Innovation Grant Supports Clinical Health Psychologist

“Anxiety and depression are commonly untreated in patients with medical illnesses, yet this care is so needed,” says Rebecca Boswell, PhD, Supervising Psychologist at Penn Medicine Princeton Center for Eating Disorders. “We’re working to create a safety net for psychological support and guidance, including through a new postdoctoral clinical health psychologist position at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.”

Funding for this position was recently awarded through a Penn Medicine Princeton Health Innovation Grant. As part of the application, Dr. Boswell outlined the benefits of a behavioral health continuum across the hospital, including for patients receiving cancer, gastroenterology, and eating disorders care. The position will be funded in collaboration with the Penn Medicine Princeton Cancer Center and oncologist Ramy Sedhom, MD. 

“Timeliness of care is especially critical with cancer patients, who may not have the ability to wait weeks for an appointment,” says Director of Cancer Services Kerri Celaya, MA, FACHE. “Even those with no history of behavioral health concerns often find themselves dealing with complex new emotions. Supporting the mental and emotional needs of patients and their families in an integrated way means greater convenience and a better chance of fighting their disease.”