NCT07218250 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A Study of a One-Time Counseling Session to Help Reduce Depression, Anxiety, and Distress in People With Breast Cancer
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to see if a Single Counseling Session for Cancer can help reduce psychosocial distress and improve quality of life in people with breast cancer who are waiting to receive ongoing counseling services (outpatient psychotherapy services).
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to see if a Single Counseling Session for Cancer can help reduce psychosocial distress and improve quality of life in people with breast cancer who are waiting to receive ongoing counseling services (outpatient psychotherapy services). The Single Counseling Session for Cancer-which I will refer to as the "study counseling" during this call-is a one-session, 60-minute counseling program designed to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in people with cancer who are waiting to receive outpatient psychotherapy services. The researchers will look at whether the study counseling is effective in participants and practical (feasible) for them to complete.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patient must have pathologically confirmed breast cancer (per EMR).
- Patient with localized or advanced cancer (per EMR).
- Patient is on a waitlist of at least 2 weeks or more for MSK Counseling Center intake and will not complete a New Visit with a clinical psychologist prior to intervention (these patients will be replaced) (per EMR, patient's care team, or self-report)
- Has not had and is not scheduled to have an appointment with an MSK psychiatrist or MSK Counseling Center advanced practice provider (per EMR, patient's care team, or self-report)
- Female (per EMR)
- Age ≥ 18 (per EMR)
- English fluency - Per self-report: How well do you speak English?
- Agrees to be audio-recorded (per self-report) NOTE: Participants who report Very well are considered fluent.
- Lives in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Florida (per self-report).
- Has no significant psychiatric disturbance sufficient to preclude completion of the assessment measures, interview, or informed consent (i.e., acute psychiatric symptoms which require urgent or extended individual treatment) (per EMR, patient's care team, or study team).
- Has no presence of cognitive impairment disorder (i.e., delirium, dementia, or traumatic brain injury) sufficient to preclude meaningful informed consent and/or data collection (per EMR, patient's care team, study team, or per self-report of BOMC cognitive test).
- Has no current active or passive suicidal ideation ((per EMR, patient's care team, study team, per item 9 of the PHQ-9, or the CSSRS).
Where
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- New York, New York
- Uniondale, New York
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations