Explore This Treatment Program

About the Program

Behavioral Therapies to Address Chronic Pain

The Behavioral Medicine Services at the Pain Management Center at Massachusetts General Hospital offer comprehensive assessment and behavioral treatments to patients dealing with chronic pain and experiencing one or more of the following conditions related to that pain:

  • Anxiety, depression and/or other mood disorders
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Substance use
  • Trouble adhering to treatment plans
  • Work disability and other limitations

Patients become members of their care team with a psychologist and psychiatrist from Behavioral Medicine Services. Your team will help you focus on treatment plans, which may include:

  • Group workshops
  • Patient and family education
  • Relaxation training
  • Short-term cognitive therapies

Group Workshops Support Individual Goals

Our behavioral group program provides patients with a supportive environment to help them reach their individual goals and interact with others who share their experience. Our group sessions meet once a month and focus on helping patients to develop pain coping skills, self-management techniques, increased ability to function and improving quality of life.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Assessment

At the Mass General Pain Management Center, we take an interdisciplinary approach to your care. Working with pain specialists throughout the center, we will recommend treatment plans that address different aspects of your condition, and will work with your physician and other providers to coordinate your treatment.

We collaborate with other services within the Pain Management Center to offer:

  • Interdisciplinary evaluations for those who have experienced work-related injuries
  • Psychological assessments for patients seeking advanced interventional therapies such as spinal cord stimulation
  • Risk assessments for patients needing opioid therapies
  • Support for patients choosing to transition from opioid therapy to alternate forms of treatment

We also collaborate with other departments throughout Mass General, providing consultative services when needed, and referring patients to other department programs, if recommended. Departments that we collaborate with include surgery, neurology, psychology, oral & maxillofacial surgery and internal medicine.

Patient Experience

Your initial consultation with your care team will be an evaluation of your pain condition. We will review your medical history with you. If you are a new patient to the Pain Management Center, please bring a list of medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you take, along with information on dosages. Please bring any medical records, imaging, consultation notes, and notes on previous treatments and their effectiveness. Additionally, we have found that it is helpful when a patient brings a partner, family member or friend to the consultation.

During your consultation, we will work with you to develop your treatment plan and recommend options that help you achieve your goals. The risks and benefits of each option will be discussed. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to choose a treatment plan that is right for you.

Mass General Difference

Mass General is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Our ranking is based on our quality of care, patient safety and reputation in different specialties. Our commitment to excellence means that we work to ensure that you receive the best care at all points during your visit.

As an academic medical center, Mass General invests in research to understand disease and develop new approaches in treatment. Our doctors are leaders within their respective fields, and collaborate with colleagues in various departments across the hospital. As a patient, you benefit from shared expertise, leading research, and our commitment to quality and excellence.

Chronic Opioid Therapy

In addition to our clinical program, we provide consultative services for primary care physicians considering opioid therapy for patients experiencing chronic pain. Our patient services include a comprehensive evaluation involving a psychological screening, and recommendations on medication type and management. In general, the physicians in the Pain Management Center do not prescribe opioid pain medication, but consult with primary care physicians who are responsible for prescribing opioid pain medication.

To refer a patient for chronic opioid therapy consultation, please fill out the patient evaluation form and fax to 617-726-3441.