Chronic Pain Psychiatrists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Walter E B Sipe - Walter E B Sipe MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Walter E B Sipe MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in providing care and alleviating the suffering associated with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain states in young people and adults. I take an integrated approach to your care, combining mindfulness approaches based on meditative practices with more traditional psychotherapy and--where appropriate--careful use of medications and supplements. My commitment is that your therapy make a profound difference in the areas of your life that are most important to you.
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in providing care and alleviating the suffering associated with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain states in young people and adults. I take an integrated approach to your care, combining mindfulness approaches based on meditative practices with more traditional psychotherapy and--where appropriate--careful use of medications and supplements. My commitment is that your therapy make a profound difference in the areas of your life that are most important to you.
(415) 799-4161 View (415) 799-4161
Photo of Juliet Morgan, MD, Psychiatrist
Juliet Morgan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist working with a variety of clients in-person and over tele-health. I specialize in the integrative treatment of patients with mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, neuropsychiatric illness, and healing from trauma. I am a board certified neurologist, and understand the complex interplay between the structural “hardware” and emotional “software” in the brain. I have been featured in several media outlets including KQED and CBS for my work with clients with COVID-19 patients. I also teach extensively on neuropsychiatry and neuroanatomy at UCSF.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist working with a variety of clients in-person and over tele-health. I specialize in the integrative treatment of patients with mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, neuropsychiatric illness, and healing from trauma. I am a board certified neurologist, and understand the complex interplay between the structural “hardware” and emotional “software” in the brain. I have been featured in several media outlets including KQED and CBS for my work with clients with COVID-19 patients. I also teach extensively on neuropsychiatry and neuroanatomy at UCSF.
(310) 935-0754 View (310) 935-0754
Photo of Stacia Mills, MD, Psychiatrist
Stacia Mills
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
I help individuals with medical illnesses, women's health issues, and those who are pregnant or family planning navigate their psychiatric conditions. Everyone is welcome, especially those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
I help individuals with medical illnesses, women's health issues, and those who are pregnant or family planning navigate their psychiatric conditions. Everyone is welcome, especially those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
(510) 399-2281 View (510) 399-2281
Photo of Catherine Stayer, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Catherine Stayer
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
INTEGRATIVE PSYCHIATRY for CHILDREN, TEENS, ADULTS, and COUPLES. I see my role as one who accompanies you on a journey towards optimal health, vitality, and personal growth. Depending on your unique needs, my approach combines conventional modalities (i.e., medications and therapy) with complementary (i.e., botanicals, nutriceuticals, nutrition, acupuncture, guided imagery, etc.). The goal is not merely to treat symptoms, but to address the matrix of underlying causes and the obstacles that keep you from living your best life.
INTEGRATIVE PSYCHIATRY for CHILDREN, TEENS, ADULTS, and COUPLES. I see my role as one who accompanies you on a journey towards optimal health, vitality, and personal growth. Depending on your unique needs, my approach combines conventional modalities (i.e., medications and therapy) with complementary (i.e., botanicals, nutriceuticals, nutrition, acupuncture, guided imagery, etc.). The goal is not merely to treat symptoms, but to address the matrix of underlying causes and the obstacles that keep you from living your best life.
(510) 206-2620 View (510) 206-2620
Photo of Thomas A. Gonda, MD, Psychiatrist
Thomas A. Gonda
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I offer the physician perspective to help you gain insight and knowledge in a comfortable, confidential and supportive atmosphere. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs.. I am a psychiatrist who does talk therapy. Offices in: San Diego and Oakland. I offer weekend and evening hours. I have a DEA license to prescribe Subutex and Suboxone. I offer hypnotherapy as an additional treatment modality. I am a licensed physician in California..
I offer the physician perspective to help you gain insight and knowledge in a comfortable, confidential and supportive atmosphere. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs.. I am a psychiatrist who does talk therapy. Offices in: San Diego and Oakland. I offer weekend and evening hours. I have a DEA license to prescribe Subutex and Suboxone. I offer hypnotherapy as an additional treatment modality. I am a licensed physician in California..
(760) 274-8049 View (760) 274-8049
Photo of Sarah Udor, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sarah Udor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Greetings. I am Sarah, an experienced Nurse Practitioner with a focus on primary care and psychiatric mental health. My expertise is in delivering comprehensive healthcare that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of wellness. In my practice, I prioritize a holistic understanding of each patient, acknowledging the intricate interplay between body and mind.
Greetings. I am Sarah, an experienced Nurse Practitioner with a focus on primary care and psychiatric mental health. My expertise is in delivering comprehensive healthcare that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of wellness. In my practice, I prioritize a holistic understanding of each patient, acknowledging the intricate interplay between body and mind.
(415) 236-5604 View (415) 236-5604
Photo of Joshua Flatow, MD, Psychiatrist
Joshua Flatow
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
(424) 396-2687 View (424) 396-2687
Photo of Thomas A. Gonda Jr, MD, MFT, Psychiatrist
Thomas A. Gonda Jr
Psychiatrist, MD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I offer the physician perspective to help you gain insight and knowledge in a comfortable, confidential and supportive atmosphere. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs to help attain the personal growth they're striving for. I am a psychiatrist who does talk therapy. Offices in: Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego, Reno and Las Vegas. I offer weekend and evening hours. I have a DEA license to prescribe Subutex and Suboxone. I offer hypnotherapy as an additional treatment modality. I am a licensed physician in California and Nevada.
I offer the physician perspective to help you gain insight and knowledge in a comfortable, confidential and supportive atmosphere. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs to help attain the personal growth they're striving for. I am a psychiatrist who does talk therapy. Offices in: Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego, Reno and Las Vegas. I offer weekend and evening hours. I have a DEA license to prescribe Subutex and Suboxone. I offer hypnotherapy as an additional treatment modality. I am a licensed physician in California and Nevada.
(510) 221-6740 View (510) 221-6740
Photo of Ravi Chandra, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist
Ravi Chandra
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Experience, insight, integrity, depth, support. I specialize in understanding you and what's happening: your culture, current dilemmas, patterns, strengths, interests, relationships, life history, and visions of yourself and the world. Our work will be tailored to fit your individual needs, through therapy, medications, or both. I have advanced training and interest in depth work, including psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches. The goal is to help you cope with life, grow, enjoy fulfilling relationships, achieve your potential and develop resilience. Board Certified Distinguished Fellow of the APA, active writer, and member of Asian American committee of the Northern California Psychiatric Society.
Experience, insight, integrity, depth, support. I specialize in understanding you and what's happening: your culture, current dilemmas, patterns, strengths, interests, relationships, life history, and visions of yourself and the world. Our work will be tailored to fit your individual needs, through therapy, medications, or both. I have advanced training and interest in depth work, including psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches. The goal is to help you cope with life, grow, enjoy fulfilling relationships, achieve your potential and develop resilience. Board Certified Distinguished Fellow of the APA, active writer, and member of Asian American committee of the Northern California Psychiatric Society.
(415) 763-5921 View (415) 763-5921
Photo of Jamie Lacsina, DO, Psychiatrist
Jamie Lacsina
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I have experience working with a vast array of mental health issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, ADHD, OCD, and addiction. I am particularly interested in women's mental health as well as reproductive psychiatry. I utilize both psychopharmacologic forms of treatment as well as psychodynamic, DBT informed, CBT styles of therapy. I am originally from the Bay Area. I studied Genetics at UC Davis. I then went on to obtain my Masters Degree in Biophysics and Physiology at Georgetown University. I then returned to California where I obtained my medical degree from Touro University- CA.
I have experience working with a vast array of mental health issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, ADHD, OCD, and addiction. I am particularly interested in women's mental health as well as reproductive psychiatry. I utilize both psychopharmacologic forms of treatment as well as psychodynamic, DBT informed, CBT styles of therapy. I am originally from the Bay Area. I studied Genetics at UC Davis. I then went on to obtain my Masters Degree in Biophysics and Physiology at Georgetown University. I then returned to California where I obtained my medical degree from Touro University- CA.
(510) 698-8241 View (510) 698-8241
Photo of Joshua Flatow, MD, Psychiatrist
Joshua Flatow
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
(669) 248-8808 View (669) 248-8808
Photo of Josh Habansky, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Josh Habansky
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
You wish you could find a psychiatrist who understands the ketogenic diet for mental health, the impact of hormones on depression, how nutrition impacts anxiety, and the importance of gut health on the brain and nervous system. You follow doctors like Chris Palmer, James Greenblatt, Georgia Ede, and Mark Hyman online, but haven’t been able to find a psychiatric practitioner who understands their approach, let alone has advanced training in functional and integrative medicine. Maybe you’ve seen a handful of psychiatrists but you're still struggling. It feels like you’ve tried everything and you're not sure what to do next.
You wish you could find a psychiatrist who understands the ketogenic diet for mental health, the impact of hormones on depression, how nutrition impacts anxiety, and the importance of gut health on the brain and nervous system. You follow doctors like Chris Palmer, James Greenblatt, Georgia Ede, and Mark Hyman online, but haven’t been able to find a psychiatric practitioner who understands their approach, let alone has advanced training in functional and integrative medicine. Maybe you’ve seen a handful of psychiatrists but you're still struggling. It feels like you’ve tried everything and you're not sure what to do next.
(628) 313-5370 View (628) 313-5370
Photo of Candice Marie Rugg, BSN, RN, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Candice Marie Rugg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, RN, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603
I specialize in working with patients who struggle with substance use disorders. My approach is based on a harm reduction model, utilizing trauma informed care and a whole person focus when considering treatment options. The care I offer is always client centric and non-judgemental. My other areas of interest include sexual health/sex positivity, and I am passionate in providing culturally sensitive care that is gender-affirming, body-positive, Alt sex/Alt relationship-affirming, and LGBTQIA informed.
I specialize in working with patients who struggle with substance use disorders. My approach is based on a harm reduction model, utilizing trauma informed care and a whole person focus when considering treatment options. The care I offer is always client centric and non-judgemental. My other areas of interest include sexual health/sex positivity, and I am passionate in providing culturally sensitive care that is gender-affirming, body-positive, Alt sex/Alt relationship-affirming, and LGBTQIA informed.
(628) 230-4994 View (628) 230-4994
Photo of Ugo Ndubaku, DNP , PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ugo Ndubaku
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Thank you for visiting my page. What is affecting your mental health or the wellness of your loved ones today? Have you considered a holistic approach and integrative healing therapies? If not, make an appointment with me because no matter how long you’ve been struggling with your mental health, there is hope. Together, let's identify all the factors of your symptoms, such as background, stress factors, genetics, lifestyle, and nutrition to create a treatment approach that works for you. You need someone to see you as a whole person and not just as a bundle of symptoms. You are not alone in your journey.
Thank you for visiting my page. What is affecting your mental health or the wellness of your loved ones today? Have you considered a holistic approach and integrative healing therapies? If not, make an appointment with me because no matter how long you’ve been struggling with your mental health, there is hope. Together, let's identify all the factors of your symptoms, such as background, stress factors, genetics, lifestyle, and nutrition to create a treatment approach that works for you. You need someone to see you as a whole person and not just as a bundle of symptoms. You are not alone in your journey.
(661) 215-8712 View (661) 215-8712
Photo of Michael B Murphy, MD, Psychiatrist
Michael B Murphy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Not accepting new clients
I take a collaborative approach toward helping patients achieve their goals, which begins with a full evaluation process that can last from one to a few sessions, until we have reached an understanding of what the difficulties are and we can discuss treatment recommendations. I believe strongly in both understanding and treating symptoms and difficulties in living in the context of a whole person. I have had training in multiple approaches to psychotherapy and work with patients to broaden their emotional and cognitive experience, gain insight into their psychological functioning, and make improvements in their qualities of life.
I take a collaborative approach toward helping patients achieve their goals, which begins with a full evaluation process that can last from one to a few sessions, until we have reached an understanding of what the difficulties are and we can discuss treatment recommendations. I believe strongly in both understanding and treating symptoms and difficulties in living in the context of a whole person. I have had training in multiple approaches to psychotherapy and work with patients to broaden their emotional and cognitive experience, gain insight into their psychological functioning, and make improvements in their qualities of life.
(415) 562-7205 View (415) 562-7205

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Harriet Walker Roeder, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Harriet Walker Roeder
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I treat patients with a wide variety of medical - psychiatric problems including chronic pain, chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, pscho-oncology issues, and psycho-dermatologic issues.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist, trained in both psychiatry and internal medicine. I specialize in mind-body medicine, which involves understanding the complex interactions between physical and mental health. Stress and other emotional factors have a strong influence on physical health, and similarly, physical symptoms and diagnoses can have a significant impact on mental health. Understanding and treating the mind and body together is an essential step towards wellness.
I treat patients with a wide variety of medical - psychiatric problems including chronic pain, chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, pscho-oncology issues, and psycho-dermatologic issues.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist, trained in both psychiatry and internal medicine. I specialize in mind-body medicine, which involves understanding the complex interactions between physical and mental health. Stress and other emotional factors have a strong influence on physical health, and similarly, physical symptoms and diagnoses can have a significant impact on mental health. Understanding and treating the mind and body together is an essential step towards wellness.
(650) 539-6328 View (650) 539-6328
Photo of Paul Abramson, MD, Psychiatrist
Paul Abramson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108
We are available to help you figure out if we are the right treatment program for you, and have kind compassion for those suffering from any kind of illness.
Paul Abramson MD is board certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine (He is not a Psychiatrist). He specializes in the treatment of addiction, mental health and physical health utilizing his small and expert team - medical doctors and psychotherapists. Our methods are evidence based, outpatient and efficient. Dr. Abramson is a graduate of Stanford and UCSF and has specific expertise in the treatment of opioid addiction, alcohol use disorders, and benzodiazepine dependency (with Ashton-style slow tapers). My Doctor Medical Group is a top concierge medical practice in San Francisco.
We are available to help you figure out if we are the right treatment program for you, and have kind compassion for those suffering from any kind of illness.
Paul Abramson MD is board certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine (He is not a Psychiatrist). He specializes in the treatment of addiction, mental health and physical health utilizing his small and expert team - medical doctors and psychotherapists. Our methods are evidence based, outpatient and efficient. Dr. Abramson is a graduate of Stanford and UCSF and has specific expertise in the treatment of opioid addiction, alcohol use disorders, and benzodiazepine dependency (with Ashton-style slow tapers). My Doctor Medical Group is a top concierge medical practice in San Francisco.
(415) 483-1528 View (415) 483-1528
Photo of Beatrice Rabkin, MD, Psychiatrist
Beatrice Rabkin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
Passionate about the complex interplay between medical illness and mental health, I completed specialty fellowship training in consult-liaison psychiatry at Stanford University, with focus on psychosomatic medicine.
Thank you for visiting my profile! I am a board-certified general psychiatrist, working with a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I have office locations in San Francisco and Palo Alto. While I specialize in medication management, I use a multimodal approach with clients that draws upon psychotherapy, mindfulness work, Yoga psychology, and other integrative practices. For more info about my holistic approach to treatment, here's an informative podcast highlighting my work: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holistic-psychiatry-dr-beatrice-rabkin-md/id1501515784?i=1000502625263 or https://youtu.be/wJe3t3ZzkNs
Passionate about the complex interplay between medical illness and mental health, I completed specialty fellowship training in consult-liaison psychiatry at Stanford University, with focus on psychosomatic medicine.
Thank you for visiting my profile! I am a board-certified general psychiatrist, working with a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I have office locations in San Francisco and Palo Alto. While I specialize in medication management, I use a multimodal approach with clients that draws upon psychotherapy, mindfulness work, Yoga psychology, and other integrative practices. For more info about my holistic approach to treatment, here's an informative podcast highlighting my work: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holistic-psychiatry-dr-beatrice-rabkin-md/id1501515784?i=1000502625263 or https://youtu.be/wJe3t3ZzkNs
(650) 955-0435 View (650) 955-0435
Photo of Bryan Hyler, MD, Psychiatrist
Bryan Hyler
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94188
Unfortunately, illicit drugs, pain pill addiction, emotional, physical and sexual traumas are often the springboard for mental conditions that I treat.
My working philosophy is simple, the patient comes first. That said, my approach to medicine is personalized, cordial, with a collaborative relationship and a touch of professional know how. My experience encompasses child, community, veteran and county mental health clinics. I also provide coverage for crisis houses, inpatient units, psychiatric emergency rooms and detention centers. I am a military veteran, UCLA alumni and Clinical Assistant Professor at University of California, Riverside. Call today for a free phone consultation for medication management of opiate addiction, manic, depressive, anxiety, psychotic and cognitive disorders.
Unfortunately, illicit drugs, pain pill addiction, emotional, physical and sexual traumas are often the springboard for mental conditions that I treat.
My working philosophy is simple, the patient comes first. That said, my approach to medicine is personalized, cordial, with a collaborative relationship and a touch of professional know how. My experience encompasses child, community, veteran and county mental health clinics. I also provide coverage for crisis houses, inpatient units, psychiatric emergency rooms and detention centers. I am a military veteran, UCLA alumni and Clinical Assistant Professor at University of California, Riverside. Call today for a free phone consultation for medication management of opiate addiction, manic, depressive, anxiety, psychotic and cognitive disorders.
(760) 840-5284 View (760) 840-5284
Photo of Veronica Couture, MD, Psychiatrist
Veronica Couture
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
Life feels overwhelming sometimes. You know that mental health struggles are real, but you’re not sure if what you’re feeling is normal or needs treatment. At the same time, it feels like you’re never doing enough. Exhaustion gets the best of you and then the self-critical thoughts get louder. You deserve a space that is just for you, to find deep healing from anxiety and stress. All are welcome to be seen and heard including those from our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Many of my patients are struggling with anxiety, experiencing chronic illness or grief, or want to reduce medications while exploring other options for healing.
Life feels overwhelming sometimes. You know that mental health struggles are real, but you’re not sure if what you’re feeling is normal or needs treatment. At the same time, it feels like you’re never doing enough. Exhaustion gets the best of you and then the self-critical thoughts get louder. You deserve a space that is just for you, to find deep healing from anxiety and stress. All are welcome to be seen and heard including those from our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Many of my patients are struggling with anxiety, experiencing chronic illness or grief, or want to reduce medications while exploring other options for healing.
(628) 277-4619 View (628) 277-4619
Chronic Pain Psychiatrists

How does chronic pain therapy work?

Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?

Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?

Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.