Chronic Pain Psychiatrists in Greenwood Village, CO

Photo of Annmarie Kropp - Annmarie Kropp - Denver Wellness Associates, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Annmarie Kropp - Denver Wellness Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner based in Denver, Colorado. I received my doctorate degree in family nursing practice from The University of Arizona in 2016. After completing my degree, I worked in pediatric neurology for over 4.5 years. I have always had an interest in psychiatry which prompted me to pursue my postgraduate certificate in psychiatric mental health. I gained most of my psychiatric experience during my clinical rotations.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner based in Denver, Colorado. I received my doctorate degree in family nursing practice from The University of Arizona in 2016. After completing my degree, I worked in pediatric neurology for over 4.5 years. I have always had an interest in psychiatry which prompted me to pursue my postgraduate certificate in psychiatric mental health. I gained most of my psychiatric experience during my clinical rotations.
(720) 724-3668 View (720) 724-3668
Photo of Indizo Moon - Rising Moon Mental Health, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Indizo Moon - Rising Moon Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
I believe in partnership with my patients. To build treatment plans in partnership with you I take the time to understand your concerns, goals, values, strengths, challenges, and preferences as well as providing the information you need to understand and make informed decisions about your diagnosis and treatment options. I also value and foster the provider-patient relationship by always being honest with you and by not judging you.
I believe in partnership with my patients. To build treatment plans in partnership with you I take the time to understand your concerns, goals, values, strengths, challenges, and preferences as well as providing the information you need to understand and make informed decisions about your diagnosis and treatment options. I also value and foster the provider-patient relationship by always being honest with you and by not judging you.
(720) 713-6951 View (720) 713-6951
Photo of Dayanara Gohil, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dayanara Gohil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
My name is Dayanara, and I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner at BestMind Behavioral Health. My clinical experience has concentrated on complex high-acuity clients with co-morbidities. This experience has provided perspicuity into the unique interdisciplinary tools required to best support my patient's treatment success.
My name is Dayanara, and I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner at BestMind Behavioral Health. My clinical experience has concentrated on complex high-acuity clients with co-morbidities. This experience has provided perspicuity into the unique interdisciplinary tools required to best support my patient's treatment success.
(720) 802-0710 View (720) 802-0710
Photo of Aimee Techau, PMHNP, CARN-AP, MSN, PhDc, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Aimee Techau
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CARN-AP, MSN, PhDc
Verified Verified
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
I take great pride in being a collaborative provider who authentically cares for and listens to my clients. I work with you to help improve your symptoms and quality of life through different treatment modalities, including medication, holistic approaches, and talk therapy. In devising your treatment plan, I will also consider medical contributors to mental health issues, leaving no stone unturned. You may have previously tried a few different treatments without results. Make an appointment with me, and we'll work together to build on this knowledge, avoiding the pitfalls of past attempts and moving you closer to the solution.
I take great pride in being a collaborative provider who authentically cares for and listens to my clients. I work with you to help improve your symptoms and quality of life through different treatment modalities, including medication, holistic approaches, and talk therapy. In devising your treatment plan, I will also consider medical contributors to mental health issues, leaving no stone unturned. You may have previously tried a few different treatments without results. Make an appointment with me, and we'll work together to build on this knowledge, avoiding the pitfalls of past attempts and moving you closer to the solution.
(720) 806-4615 View (720) 806-4615
Photo of Owl And Eagle Health And Wellness, MSN, DNP, ANP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Owl And Eagle Health And Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, DNP, ANP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
The Owl is a symbol of intuition, insight, wisdom, and life transitions, and the Eagle represents resilience, courage, hope, and healing. We can help you find and develop these strengths within yourself. Our psychiatric NPs are warm and welcoming, and help you feel at ease as you start your journey toward mental wellness. We will perform a thorough diagnostic evaluation, testing as needed, and will partner with you to create a holistic treatment plan that can include medication, therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Ketamine Treatment, nutritional interventions, stress management techniques, and more.
The Owl is a symbol of intuition, insight, wisdom, and life transitions, and the Eagle represents resilience, courage, hope, and healing. We can help you find and develop these strengths within yourself. Our psychiatric NPs are warm and welcoming, and help you feel at ease as you start your journey toward mental wellness. We will perform a thorough diagnostic evaluation, testing as needed, and will partner with you to create a holistic treatment plan that can include medication, therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Ketamine Treatment, nutritional interventions, stress management techniques, and more.
(720) 802-3156 View (720) 802-3156

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Charles Shuman, MD, Psychiatrist
Charles Shuman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
I provide psychiatric care with psychotherapy and when appropriate pharmacotherapy. I have experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, addiction, and complex mental illness. I am an expert in using medication assisted therapy for the treatment of addictions. I can also provide ketamine treatment for severe depression.
I provide psychiatric care with psychotherapy and when appropriate pharmacotherapy. I have experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, addiction, and complex mental illness. I am an expert in using medication assisted therapy for the treatment of addictions. I can also provide ketamine treatment for severe depression.
(303) 848-8618 View (303) 848-8618
Photo of Lori A Bailey, PhD, PMHNP, CNE, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lori A Bailey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, CNE
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aurora, CO 80014
Ask about MASSAGE therapy. Life can be very stressful. Mental illness makes it more difficult to cope with challenges. Medication can only go so far. There must be a holistic approach to mental health! Medicine improves brain chemicals. But a good therapist is needed to change negative habits of mind that develop when we don't feel well. I can help by working with you and your therapist to develop a treatment plan that maximizes your ability to participate in therapy and a healthy, peaceful life! Let's talk about all the factors that affect mental well-being!
Ask about MASSAGE therapy. Life can be very stressful. Mental illness makes it more difficult to cope with challenges. Medication can only go so far. There must be a holistic approach to mental health! Medicine improves brain chemicals. But a good therapist is needed to change negative habits of mind that develop when we don't feel well. I can help by working with you and your therapist to develop a treatment plan that maximizes your ability to participate in therapy and a healthy, peaceful life! Let's talk about all the factors that affect mental well-being!
(720) 804-0186 View (720) 804-0186
Photo of Michael A Zona, MD, Psychiatrist
Michael A Zona
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80012
More current treatment modalities include pharmacogenomics analysis, Ketamine treatment, Opioid office inductions, Suboxone treatment, office-based alcohol withdrawal customized treatment plans, and chronic pain treatments.
All patients are treated with dignity and respect. Most of my patients require medical management solutions where both their medical issues and their psychiatric issues are coordinated and resolved. I actively work with my patients' internists/family practice/neurologists to coordinate care and develop a treatment plan. Patients are expected to be informed and to be involved in their care. All medications are carefully explained. I believe patients do best when they are engaged participants in their own care. Similarly, I actively encourage coordination with any patient that has their own therapist and want medication management only.
More current treatment modalities include pharmacogenomics analysis, Ketamine treatment, Opioid office inductions, Suboxone treatment, office-based alcohol withdrawal customized treatment plans, and chronic pain treatments.
All patients are treated with dignity and respect. Most of my patients require medical management solutions where both their medical issues and their psychiatric issues are coordinated and resolved. I actively work with my patients' internists/family practice/neurologists to coordinate care and develop a treatment plan. Patients are expected to be informed and to be involved in their care. All medications are carefully explained. I believe patients do best when they are engaged participants in their own care. Similarly, I actively encourage coordination with any patient that has their own therapist and want medication management only.
(310) 751-7577 View (310) 751-7577
Photo of Dr. Robert E Feinstein, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Robert E Feinstein
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80014  (Online Only)
I can help you meet your goals, foster your creativity to grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and ultimately to innovate and find solutions, allowing you to move forward in your work and life.
My focus is to help you, as a unique person, heal, change, energize, be creative, and optimize your strengths. I can help you achieve this by listening to your concerns; providing a safe space for discussion and innovation, offering in depth psychotherapy with or without medication. I will collaborate with you as we work toward recovery, utilizing evidenced-based strategies and novel solutions for your problems or issues. I am a full fee professional who does NOT take INSurance
I can help you meet your goals, foster your creativity to grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and ultimately to innovate and find solutions, allowing you to move forward in your work and life.
My focus is to help you, as a unique person, heal, change, energize, be creative, and optimize your strengths. I can help you achieve this by listening to your concerns; providing a safe space for discussion and innovation, offering in depth psychotherapy with or without medication. I will collaborate with you as we work toward recovery, utilizing evidenced-based strategies and novel solutions for your problems or issues. I am a full fee professional who does NOT take INSurance
(475) 231-3451 View (475) 231-3451
Photo of Modupe Mary Okonofua - NuMedical & Psychiatry Clinic / Dr. Mary Okonofua, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
NuMedical & Psychiatry Clinic / Dr. Mary Okonofua
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80012
I want you to be free of emotional pain, and to find a meaning to life in your work, relationships, family, spirituality and other areas of life.
"ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS IN COLORADO, TEXAS & ARIZONA". Many patients believe providers offer one-sided visit, where they are not listened to or cared about. I can promise you that I am as real as it gets, caring and compassionate about my patients' recovery. I want to walk with you on your journey of recovery and see you smile again! I want to help you achieve solutions within my professional expertise while being there for you as you experience yourself in positive new ways.Simply put, I don't believe talking to a mental health provider should have any negative perception or stigma.Call for appointment or if we take your insurance
I want you to be free of emotional pain, and to find a meaning to life in your work, relationships, family, spirituality and other areas of life.
"ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS IN COLORADO, TEXAS & ARIZONA". Many patients believe providers offer one-sided visit, where they are not listened to or cared about. I can promise you that I am as real as it gets, caring and compassionate about my patients' recovery. I want to walk with you on your journey of recovery and see you smile again! I want to help you achieve solutions within my professional expertise while being there for you as you experience yourself in positive new ways.Simply put, I don't believe talking to a mental health provider should have any negative perception or stigma.Call for appointment or if we take your insurance
(480) 771-1433 View (480) 771-1433
Photo of Dr. Ari Aal, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Ari Aal
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202
Mental illness can make even the most routine of tasks near impossible, and it’s often hard to find help when you need it. Mental health treatment is not just about getting you "back to normal". It should help bring more meaning, purpose and wellbeing into your life. Hello, my name is Dr. Ari Aal and I want to welcome you in this journey as we work together toward your goals. In a first meeting with my patients, I get to know them on an emotional level. From there we work together and create plans for what they need in order feel better quickly while also providing the necessary tools that will help change their lives long-term.
Mental illness can make even the most routine of tasks near impossible, and it’s often hard to find help when you need it. Mental health treatment is not just about getting you "back to normal". It should help bring more meaning, purpose and wellbeing into your life. Hello, my name is Dr. Ari Aal and I want to welcome you in this journey as we work together toward your goals. In a first meeting with my patients, I get to know them on an emotional level. From there we work together and create plans for what they need in order feel better quickly while also providing the necessary tools that will help change their lives long-term.
(303) 481-2366 View (303) 481-2366
Photo of Richard Oddy - R A Oddy MD Psychiatry LLC, MD, MA, DABPN, FASAM, Psychiatrist
R A Oddy MD Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatrist, MD, MA, DABPN, FASAM
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80209
His primary focus encompasses psychopharmacological management of psychiatric illness (including depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, PTSD and anxiety), substance use disorders and psychotherapy.
Dr. Richard Oddy has 20+ years of expertise as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, operating a thriving private practice in Denver, previously established in Fort Collins in 2005. His medical education was accomplished at the University of Cambridge in England, followed by a residency in psychiatry at Cornell Medical Center-New York Hospital in 2000. Dr. Oddy holds board certifications in General Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and is a distinguished lifetime fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Oddy is also experienced in the use of buprenorphine for opioid dependence.
His primary focus encompasses psychopharmacological management of psychiatric illness (including depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, PTSD and anxiety), substance use disorders and psychotherapy.
Dr. Richard Oddy has 20+ years of expertise as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, operating a thriving private practice in Denver, previously established in Fort Collins in 2005. His medical education was accomplished at the University of Cambridge in England, followed by a residency in psychiatry at Cornell Medical Center-New York Hospital in 2000. Dr. Oddy holds board certifications in General Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and is a distinguished lifetime fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Oddy is also experienced in the use of buprenorphine for opioid dependence.
(720) 650-7723 View (720) 650-7723
Photo of Kathleen Daly - Plus by APN: Interventional Psychiatry & Neurotech, Psychiatrist
Plus by APN: Interventional Psychiatry & Neurotech
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Lone Tree, CO 80124
We're Plus by APN in Colorado - a team of psychiatry, therapy, and medical providers who have come together to provide real, comprehensive, interventional care for your mental health and well-being. Traditional psychiatry involves diagnosis and medication management. And we certainly do those. But at Plus by APN, we also provide in-depth psychiatric assessments to help you determine the best comprehensive treatment plan for your needs - whether that be therapy, medication, Deep TMS, ketamine-assisted healing, brain mapping, neurofeedback, stellate ganglion block (SGB) or some combination of the above.
We're Plus by APN in Colorado - a team of psychiatry, therapy, and medical providers who have come together to provide real, comprehensive, interventional care for your mental health and well-being. Traditional psychiatry involves diagnosis and medication management. And we certainly do those. But at Plus by APN, we also provide in-depth psychiatric assessments to help you determine the best comprehensive treatment plan for your needs - whether that be therapy, medication, Deep TMS, ketamine-assisted healing, brain mapping, neurofeedback, stellate ganglion block (SGB) or some combination of the above.
(720) 594-3914 View (720) 594-3914
Photo of Robyn Goldsmith (Accepting New Patients), PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Robyn Goldsmith (Accepting New Patients)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
48 Endorsed
Aurora, CO 80014
Welcome to our practice where we specialize in delivering empathetic psychiatric care and tailored medication management services. If you're on a journey to prioritize your mental well-being, you've found a supportive and understanding team here. Are you noticing disruptions in your sleep, appetite, or motivation levels? Do you find yourself battling with persistent feelings of sadness, worry, or unease? Perhaps you're experiencing difficulty concentrating, irritability, or changes in your behavior? By addressing these symptoms together, we can create a personalized treatment plan to empower you towards a healthier and happier life.
Welcome to our practice where we specialize in delivering empathetic psychiatric care and tailored medication management services. If you're on a journey to prioritize your mental well-being, you've found a supportive and understanding team here. Are you noticing disruptions in your sleep, appetite, or motivation levels? Do you find yourself battling with persistent feelings of sadness, worry, or unease? Perhaps you're experiencing difficulty concentrating, irritability, or changes in your behavior? By addressing these symptoms together, we can create a personalized treatment plan to empower you towards a healthier and happier life.
(720) 804-0476 View (720) 804-0476
Photo of Dr. Henrietta Evans, DNP, PMHNPBC, GNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Henrietta Evans
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, GNPBC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Dr. Henrietta Evans, DNP, APRN, with dual certifications in Psychiatric Mental Health and Geriatric Nursing. My career began in 1993 as an LPN in the U.S. Army, leading to a BSN from the University of Phoenix and an MSN from the University of South Alabama, focusing on psychiatric care. I earned a Gerontological NP certificate in 2010 and a DNP in 2015. Additionally, I'm certified in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy. With over 31 years across diverse medical fields, my holistic approach integrates mind, body, and soul wellness, continually advancing nursing excellence.
Hi, I'm Dr. Henrietta Evans, DNP, APRN, with dual certifications in Psychiatric Mental Health and Geriatric Nursing. My career began in 1993 as an LPN in the U.S. Army, leading to a BSN from the University of Phoenix and an MSN from the University of South Alabama, focusing on psychiatric care. I earned a Gerontological NP certificate in 2010 and a DNP in 2015. Additionally, I'm certified in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy. With over 31 years across diverse medical fields, my holistic approach integrates mind, body, and soul wellness, continually advancing nursing excellence.
(720) 669-7572 View (720) 669-7572
Photo of Marianne Strauman (Med Management - Accepting New Clients!), MSN, APRN, PMHMP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Marianne Strauman (Med Management - Accepting New Clients!)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aurora, CO 80015
NOW Accepting New Clients! Link in bio to schedule online instantly! > Marianne is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 12 years of experience in the medical profession. She began her career as a bedside nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, and then went on to obtain her Masters's Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in primary care as well as palliative care, helping care for patients and families with multiple medical conditions and emotional needs.
NOW Accepting New Clients! Link in bio to schedule online instantly! > Marianne is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 12 years of experience in the medical profession. She began her career as a bedside nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, and then went on to obtain her Masters's Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in primary care as well as palliative care, helping care for patients and families with multiple medical conditions and emotional needs.
(720) 821-7593 View (720) 821-7593
Photo of Chelsie Monroe - Balanced Mental Wellness, MSN, APRN, PMNHP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Balanced Mental Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMNHP-B
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80123
Appointments available within 1 week or less and most insurance plans accepted! Balanced Mental Wellness is a psychiatric practice aimed at reducing stigma and helping you connect with your true self as you achieve optimal mental wellness. We are a heart centered practice that believes in treating you as a whole person. We currently provide a multi-modal approach and offer medication management and ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Our network of psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists are dedicated to creating individualized care with integrity while offering a variety of treatment options to suit your needs.
Appointments available within 1 week or less and most insurance plans accepted! Balanced Mental Wellness is a psychiatric practice aimed at reducing stigma and helping you connect with your true self as you achieve optimal mental wellness. We are a heart centered practice that believes in treating you as a whole person. We currently provide a multi-modal approach and offer medication management and ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Our network of psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists are dedicated to creating individualized care with integrity while offering a variety of treatment options to suit your needs.
(720) 802-4037 View (720) 802-4037
Photo of Chelsie Monroe, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Chelsie Monroe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Englewood, CO 80113
I am the founder of Balanced Mental Wellness and have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 10 years. I currently consult other practices and speak professionally on psychiatric medication and therapy topics throughout the country. I supervise and collaborate with our clinicians at Balanced Mental Wellness, ensuring that all clients receive the highest standard of care from a holistic and patient centered perspective. We offer medication management and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for various mental health concerns across the lifespan.
I am the founder of Balanced Mental Wellness and have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 10 years. I currently consult other practices and speak professionally on psychiatric medication and therapy topics throughout the country. I supervise and collaborate with our clinicians at Balanced Mental Wellness, ensuring that all clients receive the highest standard of care from a holistic and patient centered perspective. We offer medication management and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for various mental health concerns across the lifespan.
(303) 625-6592 View (303) 625-6592
Photo of Risikat Sanusi - Solutions Healthcare, LLC, PMNHP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Solutions Healthcare, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMNHP, BC
Verified Verified
Aurora, CO 80014
My name is Risi Sanusi & I am a mental health provider with over 20 years of nursing & mental health experience. I cater to individuals aged 18 years and above facing various mental health challenges. My expertise lies in addressing a spectrum of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression disorders, bipolar disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, personality disorders, dementia, substance use disorders, addictive disorders, and more. Together, let's work towards a healthier and more resilient mental state.
My name is Risi Sanusi & I am a mental health provider with over 20 years of nursing & mental health experience. I cater to individuals aged 18 years and above facing various mental health challenges. My expertise lies in addressing a spectrum of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression disorders, bipolar disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, personality disorders, dementia, substance use disorders, addictive disorders, and more. Together, let's work towards a healthier and more resilient mental state.
(720) 715-7002 View (720) 715-7002
Photo of Allison Cherrier - Hillstone Psych and TMS, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Hillstone Psych and TMS
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202
Hillstone Psych and TMS strives to offer a welcoming approach to those in need of psychiatric care. We are currently accepting new Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna, United, UMR, and Anthem BCBS clients. We offer both telehealth and in person appointments. We are able to diagnose and treat a variety of mental health issues, offer psychiatric medication management, addiction medication management and TMS treatment. We specialize in addiction management, ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and many others. Presently, we are able to see clients as young as 10 years of age.
Hillstone Psych and TMS strives to offer a welcoming approach to those in need of psychiatric care. We are currently accepting new Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna, United, UMR, and Anthem BCBS clients. We offer both telehealth and in person appointments. We are able to diagnose and treat a variety of mental health issues, offer psychiatric medication management, addiction medication management and TMS treatment. We specialize in addiction management, ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and many others. Presently, we are able to see clients as young as 10 years of age.
(720) 802-0084 View (720) 802-0084

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Nearby Chronic Pain Psychiatrists Searches for Greenwood Village

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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.