Behavioral Health
Psychological Services are an integral part of pain management services.
Pain is a complex problem and it can become overwhelming at times. Medical interventions seek to alleviate the pain symptoms and improve the quality of life for the person suffering with pain. But, often the intensity and/or longevity of pain becomes frustrating. Behavioral health services seek to help improve coping mechanisms emotionally and physically. Studies have shown that the integration of behavioral health with medical treatments can be a very effective means of managing the pain symptoms.
Over the years there have been various psychological approaches to managing pain. Common approaches to pain management include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Dynamic Therapy Intervention (DTI), Didactic Therapy (DT), and Hypnosis, Biofeedback, & EMDR. The approach best utilized is the one that is directed at the problem and not that of making the problem fit the therapy.
Sound Pain Alliance (SPA) has a wide range of medical interventions that are supported by adaptive behavioral interventions to help treat the problem. In medical pain management there are many different options that are explored by the Medical Providers to help find the best approach to treating the problem. Some of these medical interventions require or are enhanced by behavioral pain management approaches and assessments. In some cases, behavioral health assessments and/or interventions are required by third-party carriers.
- The Medical Provider will inform the Patient that he/she is referring the Patient to the Psychologist.
- The Psychologist will meet with the Patient to discuss their pain issues and evaluate for the treatment course recommended by the Medical Provider.
- If a psychological assessment is required then the Psychologist will provide a detailed report to the medical provider that will include: history of the problem, history of the patient, testing, and recommendations.
- If the medical provider requests/orders behavioral health support intervention to help with the pain management treatment course then the psychologist will meet with the patient and discuss a course of treatment that is best suited for that individual’s needs.
- Follow-ups for surgical procedures to assess the individual’s coping and progress in pain management may occur.
- Meeting with the Psychologist may be scheduled individually, with family or significant others, or in a group session that is oriented to pain management and recovery.
Each person’s care is unique to them and interventions are assessed at each meeting with the Psychologist.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Sleep Disturbance
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Relationship Difficulties
- Anger
- Frustration
- Fear
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The Psychologist and Medical Providers are all bound by HIPAA Compliance. Since the Behavioral Health Services at SPA are part of the Medical Treatment Program information is shared that is directly related to patient care and treatment. Your privacy is very important to us and only the information that is needed for treatment care is discussed. As with other settings for behavioral health services if someone indicates that they are a danger to themselves or others then appropriate response will be taken to assure safety and life.