Mastectomy

Why do I need to see a Clinical Psychologist?

Seeing a clinical psychologist to make a decision about surgery is a normal part of helping you prepare for this procedure.

It is important that you get the opportunity to explore your choices, thoughts and feelings with someone independent from the hospital team and your family.

Clinical psychologists are trained in helping people gain more understanding of themselves, in support and decision making, and in helping people look at things from different viewpoints.

A clinical psychologist will not judge or challenge your decision.

A clinical psychologist can also help you think about how to prepare for surgery and recovery, and the support that you may need, and about decisions about reconstruction.

What happens once I have been referred to a Clinical Psychologist?

An appointment with a clinical psychologist will usually last around an hour. Within this time you have the opportunity to talk about your experience: how your risk of breast cancer was identified, and the impact you feel it has on you. You can talk about your decisions around having (or not having) a mastectomy.