A Stepped Care Intervention to Reduce Disparities in Mental Health Services Among Cancer Patients and Caregivers

1. LC and HNC patients: Inclusion Criteria: * Newly diagnosed LC and/or HNC (within a month of recruitment date from the date of 1st visit oncology, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT), or radiation clinic visit/consultation upon pathologic tissue diagnosis; * LC and/or HNC patients at any stage of diagnosis (Stages 0-IV); * Over 18 years old; * English and/or Spanish speaking; * Medically underserved, as defined by at least one or several of the following: 1. Low-income: Below 400% of the 2016 Federal poverty levels; 2. Uninsured: No health insurance (public or private insurance); 3. Underinsured: e.g.: Public insurance (Medicaid, Medicare exclusive, VA); and/or 10% of annual income on out-of-pocket medical expenses for individuals below 200% of the 2016 Federal poverty levels. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who do not meet eligibility criteria, including individuals who do not speak English or Spanish; * Those who refuse treatment at one of three hospital sites; * Decisionally-challenged adults with cognitive or personality impairment; * Suicidal ideation, or * Intoxication (alcohol or drugs) that might interfere with their ability to consent or participate in the study; * Individuals from vulnerable populations (e.g., inmates or individuals on probation, * homeless, * pregnant women, and * those with auditory impairment. Note: Individuals who become pregnant or develop auditory impairments after they have been randomized to study condition may remain in the study until completion. 2. Caregivers of LC and/or HNC patients Inclusion Criteria: * Primary caregiver of a newly diagnosed LC and/or HNC patient (per criteria for patients); * Over 18 years old; * English and/or Spanish speaking; * Medically underserved, as defined by at least one or several of the following: 1. Low-income: Below 400% of the 2016 Federal poverty levels; 2. Uninsured: No health insurance (public or private insurance); 3. Underinsured: * (c.1) Public insurance (i.e., Medicaid, Medicare exclusive, VA); * (c.2) 10% of annual income spent on out-of-pocket medical expenses for individuals below 200% of the 2016 Federal poverty level. Exclusion criteria: * Individuals who do not meet eligibility criteria, including individuals who do not speak English or Spanish \[at the discretion of the Site Coordinators upon recruitment\]; * Caregivers of patients who refuse treatment at one of three hospital sites. * Decisionally challenged adults with: 1. cognitive or personality impairment, 2. suicidal ideation, or 3. intoxication (alcohol or drugs) that might interfere with their ability to consent or participate in the study \[at the discretion of the Site Coordinators upon recruitment or the Counselor during the intervention\]; * Individuals from: 1. vulnerable populations (e.g., inmates or individuals on probation, homeless, 2. pregnant women, and 3. those with auditory impairment \[at the discretion of the Site Coordinators upon recruitment\]). 4. Individuals who become pregnant or develop auditory impairments after they have been randomized to study condition may remain in the study until completion.