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Why Counselling Matters
Up to 40% of cancer patients experience clinical depression or anxiety. These are not signs of weakness. They are medical conditions caused by the stress of diagnosis, treatment side effects, financial worry, and uncertainty about the future. Untreated depression is associated with worse treatment adherence and outcomes.
Indian families often carry the emotional burden silently. Cultural stigma around mental health can prevent patients and caregivers from seeking help. At VICI Healthcare, we consider psychological support a core part of cancer care, not an optional add-on.
What Counselling Covers
Individual sessions: processing the diagnosis, managing treatment anxiety, coping strategies for side effects, body image concerns, fear of recurrence, end-of-life discussions when appropriate. Family sessions: communication with spouse and children, managing caregiver burnout, financial planning discussions, navigating family dynamics around illness.
Practical support: connecting with support groups (online and in-person), help with insurance paperwork, workplace communication, disability documentation, and connecting with NGOs for financial assistance.
When to Seek Help
Seek counselling if you experience: persistent sadness or crying for more than 2 weeks, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, inability to stop worrying about cancer, feeling hopeless about the future, withdrawing from family and friends, or difficulty making treatment decisions. Early intervention works best.
Cost and Access
Counselling sessions cost INR 500-2,000 per session at most Indian hospitals. Psychiatrist consultations cost INR 800-2,500. Online counselling platforms (Practo, Amaha, iCall) offer sessions from INR 500. Many cancer centres include basic counselling in their treatment packages. VICI Healthcare provides counselling as part of the supportive care pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will talking about cancer make me feel worse?
No. Research consistently shows that processing difficult emotions with a trained counsellor reduces distress, not increases it. Bottling up feelings is what makes things worse.
My family says I should just stay positive. Is that enough?
Positivity helps, but forced positivity (toxic positivity) can be harmful. It is okay to feel scared, angry, or sad. A counsellor helps you process all emotions, not just positive ones.
Do I need medication for anxiety?
Not always. Many patients manage well with counselling alone. If anxiety or depression is severe or interfering with daily life and treatment, short-term medication (SSRIs, benzodiazepines) can help. Your team will discuss options.
Need Cancer Counselling Support?
Our team coordinates supportive care alongside your cancer treatment.