Treatment Overview

Step 3: Psychological Approaches

This is not about "it's all in your head." These are scientific treatments that target how your brain processes pain.

A landmark clinical trial compared two psychological approaches — MBSR and CBT — to usual care for chronic low back pain:

• Both MBSR and CBT produced meaningful improvements in function and pain
• Both were clearly superior to usual care alone
• MBSR and CBT showed comparable results to each other

Accessing psychological treatments

Access to these treatments varies by country:

• United States: CBT is widely available through psychologists, and many insurance plans cover it. MBSR programs are offered through hospitals and community centers, though coverage varies
• United Kingdom: The NHS offers CBT through the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program, often at no cost. MBSR may be available through local NHS trusts or community organizations
• Australia: Medicare covers psychological services through the Better Access program (with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan). Some private health funds also cover these services
• Other countries: Check with your national health system or insurer for available programs

For more detail, see The Mind-Body Connection in Pain.