Expanding Access to Psycho-Oncology Support

Strengthening Psychosocial Support for People Affected by Cancer

WCMICS is developing a pilot initiative aimed at improving access to high-quality psycho-oncology care for people affected by cancer, particularly in regional and underserved communities.

Despite growing recognition of the psychological impact of cancer, access to specialist psycho-oncology support remains limited—especially outside metropolitan settings. The MINDSET (Mental Health Integration and Development in Supportive Care through Education and Training) seeks to address this gap by building workforce capability, strengthening metro-regional partnerships, and exploring models of stepped psychological care that can be scaled and sustained.

The proposed pilot program will combine clinical placements, structured learning, and group-based reflection to upskill cancer care professionals in delivering evidence-based psycho-oncology support.
The program also aims to test how psychological care can be better embedded across the cancer care continuum, ensuring timely, person-centred support for those who need it most.
This exploratory work marks an important step in enabling a more connected and capable psycho-oncology workforce across Victoria.