Behavioral Health Program: Caring for the Whole Patient

A cancer diagnosis impacts more than your physical health. It also affects your emotional well-being, making many aspects of life feel overwhelming. As a patient at Affiliated Oncologists, you don’t have to face this challenge alone.

We prioritize caring for the whole patient and believe in providing care that goes beyond your physical needs. That’s why patients in the South Chicago suburbs have access to specialized behavioral and mental health support as part of their comprehensive cancer care plan.

Through the Affiliated Oncologists partnership with Protocol, we offer convenient behavioral health services specifically designed for individuals living with cancer.

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, are currently undergoing treatment, or are adjusting to life as a survivor, you can receive compassionate support tailored to your personal needs.

What Is Behavioral Health Support for Cancer Patients?

Cancer behavioral health support is a specialized service from our partner, Protocol, that helps patients manage the emotional and practical challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. This looks different for each patient and often includes sessions with a dedicated Behavioral Health Care Manager. This person works with you and your oncology team to provide the personalized support that each patient needs, when they need it, to support their emotional and mental health throughout treatment.

Unlike general counseling, oncology-focused behavioral health providers understand the unique experiences of cancer patients. They recognize that feelings of stress, fear, sadness, anxiety, or uncertainty, while common aspects of a cancer journey, can affect mental health.

Appointments are available via phone or secure video visit, making it easier to receive support without needing to go to the clinic.

Benefits of Behavioral Health Care at AO

Personalized Support

Every cancer journey is unique. Your Behavioral Health Care Manager tailors support to your individual needs, using evidence-based approaches proven to deliver the best results for each patient.

Convenient Visits

Sessions are available by telephone or secure video call, enabling you to receive care from the comfort of your home. This convenience eliminates the need for additional trips to the clinic.

Timely Access to Care

Finding a mental health provider can often involve long waitlists. However, through Affiliated Oncologists, patients often hear from the behavioral health team within three business days of a referral. This quick response allows patients to receive support when they need it most.

Collaborative Cancer Care

Our Behavioral Health Care Managers work directly with your oncology team. They coordinate care from the same record. This allows access to your cancer providers’ notes and recommendations, and allows your providers to see notes from your behavioral health sessions.

Affordable Care

Behavioral health services are billed through insurance and are covered by most health plans. If insurance coverage is unavailable, self-pay options may be possible. Your Behavioral Health Care Manager can explain your coverage and review any potential out-of-pocket costs during your first call.

Talk to your oncology team to discuss if behavioral health services are a good fit for you.

Who Can Benefit from Behavioral Health Services?

Certain patients may benefit from additional emotional support during cancer treatment and survivorship. This includes those who are experiencing:

Feelings of sadness or depression
Anxiety, worry, or fear
Trouble sleeping
Relationship or family concerns
Emotional exhaustion
Difficulty adjusting to their diagnosis
Stress related to the treatment process
Concerns about moving on with life after treatment

What to Expect From Protocol for Behavioral Health Care

Because every patient's needs are different, Behavioral Health Support is designed to be flexible.

Depending on your situation, services may include counseling, coping strategies, and guidance through difficult life changes. Additionally, the program offers coordinated care with your oncology team, help with finding other valuable resources, and medication management when necessary.

Some patients benefit from short-term support during treatment, while others choose to use these services into survivorship. The support is available for as long as you find it helpful.

Getting Started with Behavioral Health Care at AO

Step 1: Receive a Referral

Your oncologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant at Affiliated Oncologists will determine whether Behavioral Health Support may benefit you and send in a referral.

Step 2: Expect Your Welcome Call

After your referral is submitted, you can expect a phone call from (708) 726-6732 in about two days. During this initial call, the Behavioral Health Care Manager will get you familiar with the program, answer your questions, discuss insurance coverage, and help schedule your first appointment.

Step 3: Begin Your Personalized Care

Your first visit focuses on learning about your goals and developing a personalized plan that supports both your emotional well-being and your overall cancer care.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Behavioral Health Program for Affiliated Oncologists’ Cancer Patients

Who is this program for?

Behavioral Health Support is available to Affiliated Oncologists patients who may benefit from additional emotional or mental support during their cancer treatment or survivorship. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried, lonely, confused, scared, or simply want to talk with someone who understands the challenges of cancer, our compassionate team is here to help.
What services are provided in the program?

The program offers individualized behavioral health care that may include emotional support, care coordination, mental health assessment, coping strategies, and mental health medication management. Services are tailored to each person based on their unique needs. Our top priority is being in your corner, providing support for as long as you need to make cancer treatment a bit easier.
How much will this cost?

Behavioral health services are billed to insurance and are covered by many plans. Depending on your coverage, you may have a monthly co-pay for visits. Your Behavioral Health Care Manager will review your insurance benefits and any expected costs before beginning care.
Is this separate from my oncology care at Affiliated Oncologists?

No. Your Behavioral Health Care Manager functions as part of your team at Affiliated Oncologists. Although visits are conducted remotely, your provider works within the same electronic medical record and collaborates closely with your oncologists and other members of your care team to provide coordinated care.