Therapy & Support Groups

Duke Cancer Center Patient Navigators are available to make sure that nothing stops you and your family from getting the support you need. They will talk with you to find out what barriers you’re coming up against, then connect you with the right people, services and information. They can get you connected with support for financial issues, traveling to the Center, long-term housing, getting help at home and much more. Available before, during and after treatment. They’re your guides through your cancer experience. For more information, please call 919.668.3882.

Medical Family Therapists Medical family therapy is a collaborative approach in which therapists work in partnership with the medical team, the patient and the family. While physicians attend to the biological treatment of illness, they work with individuals, couples and families to address the psychological, emotional, and social/relational difficulties that often accompany the diagnosis and course of illness. For additional information or to book an appointment in either Durham or Wake County locations, call 919.684.4497 or email cancersupport@duke.edu.

Clinical Social Workers Oncology clinical social workers help patients and families cope with the emotional and practical concerns that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Individual, family and group consultations are available. To schedule an appointment call 919.684.4497 or email cancersupport@duke.edu.

Psychologists and Psychiatrists The clinical services offered by the Behavioral Medicine and Psychological Services Program have been selected to complement and expand the services already available through the Cancer Patient Support Program. Services provided in the Duke Cancer Center include cognitive testing, symptom management, weight management or loss, psychological assessment, neuro-psychological evaluation, cognitive retraining, sex therapy, psychotherapy, psychiatric medication evaluations and management. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 919.684.4497 or email cancersupport@duke.edu.

Child Life Services The diagnosis of cancer impacts every member of the family, including children and teens. We offer child life services to help children and teens better understand and cope with illness in the family. Education and supportive activities provided by Child Life Specialists reduce the stress experienced by children and teens. To schedule an appointment, call 919.684.4497.

Teen and Young Adult Oncology Program We provide teen and young adult (ages 15 to 29) patients and their families with support and community during a diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. The program offers specialized medical care, counseling support, peer connection and activity-based groups. To learn more, call 919.684.4497.

Pastoral Services We have clinical chaplains on-site seven days aweek, 24 hours a day. Clinical chaplains are members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team, and are available to help patients and their loved ones cope with the psycho-spiritual and cultural-ethical concerns that may impact one’s beliefs, values, and emotions when facing cancer.

Pets at Duke Pets at Duke, a service made possible through the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program, offers many benefits. Research shows that pet therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy intervention, which reduces stress and depression. Pet therapy also provides a sense of companionship that can combat feelings of isolation. The relaxation and feelings of connection with an animal facilitate healing and rehabilitation. For more information, call 919.684.4497 or email cancersupport@duke.edu.

Mind, Body Approaches for Coping with Cancer Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to manage the stress that can accompany living with and life after cancer. These no cost virtual sessions teach mind and body approaches to coping with cancer. Through the focus on the breath and the present moment, patients and their caregivers will learn to discover the ability to respond, rather than react to life’s stressors. Sessions take place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 12:45-1:30 p.m. Click to register.

Art Therapy @ the Nasher This group is open to patients and caregivers and is located at Duke University's Nasher Museum of Art in Durham. No art experience is needed. For more information and to register, visit our site. 

Breast & GYN Support Group During this virtual group you will meet people in a similar situation to you, share what’s happening, and get support, tips and ideas from those who understand what you’re going through. This group is for for patients only and is held on the second Tuesday each month, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Click to register.

Blood and Marrow Transplant Survivorship Support Group This virtual group is designed to offer professionally facilitated support for individuals who have completed their active stem cell transplant treatment. The group is held on the third Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Click to register.

Cancer Support Group During this professionally facilitated patient support group, you will have an opportunity to meet other individuals facing cancer, share your own experience, and learn about topics helpful to being your own best advocate. These topics typically include: communicating, finding information, making decisions, solving problems, negotiating and standing up for your rights. This group takes place on the third Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. Click to register.

Caregiver Support Group At this professionally facilitated caregiver support group, you can virtually meet people in a similar situation to you, share what’s happening, and get support, tips and ideas from those who understand what you’re going through. This group takes place on the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. Click to register.

Fertility Support Group for Women  In this professionally facilitated group for women facing fertility concerns due to cancer, you will find encouragement, comfort and advice in a safe space with women facing a similar experience. This group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Click to register. 

LGBTQIA+ Support Group This virtual group is designed to offer professionally facilitated support for LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, +) patients and their families. The group is held on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Click to register.

KidsCan! KidsCan! is designed to support children, ages 4 to 18, who have a parent or significant caregiver living with a diagnosis of cancer. Activity topics include understanding cancer, changes in the family, feelings, self-care, memories, cooperation, love, and family. Ages 4 to 10 meet on the second Monday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ages 11 to 18 meet on the third Monday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Quarterly in-person sessions are held on the second Monday of the month.  To register for the monthly virtual group, email cancersupport@duke.edu or call 919.684.4497. Learn more about KidsCan!.

Metastatic Cancer Support Group for Women This virtual group is designed to offer professionally facilitated support for women who have a metastatic cancer diagnosis. The group is held on the third Wednesday of the month from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Click to register.

Parenting with Cancer Meetup  This group is designed for oncology patients and caregivers who are parents or guardians to young children and/or teens. This group is held on the 3^rd Tuesday of every month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Click to register.

Prostate Support Group At this professionally facilitated prostate support group, you can meet people in a similar situation to you, share what’s happening, and get support, tips and ideas from those who understand what you’re going through. This virtual group meets on the fourth Monday of every month from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Click to register.