Beyond the Tumor: How Mental Health is Redefining Cancer Care

NORFOLK, Va. – January 13, 2026 – A cancer diagnosis has long been understood as a physical battle, waged with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. But a growing movement in oncology is pushing the frontier of treatment beyond the tumor, focusing on a critical, often-overlooked aspect of the patient’s journey: their mental health. Highlighting this shift, Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA) and behavioral health leader Cerula Care have launched a new podcast to explore the profound impact of integrating psychological support directly into cancer treatment.

Since establishing a partnership in January 2024, the two organizations have provided specialized behavioral healthcare to over 850 VOA patients, demonstrating a powerful model for a more holistic and humane standard of care. The initiative is not just about feeling better; it's about getting better, as evidence mounts that a patient's mental state can significantly influence their physical recovery.

The Silent Epidemic in Cancer Treatment

For decades, the emotional and psychological toll of a cancer diagnosis was considered an unfortunate but secondary side effect. The reality, however, is a widespread crisis hiding in plain sight. Research indicates that up to 40% of cancer patients experience significant depression and anxiety. More strikingly, adjustment disorder—a state of intense emotional or behavioral distress in response to a life-altering event—impacts nearly every newly diagnosed patient.

When left unaddressed, this psychosocial distress is far from benign. It can cascade into a series of negative outcomes that directly undermine physical treatment. Patients struggling with untreated anxiety or depression may have lower adherence to complex medication schedules and demanding treatment regimens. This can lead to increased rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations, driving up healthcare costs and placing additional strain on patients and their families. Some studies even suggest a correlation between untreated mental health conditions and poorer survival rates.

Historically, accessing care has been a significant hurdle. Psychosocial services were often fragmented, siloed away from the oncology clinic, and difficult for overwhelmed patients to navigate. This created a chasm between the need for mental health support and the ability to receive it, a gap that innovative new models are now working to close.

A New Blueprint: The Collaborative Care Model

At the heart of the VOA and Cerula Care partnership is the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), an evidence-based framework designed to embed behavioral health services directly within the oncology practice. Rather than referring patients out to separate specialists, CoCM creates a unified care team comprising the patient's oncologist, a dedicated behavioral health care manager, and a consulting psychiatrist. This team works in concert, ensuring mental health is a consistent and integrated part of the patient's treatment plan.

"Cancer doesn't exist in isolation from the person experiencing it," says Dr. Nina Balanchivadze, a Medical Oncologist at VOA, in the joint press release. "Treating both the tumor and the mind allows patients to truly heal."

The results of this integrated approach are compelling. Cerula Care's model has demonstrated a 62% reduction in depression symptoms and a 57% reduction in anxiety symptoms among enrolled patients within just four months. Further research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference showed significant improvements in quality of life within two months, with notable benefits for minority patients, suggesting the model may also help reduce health disparities.

A separate analysis of 207 breast cancer patients in the program found that 70% reported an improved ability to keep their oncology appointments, and 65% noted better adherence to their prescribed medications. This data reinforces the symbiotic relationship between mental well-being and physical treatment success.

"Cancer care is more than medicine—it's about supporting the whole person," stated Dr. Kyle Lavin, Cofounder and Chief Medical Officer at Cerula Care. "Our model brings psychiatric expertise into oncology workflows, ensuring patients receive timely, coordinated care."

Overcoming Barriers with Virtual Integration

A key innovation in the Cerula Care model is its virtual delivery. By leveraging telehealth, the program systematically dismantles long-standing barriers to mental healthcare. Patients can access support from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for additional appointments, travel time, and time off work—burdens that are especially taxing for individuals already managing a demanding cancer treatment schedule.

The virtual format also helps combat the stigma that can prevent patients from seeking help. Integrating behavioral health check-ins as a routine part of oncology care normalizes the conversation around mental health, framing it as an expected and essential component of recovery.

For providers, this model offers a seamless way to address patients' psychological needs without adding to their already heavy workload. The dedicated behavioral health care manager acts as the central coordinator, freeing oncologists to focus on the cancer itself while remaining fully informed about their patient's overall well-being.

This integrated support network proved transformative for Melissa Tamburo, a VOA patient who shared her story in the new podcast. She described how having consistent emotional support helped her navigate the fear and uncertainty of her treatment, empowering her with a sense of confidence and resilience that was crucial to her journey.

The Strategic Shift to Whole-Person Care

While the patient benefits are clear, the move toward integrated behavioral health is also being driven by a powerful strategic and financial logic. As the healthcare industry shifts toward value-based care, models that improve outcomes while managing costs are becoming a strategic imperative for oncology practices.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized the efficacy of CoCM, establishing specific billing codes (CPT codes 99492-99494) that allow practices to receive reimbursement for these integrated services. This has made the model financially sustainable, transforming it from a philanthropic ideal into a viable business strategy. Research from CMS suggests that for every dollar invested in CoCM, health systems could see up to $6.50 in savings, primarily from reduced hospitalizations and emergency care.

This financial viability is accelerating adoption across the country. Leading cancer centers from New England to North Carolina are implementing similar integrated programs, hiring social workers and psychologists to work alongside oncologists. They are finding that what is best for the patient—treating their distress, improving their quality of life, and boosting their treatment adherence—is also what is best for the health system. It represents a paradigm shift where compassionate, patient-centered care and sound financial strategy are one and the same.

As Dr. Balanchivadze noted, this evolution is about fundamentally changing how cancer is perceived and treated. "When mental health becomes part of routine cancer care, patients feel seen as whole people. That's the future of oncology."