Psycho-Oncology

Katharine L. Rowny, PsyD is a clinical psychologist in California (San Francisco Bay Area) specializing in therapy for individuals diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer.

 
 
 

Being diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer can be an overwhelming experience.

Support and guidance are available. Together, we make space for concerns related to:

  • Feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, and grief

  • Thoughts about death and dying

  • Physical pain, fatigue, and bodily integrity

  • Communicating your needs to family and friends

  • Considerations regarding fertility and family planning

  • Fear of cancer recurrence or progression

How I Can Help

Adjusting to a Cancer Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer can be overwhelming. You might be experiencing a range of emotions, including shock, fear, or anxiety, all while in the midst of planning and preparing for unexpected medical treatment. Therapy is a space for you to receive support, explore thoughts about your diagnosis, and learn about managing fear and distress.

Navigating Cancer Treatment

Going through surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation can be a rigorous process. Medical treatment might leave you with changes to, as well as how you feel, about your body. Therapy is an opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings about physical changes, learn about managing pain and fatigue, and explore options for communicating your changing needs within your relationships

Life After Active Cancer Treatment

Life after active medical care can have unique challenges. Therapy is a space where we can address concerns related to changes in interpersonal support, feelings of ambiguity related to treatment ending, modification or resumption of previous roles at work, home, or school, living with cancer as a chronic illness, & learn about tolerating the fear of cancer recurrence.

 How to Begin

1

Get in touch

Please contact me at number/email for an initial phone conversation to talk about your current concerns and ask any questions you have about working together.

2

Meet for an Initial Consultation

Finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable with is an important part of starting treatment. The first few sessions will allow us to discuss your concerns in more depth and see if it is a good fit. If need be, I can help you find a therapist best suited to help you.

3

Establish a Regular Meeting Time

We will identify a regular time for a weekly appointment.

FAQs

  • I'm currently meeting patients over a secure, HIPPA-compliant video platform.

  • For therapy, we will typically meet once a week for 45 minutes. Occasionally, a patient might find it helpful to meet more than once a week depending on their specific circumstances.

  • My fees for therapy are commensurate with other licensed psychologists in the Bay Area. Please call me at (415) 634-5580 for more information. Payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made.

  • Currently, I do not accept insurance and I'm therefore known as an "Out-of-Network Provider" on most insurance plans. Some insurance plans include benefits that partially cover therapy for out-of-network providers. I am happy to provide you with a monthly statement to submit to your carrier to seek reimbursement. Click here to learn more about your insurance company providing possible out-of-network benefits for mental health.

    Good Faith Estimate: Starting January 1st, 2022, You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your healthcare care will cost. Under the law, health care practitioners need to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using their existing insurance to pay for and/or seek reimbursement for services an estimate of the expected charges for healthcare, including mental services, such as psychotherapy or a consultation/evaluation for third-party family building. You can request from your health care practitioner for a Good Faith Estimate prior to scheduling a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

About Katharine

I am a licensed clinical health psychologist and psychotherapist with extensive experience in the area of psycho-oncology. I provide a safe space for individuals to explore feelings related to a cancer diagnosis, learn about coping with physical changes, discuss life after active treatment, and manage anxiety related to fear of cancer recurrence.

 

Katharine L. Rowny, PsyD is a clinical psychologist specializing in therapy for individuals diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer.