Kauser Ahmed, PhD
Staff Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Responsibilities
As a psychologist with special training in clinical psychology, I work with the other clinicians at the Simms/Mann –UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology to assist patients and families cope with the impact of cancer in their lives and to help them optimize their psychological well-being throughout the continuum of cancer and its treatments. I provide individual, couples and family counseling within our center, as well as psychosocial support throughout the various outpatient oncology clinics at UCLA. In particular, I work closely with women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I assist women in preparing for the physical and psychological challenges of surgery through the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center Surgical Education class, and am also a member of the Multidisciplinary clinic and Follow-Up Team that provides care for women through the continuum of their cancer experience. I co-facilitate the Women Together weekly group for women undergoing treatment for early stage breast cancer and the monthly DCIS support group. I have also run seminars for couples who are facing a breast cancer diagnosis and consider working with partners and patients an important component of comprehensive care. I also have a strong interest in the unique issues faced by the growing community of cancer survivors. I take part in providing psychosocial assessment and support to survivors of all cancers through both the adult and pediatric UCLA- LIVESTRONG Survivor Clinics. Lastly, I assist in the supervision of pre- and post-doctoral psychology externs and social work interns as well as providing training for them at the Center. I also participate in the creation and delivery of training programs in the psychosocial aspects of oncology care to nurses and other members of the medical team.
Training
I received my BA in Comparative Literature from Brown University in 1989 and my PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 2001. I completed my clinical internship at the UCLA NPI- Mattel Children’s Hospital in 1998, and continued at UCLA in both clinical and research capacities. While at UCLA, I have worked with the pediatric oncology consultation service before my interests in the integration of medical and psychosocial treatment led me to a position as a staff psychologist at the Simms/Mann –UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology. I have been here since 2002.
Personal Interests and Perspectives
I have been fortunate to live in several different parts of this country, and count myself blessed to have friends and family across the world. As cancer has touched the lives of many whom I love, I have witnessed both the universality of the experience of cancer and the unique journey that each individual who must face cancer undertakes. In my work, it is a privilege to be a part the greater community of patients, families and medical professionals who all participate together in the giving and receiving of optimal care through this process.
When I am not working at the Center I enjoy spending time with family and friends in Los Angeles, and perfecting my transition from East Coaster to Southern Californian.