At Summit Health, we know that finding out you have cancer can be very scary and hard, not just for you but also for the people who take care of you. It's important to get help with your feelings during this time. To help you, we have special online groups where you can talk to others and get advice. 

We’ve made a short Q&A to answer common questions about our cancer support groups and how they can help you and your loved ones. Whether you are getting treatment, have finished treatment, or are taking care of someone with cancer, we invite you to learn more about how our programs can support you.

What kinds of support groups does Summit Health have for cancer patients and their caregivers?

Summit Health has different online support groups for cancer patients and their caregivers. These include:

• For caregivers: For people who are taking care of someone with cancer. This group gives emotional support and advice.
• For cancer survivors: For people who have finished their cancer treatment in the last five years. This group talks about life after treatment.
• For gynecologic cancer patients: For patients with gynecologic cancer at any stage of treatment or recovery.
• For those living with advanced cancer: For patients with cancer that has come back or spread.
• For prostate cancer: For men with prostate cancer at any stage. It is facilitated by a trained prostate cancer survivor.

Why are these support groups important?

These groups are important because they give a safe place for patients and caregivers to share their experiences, get emotional support and receive advice. Our services help with the mental health challenges of having cancer, which is very important for feeling better overall.

How do these support groups meet?

All our support groups meet online so you can join from home. This makes it easy for everyone to participate no matter where they are, especially since in-person meetings can be difficult.

What makes Summit Health’s cancer support services special?

Our support groups are facilitated by the Integrated Behavioral Health oncology clinicians and are made to meet the specific mental health needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. Each of our groups are professionally facilitated by clinicians with oncology specific training and expertise. We offer therapy and support groups both on-site and online. We also work with all major insurance plans which means getting help is easier and more affordable. We specialize in treating the mental health issues related to having cancer. If you've ever had to look for a specialist therapist in the community, you know finding good providers who are in-network and available is not easy. Those who use our services understand the value we provide.

How can patients and caregivers join these support groups?

You need to sign up for our support groups. You can register online on our website where you will also find more information about each group. Additionally, we offer therapy virtually or in person at the oncology offices in Florham Park, Clifton and Berkeley Heights and support groups online.

What should you do if you have more questions or need more information? 

For more information, please contact Tori Moller, the oncology care navigator from the Summit Health Integrated Behavioral Health team, at 973-437-2343. She will be happy to answer any questions and give you more details about our services.