Counseling Assistance Program (CAP)
How To Use the Counseling Assistance Program
Cancer does not just impact the body, but also the mind. Our goal is to provide counseling for women and their families impacted by cancer, whether it be a recent cancer diagnosis or the loss of a loved one from cancer.
If you are experiencing, anxiety, depression or distress, please consider talking to a mental health professional who can help you understand what you're feeling, why and how to cope. Just like visiting your doctor for regular wellness exams, or your dentist for checkups, meeting with a therapist can help keep your mental health in order.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria below are encouraged to apply.
A member of the household has been diagnosed with cancer
Household must include at least one female
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
Applicant currently resides in the state of Pennsylvania
Applicant (or any member of the household) has not received an CAP payment in the past 12 months
Is not an immediate family member of the Bessie Mathew Foundation board or selection committee
Other Options
Aside from the Bessie Mathew Foundation, there are other opportunities to receive free counseling, including the following:
Other non-profits. There are other non-profits (e.g. Unite for Her) that offer free counseling as part of their offerings.
Your health insurance plan. Please check with you health insurance provider on how to receive counseling by calling the telephone number on the back of your insurance card or visiting their website. Please note that not all insurance plans cover counseling and not all insurance plans cover all types of counseling (e.g. Christian Counseling).
Coverage Amounts and Monetary Limits
Award will cover 6 one-hour individual sessions with a licensed mental health professional.
Award amount will be paid directly to the institution and not to the applicant.
Award selection and distribution occurs within 5-10 business days from application submission.
Award is only applicable to future counseling sessions (i.e. cannot reimburse for past counseling).
Our Counseling Partners
We offer counseling through the following Pennsylvania-licensed mental health providers who were vetted to ensure they meet our excellence standards.
Provides biblical, Christ-centered counseling for individuals, couples, and families through their diverse team of licensed and pastoral counselors.
Kin Wellness and Support Center
Mary G. Brownsberger, PsyD, ABPP - a breast cancer survivor and a rehabilitation neuropsychologist who has worked with survivors of sudden onset disability, including that related to cancer, since 1997.
Robin Pepe, LPC, MA, M.Ed. - has worked in a variety of settings, including private counseling, inpatient treatment, schools, and family centers. She also holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University and a Masters in Special Education from the College of New Rochelle. She has completed course work at LaSalle University for marriage and family counseling.
Kathlyn Drewicz, M.S.Ed., M.Phil.Ed. - a mental health therapist with a dual master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Professional Counseling. Kat has worked in various settings including schools, community mental health, and private practice.
With over 15 years experience, Dr. Simonelli specializes in the areas of chronic illness, anxiety and grief. She utilizes collaborative evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has extensive experience in psycho-oncology and has particular interest in women’s health including breast and gynecologic cancers, infertility, and other women’s health concerns.
Key Statistics
According to the National Behavioral Health Network for Tobacco & Cancer Control, up to 25% of cancer survivors experience depression and up to 45% experience anxiety.
According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, cancer patients who experience depression have a 19% higher death rate than those who aren’t struggling with this debilitating mental health challenge.
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, only around 5% of people with cancer receive the mental health help they need.
People undergoing cancer treatment have an increased risk of suicide, from 2 to 3 times that of the general population.
Studies are showing a strong link between mental health and cancer survival.
A review of 65 research reports also found that online video therapy effectively treats a wide variety of mental health challenges, from specific mood and behavior disorders to general life stressors.