Board member Allison Watkins brings decades of nonprofit experience and a personal connection to cancer to Flatwater’s mission. After seeing cancer impact multiple family members, Allison is a strong advocate for mental health support alongside medical care. Her ties to Flatwater go back to its founding, and now as COO of Giant Noise, she’s helping expand awareness and access. She believes therapy should be accessible to all families facing cancer, and she’s committed to growing Flatwater’s impact in the Austin community and beyond.

When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, one of the most difficult moments is explaining it to their children. This guide from Flatwater offers age-appropriate ways to talk about cancer with kids—whether they’re toddlers, school-aged, or teens. Learn how to balance honesty and hope, recognize signs of anxiety, and support your child’s emotional health through every stage of treatment. With practical tools and real-life language examples, families can create space for connection, resilience, and healing.

Facing a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Mental health support is a critical yet often overlooked part of cancer care. In this article, therapist Alyssa Cornett, LMFT and part of the Flatwater provider network, explains how reaching out for therapy can improve treatment outcomes, reduce anxiety and depression, and strengthen resilience.

Cancer is more than just a physical battle – it's a journey that challenges your entire being. While medical treatments are crucial, the powerful connection between mental and physical health can significantly impact your cancer experience and recovery outcomes.

Losing someone to cancer brings unique grief, shaped by your experience. Though there's no "right" way or timeline, tools can aid healing. This guide offers resources – books, podcasts, therapy – for those grieving a cancer death.

Discover how family therapy helps loved ones cope with cancer's emotional challenges. Learn about evidence-based approaches for processing grief, managing role changes, and strengthening family bonds.

Discover comprehensive mental health financial assistance options and resources for cancer patients. Learn about therapy funding and affordable care.

Learn about cancer-related PTSD, scanxiety, and evidence-based healing strategies. Discover how therapy, mindfulness, and support groups can help cancer survivors manage trauma and find hope.

The emotional toll of cancer can be as challenging as the physical journey. A diagnosis doesn’t just affect the body but also the mind. Depression is a common but often overlooked part of the cancer experience, impacting patients and caregivers alike. This connection can become even more pronounced during winter. The shorter days and colder weather can exacerbate feelings of sadness and isolation, a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but support groups in Central Texas offer a vital lifeline. These groups provide a safe space for patients and their families to share experiences, gain emotional comfort, and receive practical advice. They help combat feelings of loneliness and fear, fostering resilience and hope.