Training in Evidence-based Treatments in Psycho-Oncology

Summary

The goal of this research study is to train psychotherapists to administer individualized evidence-based psychotherapies in a cancer care setting to patients and caregivers with elevated levels of distress. The intervention will mirror clinical care in psycho-oncology in which the therapist, collaboratively with their supervisor, will choose specific components of the following evidence-based treatments to administer based on the clinical presentation of the patient or caregiver and referring problem. * Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) * Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) * Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) * Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) * Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) * Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) * CBT for other cancer-related physical symptoms like pain, fatigue, and nausea. Participation in this research study is expected to last about 26 weeks. It is expected that about 75 patients, 25 caregivers, and 15 therapists will take part in this research study.

Eligibility

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults \> 18 years of age.
* Currently receiving oncology treatment/care at the MGH Cancer Center, including active treatment and/or surveillance.
* Reports elevated levels of distress on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer \> 3.
* Reports distress or presenting problem is related to patients' illness and/or treatment (e.g., cancer treatment).
* Has a clinical presentation that matches an evidence-based treatment (e.g., CBT-I for insomnia/sleep disturbance) for cancer-related distress per therapist and supervising therapist discretion.
* Located in the state of Massachusetts for the duration of sessions.

Caregiver Inclusion criteria:

* Adults \> 18 years of age
* Currently caring for someone receiving oncology treatment/care at the MGH Cancer Center, including active treatment and/or surveillance
* Reports elevated levels of distress on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer \> 3
* Reports distress or presenting problem is related to caregiving
* Has a clinical presentation that matches an evidence-based treatment (e.g., CBT-I for insomnia/sleep disturbance) for caregiving-related distress per therapist and supervising therapist discretion
* Located in the state of Massachusetts for the duration of sessions

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

* Has uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or psychiatric hospitalization within the past year (assessed through EHR review and screening session using the QuickSCID-5), indicating the need for tailored treatment referral to specialty mental healthcare outside of psycho-oncology or to a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
* Has a cognitive impairment that prohibits participation in the study (assessed through EHR review and screening session).
* Currently participating in group or individual evidence-based psychotherapy treatment or other psychosocial intervention trial.
* Has an alcohol or substance dependence (other than nicotine dependence) in the past 8 weeks (assessed through EHR review and screening session using the QuickSCID-5), indicating the need for tailored treatment referral to specialty mental healthcare outside of psycho-oncology or to a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

Therapist Inclusion criteria:

-Current appointment as a clinical psychology fellow or psychiatry resident at the Massachusetts General Hospital or equivalent designation.

Therapist Exclusion criteria:

-Obtained licensure as a clinical psychologist in any state.

Conditions8

Locations1 site

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