legal issues that can accompany cancer, such as end-of-life decisions, wills, trusts and custody agreements.
Family ties remain strong even through cancer diagnosis
Jack Goldstein, 14, and his family had to make sacrifices when Jack was diagnosed with leukemia. But when Jack put his schoolwork and baseball training on hold, his family and friends were there to support him.
