Our medical faculty and staff working in both inpatient and day hospital services have a special interest and expertise in treating chronic pain syndromes. The attending physician works with each patient and the clinical staff to develop individualized treatment plans, which include daily interaction with expert physicians on our faculty.

For almost 40 years, the director, faculty, and staff of the program have participated in teaching and research to improve pain management through scholarly activities including research, scientific publications, professional conferences, and implementation of teaching programs. For example, the Pain Treatment Program was the model for the Department of Defense when they implemented an interdisciplinary rehabilitation program for the care of veterans with Gulf War Syndrome and related conditions resulting in disability. The Pain Treatment Program has international collaborations to facilitate the development of quality improvement processes for patients with chronic pain.

The team is led by Glenn Treisman, M.D., Ph.D., the Eugene Meyer III Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine.

Our Interdisciplinary Team

The nurse practitioner is responsible for initial inpatient and day hospital evaluations and pharmacological treatment planning. Clinical practice nurses evaluate the patient's progress, assist with ongoing individual psychotherapy, training in relaxation techniques, educational lectures, and group therapy to address issues of grief and loss from chronic pain. Other members of the team include social workers who specialize in group therapy for improving coping skills and interpersonal relationships as well as performing marital/family therapy. Physical therapists and occupational therapists expand rehabilitation into the patient's social network and physical environment with the goal to improve function in daily activities and return to vocational activities.