What Should A Therapist Know About Childhood Cancer?

By Allie Neenan, PhD, LP | Last updated 9/8/26

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This article is intended to serve as a reference point for families who are seeking a therapist after a childhood cancer diagnosis. It is also written for mental health professionals who are considering working with a child with cancer (or their family member) who do not have prior experience in this field. This article is not a substitute for professional supervision, consultation or continuing education.

Childhood cancer is a whirlwind. Between appointments, hospital stays, medications, and more, finding the time and energy to tend to mental health needs is a serious challenge. Financial and logistical barriers often limit access to therapy, and most mental health professionals learn little about childhood cancer during their training. You may find yourself wondering, what does a therapist need to know in order to “get it”?

If you haven't been here before, welcome to Cancer Cushion! Every post on this website is written by licensed clinical psychologist, Allie Neenan. Cancer Cushion is my resource library for every age, role, and stage in the childhood cancer journey. While I wish websites like this weren't necessary, I'm glad you're here.

First, it is important to know that a therapist does not have to be a childhood cancer expert to support a childhood cancer family. Research consistently shows that the relationship between client and therapist is one of the biggest influences on therapy outcomes. A relationship is built one session - one moment - at a time. It's about the emotional investment each person makes, not the facts they've learned.

That being said, there is some foundational knowledge that is helpful for a therapist to know before helping someone through the stress of childhood cancer. Therapists should educate themselves about cultural experiences (which include health and disability related topics like cancer). Some of the basic childhood cancer details that a therapist should know include, but are not limited to:

The Standards for Psychosocial Care for Children with Cancer and Their Families

Most health conditions have a "standard of care" that describes the education and interventions patients should receive. Childhood cancer is no exception. The Psychosocial Standards of Care in pediatric oncology have been published for over ten years. These Standards describe the most common social and emotional challenges that families face along with the tools to address them. All therapists who are caring for children with cancer and their families should become familiar with these Standards.

The Practical Realities of Childhood Cancer Treatment

Therapists who are aware of the course of childhood cancer treatments are better equipped to help families cope with the emotional challenges that come up. For example, imagine if a client comes in and shares, "my daughter had a fever last weekend." To a family on treatment, that means a potentially traumatic trip to the ER took place. To a family who's two months off of treatment, that means coping with triggers of previous medical trauma and navigating the unease of early survivorship. To a family who's three years off treatment, that may be "no big deal," or it may hold the ongoing fear of relapse. Each stage of the treatment trajectory carries its own emotional burdens, and you shouldn't have to explain them all just to receive mental health support.

Many of the same resources that provide families with education about childhood cancer treatment can also be reviewed by mental health professionals. These include the Children's Oncology Group handbooks and Childhood Cancer Guides. Free resources like these contain explanations of medical procedures, treatment side effects, and emotional effects of childhood cancer treatment. All of these details empower therapists to support families through their experience.

Medical Trauma and Trauma Informed Care

There are many kinds of traumatic events that therapists may specialize in. Medical trauma refers to painful or frightening events that happen in medical settings or while receiving medical care. Children with cancer are frequently exposed to medical trauma, and mental health professionals who care for them should be prepared to assess for traumatic stress symptoms. Resources like Healthcare Toolbox can help therapists familiarize themselves with these issues and evidence-based interventions that help.

Ableism and Disability Rights

How does it affect a child psychologically when they lose the ability to walk during chemo? What happens when a child returns to school and needs an IEP due to long-term side effects of treatment? Which community agencies support young people who need financial or caregiving assistance into adulthood? Therapists who work with children with cancer should be aware of these disability-related issues and more. The American Psychological Association maintains Guidelines for Assessment and Intervention with Persons with Disabilities that describe competent care for disabled people. Not all children with cancer face long-term disabilities, but many do. Therapists who work with children with cancer and their families should be aware of anti-disability bias, known as ableism, and how it may affect those with whom they work.

Grief and Bereavement

Unfortunately, a significant portion of children with cancer lose their lives as a result of the diagnosis or treatment. From the date of diagnosis onward, families navigate the fear of bereavement and grief of the future they had planned. Therapists who treat children with cancer and their families must be experienced in working with grief. Death and loss are common experiences across a range of communities that therapists work with. During a therapy intake (or pre-session consultation), you can ask your therapist how they approach working with grief. If you do not feel comfortable with the answer, you can ask for referrals to therapists who specialize in grief. You can learn more about childhood cancer bereavement and grief resources on Cancer Cushion.

Professional Organizations That Provide Continuing Education

Any therapist who is considering exploring a new specialty should be aware of the experts in the field. With regard to childhood cancer mental health, key professional organizations include:

Each of these organizations publishes research and hosts continuing education events dedicated to the psychological health of children with cancer and their families.

What Else Should A Therapist Know About Childhood Cancer?

Every therapist is different, and every therapy relationship is different. You always have the right to ask your therapist about their training and clinical experience, especially as it relates to your own needs for care. If you feel like you are spending too much time explaining cancer to your therapist, or if you feel like you can't speak freely and be understood, these are essential topics to discuss in therapy. Every therapist has to engage in lifelong learning in order to remain competent in their work. Additionally, therapists are ethically compelled to refer clients to appropriate clinicians if they lack the necessary skills and knowledge for someone's needs. Ultimately, a therapist should know enough about childhood cancer that you are able to fully focus on your healing.

Click here if you would like to contribute to a growing resource library on helping children with cancer and their families thrive.

Click here if you are interested in finding a therapist who specializes in childhood cancer.