Miami Cancer Center Makes Mental Health Essential Care

Cancer survivors face an invisible battle that doesn't end when treatment stops. The Fields Galley Emotional Wellness for Cancer Survivors Clinic at Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is changing that reality.

Launched in 2023, the clinic recognizes what many hospitals overlook: emotional healing is just as important as physical recovery. Survivors often struggle with anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence long after their last chemotherapy session.

The program uses dialectical behavior therapy, teaching patients practical skills for managing intense emotions and coping with uncertainty. Led by social worker Zili Huma Khan and psychologist Dr. Joycelyn Lee, the clinic helps patients develop tools for mindfulness, emotion regulation, and effective communication.

Sylvester stands among a small group of National Cancer Institute-designated centers offering dedicated mental health care focused specifically on survivorship. Dr. Frank Penedo, director of the Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute, points to decades of research showing that mental health support improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.

The clinic takes a whole-person approach, integrating emotional support with nutrition counseling, exercise guidance, music therapy, and art therapy. Patients work in both group settings and one-on-one sessions to rediscover what living well means after cancer.

Nichole Puentes, the integrative care lead, emphasizes removing stigma around mental health. "Needing emotional support doesn't mean someone is weak," she said. "It means they are human and responding to an incredibly challenging experience."

Doctors across Sylvester can seamlessly refer patients to the program, making access simple and barrier-free. The ongoing program runs for several months, giving survivors time to build lasting skills.

Why This Inspires

The changes clinicians observe tell the real story. Patients who once felt disconnected and fearful begin regaining confidence and purpose. One participant discovered a new hobby during the program and turned it into a business using skills learned in therapy.

By treating mental health as essential rather than optional, Sylvester is rewriting what comprehensive cancer care looks like. The clinic proves that healing the whole person creates better outcomes and helps survivors truly thrive, not just survive.