Why You Should See a Clinical Psychologist Who Specializes in Psycho-Oncology & Chronic Illness

If you’re navigating cancer or a chronic illness, you know it affects far more than just your physical health. The emotional toll can be profound — from fear and grief to identity shifts, anxiety, and relationship stress. Therapy can be a critical part of your support system, but not all therapists are trained to help with the complex emotional landscape of serious illness.

At City Lights Psychology, we provide psycho-oncology therapy in NYC and specialize in treating individuals and families facing cancer, chronic illness, and long-term health conditions. Here’s why working with a specialist matters — and how it can make a meaningful difference in your healing.

What Is Psycho-Oncology?

Psycho-oncology is a field within clinical psychology focused on the psychological and emotional experience of cancer. A psychologist for cancer patients is trained to support individuals through every stage of the illness, including:

• New diagnosis

• Active treatment

• Recurrence or progression

• Remission or survivorship

• End-of-life and palliative care

Therapists in this field also work with caregivers and loved ones, helping families manage stress, uncertainty, and grief.

We also extend this care to individuals managing other chronic illnesses, such as:

• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, Crohn’s)

• Neurological conditions (e.g., MS, Parkinson’s)

• Chronic pain or fatigue

• Long COVID and post-viral syndromes

  
  

Why General Therapy May Not Be Enough

While many therapists are skilled, a generalist may not have the background to fully grasp the emotional impact of a life-altering diagnosis. This can result in:

• Missed signs of medical trauma or PTSD

• Oversimplified coping strategies that don’t address existential fear

• Lack of understanding around treatment timelines, side effects, and healthcare systems

• Minimizing the very real emotional impact of “being strong” for others

In contrast, a chronic illness therapist in Manhattan who specializes in psycho-oncology understands what it means to live with uncertainty, loss of control, and the emotional complexity of illness.

How Psycho-Oncology Therapy Can Help

Whether you’re in active treatment, post-treatment, or caregiving for a loved one, therapy with a specialist can help you:

• Process grief, fear, and identity changes

• Address anxiety and depression related to illness

• Reconnect with your body, your relationships, and your sense of purpose

• Manage communication challenges with family, partners, or providers

• Build tools for resilience — even during uncertain medical outcomes

• Create space to talk honestly about anger, mortality, or hope

Our psychologists for chronic illness are trained to meet you with compassion and clinical skill, creating a space where your story is understood and honored.

Why Choose City Lights Psychology?

Located in Flatiron, Manhattan, City Lights Psychology offers expert therapy for individuals and families dealing with cancer and chronic illness. We provide:

• Psycho-oncology therapy in NYC (in-person and virtual)

• Caregiver support therapy

• Trauma-informed approaches to medical anxiety and PTSD

• Collaborative care alongside your medical team (as desired)

You deserve a therapist who doesn’t just support you emotionally — but understands the medical and existential complexity of what you’re going through.

Schedule a Free Consultation

We offer free brief phone consultations to help you find the right therapist for your needs.

If you or a loved one is living with a serious illness, therapy can be a powerful step toward healing — emotionally, mentally, and relationally.

Let us walk with you.