Every day, Katie Bautista meets people facing one of the hardest moments of their lives. Some have just been diagnosed with cancer, while others are deep into treatment. And then there are the family members working 24/7 to care for them.

As the first licensed therapist at Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute - Brunswick Forest, part of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, Bautista helps patients and caregivers navigate the fear, grief and uncertainty that often accompany cancer.

About 2 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year. And emotions can be just as difficult to manage as the disease itself.

That’s where Bautista comes in, supporting patients and caregivers who shoulder around-the-clock physical and emotional demands.

“I treat a person, I don’t treat a disease,” said Bautista, who joined Novant Health in March. “Cancer does not define everything; it’s not who we are. Getting to know the person and what their goals are tells me how to support them.”

When therapy becomes an essential part of treatment

A cancer diagnosis can overwhelm even the strongest support system. That's why the team at the Zimmer Cancer Institute created Bautista's new role. Research supports the approach: Counseling, social work and rehabilitation are critical in managing cancer symptoms, according to the Galen Medical Journal, which notes that "the impact of mental health among patients with cancer cannot be exaggerated."

Referred patients arrive at every stage of the cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. A team of oncology nurse navigators help coordinate care and connect patients with services, including therapy when emotional support is needed.

“Maintaining a positive mentality while navigating this very complex treatment is only going to enhance the efficacy of medical care,” Bautista said.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, one evidence-based approach to mental health treatment, helps patients recognize and challenge unhelpful thoughts. It’s especially effective in those younger than 40, a 2024 Cancer Medicine study found.

Having a dedicated space to process fear and uncertainty can reduce emotional distress, said Bautista, who tailors therapy to each patient’s needs. This may include preparing for difficult appointments or developing coping strategies throughout chemotherapy or radiation.

“The question I would love to get asked more is, ‘What can we do to support somebody to explore whether therapy is right for them?’” Bautista said. “We don’t have to wait to hit rock bottom where the wheels are falling off before getting help.”

Caregivers need care, too

Cancer rarely affects just one person. Family members often become caregivers and advocates, helping with bathing, dressing, feeding and medication — while also looking after themselves.

“As a medical team, we play a very small role in the support of our patients,” Bautista said. “The caregiver is doing 99% of the work, and feeling that they don’t do enough. But we know they’re doing the most.”

Indeed, caregiving is a full-time responsibility. One in four people in the U.S. is a caregiver, the AARP reports. Its 2025 study found the average caregiver is a white woman in her early 50s who lives with a spouse or parent. This commitment takes its toll, with many caregivers reporting feelings of fatigue, isolation and burnout. But one-on-one therapy can help.

A therapist’s shift to focusing on cancer care

After more than a decade in private practice, where she treated anxiety, addiction and trauma, Bautista was ready for a change.

“I really wanted to be part of a team,” she said. “When I saw the opportunity to be a primary resource and support people in this process, I had to jump on it.”

Encouraging open conversations about mental health can help to reduce public and self-stigma, as therapy is increasingly recognized as part of regular cancer care rather than a last resort.

“My hope is for it to be as normalized as our basic medical care,” Bautista said. “A big part of how I approach therapy is practicing what I preach. To be the best therapist I can be means engaging in my own self-care and having a support system.”

By making emotional well-being part of routine cancer care, Bautista’s role is designed to support patients through every stage of treatment.

“It has already become one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Bautista said. “I don’t have to teach patients optimism. I don’t have to teach strength. They’re coming in with it.”