Mind Body Treatments & Services

The Benson-Henry Institute's work is based on the inseparable connection between the mind and the body - the complicated interactions that take place among thoughts, the body, and the outside world. More than 35 years of scientific research and favorable patient results have proven the positive impact on health and well-being of the relaxation response and mind/body medicine. The Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine responds to the widespread interest in our work with medical programs, therapy/consultations, wellness services, and community outreach to schools and the workplace. We also offer training for health professionals.

Program components include:

• The relaxation response
• Positive coping strategies
• Physical activity
• Nutrition
• Social support

At the Institute, we offer a variety of mind body medical programs for infertility, cardiac wellness, cancer, and a range of illnesses that have a stress component, such as pain, IBS, depression and anxiety, asthma, and weight loss. People who are healthy but stressed can take advantage of programs for weight loss and calmer parenting as well as personal training and yoga classes.

Allow us to match our services to your specific needs.

Patient Services

Relaxation Response Resiliency Programs
The Relaxation Response Resiliency Programs are outpatient comprehensive lifestyle programs based on the principles and practices of mind body medicine. The programs reduce the impact of stress through a variety of skill-building exercises scientifically shown to improve medical symptoms, mood, and well-being.

Participating patients examine how stress impacts their lives and learn relaxation techniques and positive coping skills to reduce symptoms, and adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors. The programs consist of both individual and group formats.

Our clinicians and researchers are recognized as world leaders in the field of mind body medicine through their cutting-edge evidenced-based research and over 25 years of clinical practice. The programs supplement the traditional inpatient and outpatient continuum of pharmaceutical and surgical care.

For specific program information please use the following link: Programs & Services

Getting Started

Registration
To register for services a Mass General Blue Card number is needed. To obtain a blue card number or to update any information, please contact the MGH Registration and Referral Center at (866) 211-6588.

Consultation
In most cases, patients begin with a one-hour consultation with a physician that is billed to insurance. In this visit the physician will review the patient’s medical history and current symptoms, the impact of stress on their health, and make treatment recommendations.

Required Information (must be received prior to consultation)

Patient Information Form: Prior to the consultation our office will forward this form to the patient’s referring healthcare provider to obtain information about diagnosis/symptoms and treatment being requested. (This is not insurance related).

Insurance Referral: Patients with a managed care insurance plan (HMO, POS, etc.) need to request an insurance referral from their primary care physician in order for claims to be processed. Our staff will assist with questions about this process.

Exception: The Cancer Program is covered under most mental health insurance plans and our office will obtain a referral/authorization directly from your insurance.

Program Components

The following office visits are conducted by the program leader, and are covered under most health insurance plans.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: The initial in-depth assessment includes a medical and stress history; a review of lifestyle habits and their contribution to health and resiliency; and establishing goals for the program. This one-hour visit occurs prior to the start of the program.

Mid-Program Assessment: To ensure progress, a 30-minute visit is scheduled to evaluate the patient’s goals, monitor symptoms, and address any concerns.

Post-Program Assessment: A 30-minute visit is scheduled to evaluate changes in the patient’s medical symptoms, help address relapse prevention and any additional areas that need attention, and provide resources for ongoing support.

Group Visits
These eight to ten session programs meet weekly for two hours and focus on skill building exercises designed to reduce symptoms, build resiliency and restore recuperative sleep. Core components include methods to elicit the relaxation response, positive coping strategies, social support, and information about physical activity and nutrition.

Groups are limited in size (maximum of 25) to better meet the needs of each patient and are held in either of the following locations:

• Boston Office, 151 Merrimac Street, 4th Floor
• Waltham Office, 40 Second Avenue, Suite 510

The group portion of the program is self pay and fees range from $400 - $500. A 10% discount is available for those who pay in full by the first session. The fee includes a program manual and three (3) guided meditation CDs. To assist patients who wish to seek reimbursement from insurance or healthcare spending accounts for out-of-pocket payment, a program invoice is provided at the time of payment.

Please note that copayments for individual program visits described above – diagnostic, mid-point and discharge assessment - are not included in the group fees.

Exception: The Cancer Program is entirely billed to insurance as mental health. Patients are responsible for any associated copayments.

Individual Treatment
For patients who prefer individual treatment, or for whom a group is not appropriate, limited one-on-one sessions are available and will be discussed during the consultation.

Contact Information
For further information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at 617.643. 6090 x 0.