Chronic Pain Psychiatrists in Sacramento, CA

Photo of Adel Mostafavi - Well Psyche Medical Group Inc, MD, Psychiatrist
Well Psyche Medical Group Inc
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95814
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors, who specialize in the relationship between mental and medical illness.
www.WellPsyche.com Balancing mental and physical wellness is an art and a science! Dr. Adel is an expert in the field of psychiatry. He treats children, adolescents, and adults. His practice offers the latest in Telemedicine, allowing you to visit with your doctor from the convenience of your home or work. Dr. Adel takes a conservative approach to medication management and strives to help his clients consistently function at their best without side effects.
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors, who specialize in the relationship between mental and medical illness.
www.WellPsyche.com Balancing mental and physical wellness is an art and a science! Dr. Adel is an expert in the field of psychiatry. He treats children, adolescents, and adults. His practice offers the latest in Telemedicine, allowing you to visit with your doctor from the convenience of your home or work. Dr. Adel takes a conservative approach to medication management and strives to help his clients consistently function at their best without side effects.
(424) 351-9037 View (424) 351-9037
Dr. Geetha Reddy
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95827  (Online Only)
Dr. Geetha Reddy graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology, and earned her medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. She completed General Psychiatry training at University of California, San Francisco, and fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Northwestern University. She additionally obtained a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She is an active member of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
Dr. Geetha Reddy graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology, and earned her medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. She completed General Psychiatry training at University of California, San Francisco, and fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Northwestern University. She additionally obtained a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She is an active member of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
(916) 619-2757 View (916) 619-2757
Photo of Safir Azam - Safir Azam Tele-Psychiatry Services, MD, Psychiatrist
Safir Azam Tele-Psychiatry Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95819  (Online Only)
Mission : My mission is to embody the values of accessibility, seamless communication, respect, and excellence in treatment for each patient. I am Medically trained Physician Psychiatrist.I had the privilege to train at Royal London & St Bartholomew’s Hospital for 4 years in various branches of Psychiatry before I moved to the USA. I had a further Residency Training at SUNY Downstate Hospital Brooklyn, NY followed by a one year of Child Psychiatry training at the University of Florida. I have a fellowship in psychoanalysis from NYU and a 2 year of psychodynamic psychotherapy training at Willam Alanson White Institute , NY.
Mission : My mission is to embody the values of accessibility, seamless communication, respect, and excellence in treatment for each patient. I am Medically trained Physician Psychiatrist.I had the privilege to train at Royal London & St Bartholomew’s Hospital for 4 years in various branches of Psychiatry before I moved to the USA. I had a further Residency Training at SUNY Downstate Hospital Brooklyn, NY followed by a one year of Child Psychiatry training at the University of Florida. I have a fellowship in psychoanalysis from NYU and a 2 year of psychodynamic psychotherapy training at Willam Alanson White Institute , NY.
(786) 808-1537 View (786) 808-1537
Photo of Shawn Hersevoort, MD, Psychiatrist
Shawn Hersevoort
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
I am a very experienced, Board Certified Adult psychiatrist who has worked in a broad range of treatment settings including public, private, and academic medical centers. My approach to treatment can best be understood by following the course of my education. I first studied biochemistry, where I learned to appreciate the importance of rigorous clinical research, ongoing education, and the power of medications. I then studied clinical psychology, where the focus was on understanding relationships, personalities, and cultures.
I am a very experienced, Board Certified Adult psychiatrist who has worked in a broad range of treatment settings including public, private, and academic medical centers. My approach to treatment can best be understood by following the course of my education. I first studied biochemistry, where I learned to appreciate the importance of rigorous clinical research, ongoing education, and the power of medications. I then studied clinical psychology, where the focus was on understanding relationships, personalities, and cultures.
(916) 668-4108 View (916) 668-4108
Photo of Jagdeep Kaur, MD, Psychiatrist
Jagdeep Kaur
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
Dr. Kaur has special clinical interest in medication management of psychiatric symptoms, treating treatment resistant psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders. Dr. Kaur is experienced in using advanced treatment modalities e.g, ketamine, esketamine ( nasal spray) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression. Please send us referrals to our secure and confidential fax at 866-481-8756. Visit our webpage at www.truistpsychiatrists.com
Dr. Kaur has special clinical interest in medication management of psychiatric symptoms, treating treatment resistant psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders. Dr. Kaur is experienced in using advanced treatment modalities e.g, ketamine, esketamine ( nasal spray) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression. Please send us referrals to our secure and confidential fax at 866-481-8756. Visit our webpage at www.truistpsychiatrists.com
(916) 675-3074 View (916) 675-3074
Photo of Joshua Flatow, MD, Psychiatrist
Joshua Flatow
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95814  (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
(844) 937-1766 View (844) 937-1766
Photo of Ijaz Behavioral Rasul - Telepsychiatrist Piedmont Behavioral Services, MD, Psychiatrist
Telepsychiatrist Piedmont Behavioral Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95815
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse clients via video across Florida. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer.
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse clients via video across Florida. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer.
(828) 575-5095 View (828) 575-5095
Photo of Michael They, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Michael They
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 94206
Michael They is a board-certified Psychiatric nurse practitioner. He is treating children, adolescent, and adults who has ADHD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Insomnia (eg. Panic Disorder, GAD, PTSD, OCD), Mood Disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia, erectile dysfunction, alcohol use disorder and drug use disorder.
Michael They is a board-certified Psychiatric nurse practitioner. He is treating children, adolescent, and adults who has ADHD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Insomnia (eg. Panic Disorder, GAD, PTSD, OCD), Mood Disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia, erectile dysfunction, alcohol use disorder and drug use disorder.
(866) 240-8517 View (866) 240-8517
Photo of Marie Magana - Madina House Clinic, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Madina House Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 94203  (Online Only)
I am committed to creating an environment of safety and support where clients can heal and move forward in their journeys of recovery. I understand the importance of having to change in order to live in line with your own personal values. Throughout my years of education and nursing experience, I have come to realize that our mental health is fundamentally connected to caring for the mind, body, and soul of an individual. I hope to partner with you in developing a plan that works and benefits you and your lifestyle.
I am committed to creating an environment of safety and support where clients can heal and move forward in their journeys of recovery. I understand the importance of having to change in order to live in line with your own personal values. Throughout my years of education and nursing experience, I have come to realize that our mental health is fundamentally connected to caring for the mind, body, and soul of an individual. I hope to partner with you in developing a plan that works and benefits you and your lifestyle.
(510) 544-3313 View (510) 544-3313

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Juliet Morgan, MD, Psychiatrist
Juliet Morgan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
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 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
Photo of Greer Murphy, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Greer Murphy
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
I can help you with: Treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, compulsions, and trauma. Also, insomnia, chronic fatigue, inattention and lack of focus. Memory and other cognitive concerns, even when complicated by agitation. Overuse and dependence on habit-forming prescription and non-prescription substances. Workplace and family issues. Chronic pain and Long COVID mood, energy, and cognitive changes. Nonresponse to medication and psychotherapies given by other providers. I also have decades of experience treating severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and psychosis in hospital, outpatient, and residential settings.
I can help you with: Treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, compulsions, and trauma. Also, insomnia, chronic fatigue, inattention and lack of focus. Memory and other cognitive concerns, even when complicated by agitation. Overuse and dependence on habit-forming prescription and non-prescription substances. Workplace and family issues. Chronic pain and Long COVID mood, energy, and cognitive changes. Nonresponse to medication and psychotherapies given by other providers. I also have decades of experience treating severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and psychosis in hospital, outpatient, and residential settings.
(650) 629-0909 View (650) 629-0909
Photo of Daniel Smeester, MD, Psychiatrist
Daniel Smeester
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94583
We offer a medical model of treatment, evidence-based; and help with any chronic pain, especially back and neck pain and neuropathic pain is available with our addiction-free pain management program.
There IS immediate help for those who are battling substance use disorder. You do not need to wait in the emergency room for help with withdrawal symptoms, or to find help to stop using. We have an outpatient program that provides everything you need, including in-person group counseling and an outpatient detox center. Personalized care. We also have a Telehealth program for those who prefer this. If you are battling pain, our addiction-free pain management program provides expert spine and musculoskeletal care as well as care for neuropathic pain- all non-surgical procedures performed, and of course primarily non-opiate based.
We offer a medical model of treatment, evidence-based; and help with any chronic pain, especially back and neck pain and neuropathic pain is available with our addiction-free pain management program.
There IS immediate help for those who are battling substance use disorder. You do not need to wait in the emergency room for help with withdrawal symptoms, or to find help to stop using. We have an outpatient program that provides everything you need, including in-person group counseling and an outpatient detox center. Personalized care. We also have a Telehealth program for those who prefer this. If you are battling pain, our addiction-free pain management program provides expert spine and musculoskeletal care as well as care for neuropathic pain- all non-surgical procedures performed, and of course primarily non-opiate based.
(925) 267-6853 View (925) 267-6853
Photo of Bryan Hyler, MD, Psychiatrist
Bryan Hyler
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95128
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 Omid Naim - Hope Integrative Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Hope Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
If you would like to make an appointment or ask further questions you can also email us at admin@hopepsychiatry.com. Hope was founded to offer a more natural and complete way of helping people recover from mental illness. Blending together insights from the emerging sciences of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Evolutionary Psychology with more ancient practices that have evidence like Mindfulness,Breathwork and Yoga, we focus on shifting people’s consciousness from a disease model to one that empowers our innate capacity to heal and find meaning in our struggle towards wholeness and optimal health.
If you would like to make an appointment or ask further questions you can also email us at admin@hopepsychiatry.com. Hope was founded to offer a more natural and complete way of helping people recover from mental illness. Blending together insights from the emerging sciences of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Evolutionary Psychology with more ancient practices that have evidence like Mindfulness,Breathwork and Yoga, we focus on shifting people’s consciousness from a disease model to one that empowers our innate capacity to heal and find meaning in our struggle towards wholeness and optimal health.
(747) 205-1878 View (747) 205-1878
Photo of M Rameen Ghorieshi, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
M Rameen Ghorieshi
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
I care for patients from the paradigm that mental and physical health are so strongly intertwined that one may not fully achieve either without striving for both. I treat both a vast range of psychiatric conditions and help those who wish to better understand themselves and their relationships. My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, whole body health, coping with medical illness, and addiction medicine. I will formulate a customized treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy, medications, and behavioral techniques, to best care for your condition and meet your needs.
I care for patients from the paradigm that mental and physical health are so strongly intertwined that one may not fully achieve either without striving for both. I treat both a vast range of psychiatric conditions and help those who wish to better understand themselves and their relationships. My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, whole body health, coping with medical illness, and addiction medicine. I will formulate a customized treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy, medications, and behavioral techniques, to best care for your condition and meet your needs.
(650) 204-3479 View (650) 204-3479
Photo of Harriet Walker Roeder, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Harriet Walker Roeder
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Stanford, CA 94305  (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 Beatrice Rabkin, MD, Psychiatrist
Beatrice Rabkin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
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 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 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

See more therapy options for Sacramento

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.