Photo of Uchenna Okoye, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(925) 293-9636 View (925) 293-9636

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Daniel Smeester, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
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

Online Psychiatrists

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 Paul Abramson, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
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 Joshua Flatow, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
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 Harriet Walker Roeder, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
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 Alex Clarke, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
Alex Clarke
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94063
Dr. Alex Clarke, MD is a Board-certified, Stanford-trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist with expertise in biological and psychological approaches to treatment (CBT, Psychoanalytic, EFT, DBT, IPT, Clinical Hypnosis, Mindfulness, etc). He is a skilled and compassionate clinician who emphasizes a highly individualized and collaborative approach to care.
Dr. Alex Clarke, MD is a Board-certified, Stanford-trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist with expertise in biological and psychological approaches to treatment (CBT, Psychoanalytic, EFT, DBT, IPT, Clinical Hypnosis, Mindfulness, etc). He is a skilled and compassionate clinician who emphasizes a highly individualized and collaborative approach to care.
(650) 770-1928 View (650) 770-1928
Photo of The Mindful Lemon , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Pleasanton, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, RN
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
(341) 999-5020 View (341) 999-5020
Photo of Carmela Zaragoza, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Pleasanton, CA
Carmela Zaragoza
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(650) 547-8433 View (650) 547-8433
Photo of John Haupert, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Pleasanton, CA
John Haupert
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience providing therapy and medication to adults of all ages. I provide non-judgmental care for clients who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. I am oriented towards the harm-reduction model and feel it is important to meet each client where they are in their individual mental health and wellness journey. My primary areas of interest are in trauma, substance abuse, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community. My other areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and addiction, among many other mental health concerns.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience providing therapy and medication to adults of all ages. I provide non-judgmental care for clients who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. I am oriented towards the harm-reduction model and feel it is important to meet each client where they are in their individual mental health and wellness journey. My primary areas of interest are in trauma, substance abuse, and in working with the LGBTQ+ community. My other areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and addiction, among many other mental health concerns.
(628) 232-8613 View (628) 232-8613
Photo of Joseph Harrison, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Pleasanton, CA
Joseph Harrison
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP-C
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94598  (Online Only)
I enjoy helping persons who are experiencing lower-than-normal functioning because or new onset or chronic mental health needs. My patients enjoy partnering with me to understand how their physical health, their social world, their choices and their identity all create conditions in which they feel well or unwell. I delight in getting to know my patients and in collaborating with them to improve their wellness and to achieve their goals. Having a thought partner in a person who cares, is professionally trained, and enjoys their job can make a huge difference in one's quality of life and personal satisfaction.
I enjoy helping persons who are experiencing lower-than-normal functioning because or new onset or chronic mental health needs. My patients enjoy partnering with me to understand how their physical health, their social world, their choices and their identity all create conditions in which they feel well or unwell. I delight in getting to know my patients and in collaborating with them to improve their wellness and to achieve their goals. Having a thought partner in a person who cares, is professionally trained, and enjoys their job can make a huge difference in one's quality of life and personal satisfaction.
(925) 694-0983 View (925) 694-0983
Photo of Juliet Morgan, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
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 Ruth S Rayikanti, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
Ruth S Rayikanti
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Dr.Ruth Rayikanti, MD. I am an SF native, resident, & currently working as a Psychiatrist & a consultant. I believe the key to being a solid Psychiatrist is to be a human first before any professional degrees or titles. Hence, my most memorable experiences have been with one-to-one patient interactions and just being in that moment as two human beings above anything else. Evidence based treatment medicine is actively integrated into my practice. Highly tailored care with services are fulfilling and meaningful components of my practice. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, photography, stand up, music & wellness.
Hello! My name is Dr.Ruth Rayikanti, MD. I am an SF native, resident, & currently working as a Psychiatrist & a consultant. I believe the key to being a solid Psychiatrist is to be a human first before any professional degrees or titles. Hence, my most memorable experiences have been with one-to-one patient interactions and just being in that moment as two human beings above anything else. Evidence based treatment medicine is actively integrated into my practice. Highly tailored care with services are fulfilling and meaningful components of my practice. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, photography, stand up, music & wellness.
(415) 691-4254 View (415) 691-4254
Photo of Joshua Flatow, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
Joshua Flatow
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (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 Jamie Lacsina, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
Jamie Lacsina
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608
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 Theresa Carla Negrido Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Pleasanton, CA
Theresa Carla Negrido Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
I specialize in medication management. I work with individuals dealing with mood dysregulation, depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and attention issues. My goal is to support you in understanding and managing your mental health in a compassionate and holistic way.
I specialize in medication management. I work with individuals dealing with mood dysregulation, depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and attention issues. My goal is to support you in understanding and managing your mental health in a compassionate and holistic way.
(415) 300-1669 View (415) 300-1669
Photo of Ravi Chandra, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
Ravi Chandra
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
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 Bruce W. Scotton, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
Bruce W. Scotton
Psychiatrist, MD, DLFAPA, CJA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I am especially interested in working with people who see healing their wounds and problems as only one part of an ongoing effort to develop themselves as far as possible. This effort includes development beyond the personal into familial, community, global, and spiritual realms. Seeking to promote this perspective I am the senior editor of Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology for which we won the Will Solimene Award for Excellence in Medical Communication. This perspective also values learning the accumulated knowledge of other cultures.
I am especially interested in working with people who see healing their wounds and problems as only one part of an ongoing effort to develop themselves as far as possible. This effort includes development beyond the personal into familial, community, global, and spiritual realms. Seeking to promote this perspective I am the senior editor of Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology for which we won the Will Solimene Award for Excellence in Medical Communication. This perspective also values learning the accumulated knowledge of other cultures.
(650) 924-9400 View (650) 924-9400
Photo of Jaspreet Takhar, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Pleasanton, CA
Jaspreet Takhar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP30
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(650) 582-2148 View (650) 582-2148
Photo of Victor Torres-Collazo, Psychiatrist in Pleasanton, CA
Victor Torres-Collazo
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Victor Torres-Collazo, MD provides specialty psychiatric evaluations, medication management and consultations for adults. He specializes in assessments and treatment of patients with comorbid medical and psychiatric issues. Dr. Torres-Collazo is ABPN board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Consult-Liaison Psychiatry/CLP. He completed fellowship at Georgetown, during which he also trained at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He is very experienced with pharmacogenetic testing, neuropsychiatric issues, complex medical issues and medication management. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Victor Torres-Collazo, MD provides specialty psychiatric evaluations, medication management and consultations for adults. He specializes in assessments and treatment of patients with comorbid medical and psychiatric issues. Dr. Torres-Collazo is ABPN board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Consult-Liaison Psychiatry/CLP. He completed fellowship at Georgetown, during which he also trained at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He is very experienced with pharmacogenetic testing, neuropsychiatric issues, complex medical issues and medication management. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.
(415) 943-8248 View (415) 943-8248

See more therapy options for Pleasanton

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.