Ashley M. Nelson

Ashley M. Nelson, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School and a Staff Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Her clinical work focuses on psychosocial oncology, particularly supporting patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and those with chronic graft-versus-host disease. Dr. Nelson maintains an active research program examining psychosocial aspects of cancer care and treatment.

Dr. Nelson's research interests center on psychosocial oncology, with particular expertise in cancer survivorship, adjustment to cancer, cancer-related fatigue, and emotional wellbeing following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches for cancer patients and has developed interventions targeting chronic graft-versus-host disease. Her work often explores the biobehavioral connections between psychological factors and physical symptoms in cancer patients.

Analysis of Dr. Nelson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on psychosocial interventions for cancer patients and their caregivers, particularly those undergoing stem cell transplantation and CAR-T therapy. Her research spans qualitative studies of patient experiences, development of digital health interventions, and clinical trials of coping skills programs. A recurring theme is the development of targeted interventions to improve quality of life and symptom management for cancer survivors.

Dr. Nelson collaborates extensively with researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, working within multidisciplinary teams that include oncologists, hematologists, and other mental health professionals. Her work addresses critical gaps in supportive care for cancer patients undergoing intensive treatments.