Can my child get access to counselling? 

Yes. Children and young people affected by neuroblastoma can access counselling and emotional support through several routes, including hospital-based services, NHS mental health pathways, specialist charities and local therapists. Your child’s needs will guide the type of support offered, and your child’s treating team can help you access the right services. 

Counselling and psychological support through your child’s treatment team 

Most specialist children’s cancer centres have access to psychological services as part of routine care. These may include: 

• clinical psychologists - trained to help children understand, cope with and express feelings around illness, treatment, procedures, fears and uncertainty. 

• psychotherapists and counsellors - who can offer talking therapies and emotional support tailored to a child’s stage of development. 

• play specialists or play therapists - who use play, stories, drawing and role‑play to help younger children process difficult emotions. Play‑based therapy can be particularly helpful for children who are anxious, withdrawn or struggling to understand what is happening. 

Your child’s consultant or clinical nurse specialist can refer your child to the most appropriate member of the hospital’s psychological team. 

Accessing counselling through your GP or local NHS services 

If your child needs support outside of hospital, your GP can make referrals to local NHS mental health services, which may include: 

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) - for anxiety, low mood, trauma, behavioural changes or difficulties coping. 

• community-based counselling - depending on availability in your local area. 

• support for neurodevelopmental or long‑term emotional needs, if relevant after treatment. 

Waiting times can vary, but your GP can help find the most appropriate route based on your child’s needs. 

Support through charities and specialist organisations 

Several UK charities offer emotional support for children and young people affected by cancer, including counselling, play therapy or wellbeing activities. Examples include: 

• Maggie’s Centres - offering psychological support, particularly for older children and teenagers (location dependent). 

• Teens Unite - supporting young people aged 13-24 with cancer through wellbeing activities, peer support, workshops and opportunities to connect with others who understand what they’re going through. 

• Local cancer support centres - many offer child‑friendly counselling or therapeutic play sessions. 

Finding private or local therapists 

Some families choose to access counselling independently. You can find child‑qualified counsellors or therapists through trusted directories such as: 

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 

• UK Council for Psychotherapy 

It is important to check that any private therapist is appropriately trained to work with children and young people. 

Websites like Hub of Hope can also help you explore local mental health support options. 

How do I know which type of counselling is right for my child? 

Every child responds differently to treatment, stress and change. Counselling may be helpful if your child is experiencing: 

• worry or anxiety 

• sleep difficulties or nightmares 

• changes in behaviour 

• difficulty coping with treatment or medical procedures 

• struggles adjusting after treatment ends 

• feelings of anger, sadness or confusion 

Your child’s treating team may be able to advise on what kind of support would be most suitable.