COPE fees are set based on treatment specialties and standard rates for doctoral level clinicians. Although our rates vary depending on the clinician and the specific services you are requesting, generally speaking our individual therapy rates begin at $250. Lower fee slots do occasionally become available. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your specific treatment and financial needs. If we are unable to accommodate you, we are happy to provide you referrals to lower fee mental health centers. For specific group rates or rates on IMPROVE: Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Program, please contact us for more information.

Do you take insurance?

COPE is not affiliated with a particular insurance panel and is considered an out-of-network provider. However, Dr. Rubin is a Lyra provider and can see individuals with Lyra benefits. Please check with your insurance company to inquire into possible out-of-network benefits and rates for reimbursement. Upon request, COPE providers can provide a monthly statement documenting services received that can be used for possible reimbursement from your insurance company and/or healthcare spending accounts. Some questions that may be helpful to ask your insurance company: Do I have mental health benefits? Do I have out-of-network benefits? If so, what are the benefits? How would I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network provider? How many sessions will be covered per calendar year? What is my deductible and has it been met?

How long does therapy last?

Treatment length varies greatly depending on your specific concerns. However, research has shown that significant improvements can be made within 12 weeks and sometimes less. Some concerns may require longer-term treatment and some individuals choose to continue coming to therapy even after initial treatment gains to maintain skills, prevent backsliding, and manage weekly stressors. Your therapist will work with you closely in the initial sessions to clarify your presenting concerns and an expected treatment duration.

How do I know if therapy will work?

Finding the right therapist mixed with the right treatment can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn for those looking to begin therapy. However, at COPE we try to make this process a reality with a number of talented, specialty trained clinicians who work with you to customize a course of treatment that suits your needs.

What can I expect from the first few therapy sessions?

The initial therapy sessions are a great time for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist. Both are equally important. Your therapist will use this time to ask you a variety of questions in many different domains to understand as much breadth and depth of your life as possible in order to develop a thorough treatment plan. It is important to develop a set of goals that will guide treatment during these initial sessions.

The Importance of the Mind-Body Connection for Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain can feel all-consuming, impacting every aspect of your life. For those who suffer from it, the pain is very real, not just “in your head.” However, an innovative approach called the mind-body connection offers a way to manage this pain by addressing both physical and psychological aspects. The mind-body connection, channeled through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is a powerful method that helps people reframe their perception of pain and gain control over it. By integrating cognitive-behavioral strategies with an understanding of how the mind and body interact, CBT offers hope and relief for those who feel trapped by their pain. At COPE Psychological Center, we specialize in this transformative approach, guiding patients toward a more manageable and fulfilling life.

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection is an approach that acknowledges the intricate connection between the mind and body, especially when it comes to chronic pain. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors significantly influence our physical sensations. When pain is constant, it can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts, increased stress, and a heightened perception of pain. The mind-body connection intervenes in this cycle, helping patients to reframe their thoughts, reduce stress, and ultimately lessen their experience of pain.

In the mind-body connection, patients learn to recognize and change the thoughts and behaviors that exacerbate their pain. By understanding that pain perception occurs in the brain, patients can gain insight into how their thoughts and emotions contribute to their pain experience. This therapy empowers individuals to manage their pain more effectively by shifting their mindset and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

How the Mind-Body Connection Helps Manage Pain

The mind-body connection offers several benefits for chronic pain management. One of the primary ways it helps is by changing how patients view their pain. Through cognitive-behavioral techniques, individuals can alter the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors associated with pain. This shift in perception can make the pain feel less overwhelming, enabling patients to function better in their daily lives.

Additionally, the mind-body connection can change the physical response in the brain that makes pain worse. Chronic pain often leads to stress, which in turn affects pain control chemicals in the brain, such as norepinephrine and serotonin. By reducing stress through therapeutic techniques, the mind-body connection can enhance the body’s natural pain relief response, making it more effective.

Another critical aspect of the mind-body connection is its ability to foster a problem-solving attitude. Chronic pain often leads to a sense of helplessness, where individuals feel there’s nothing they can do to alleviate their suffering. CBT encourages patients to take action against their pain, which can restore a sense of control and empowerment.

The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) plays a central role in the mind-body connection. CBT is a form of talk therapy that helps patients identify and develop skills to change negative thoughts and behaviors. In the context of chronic pain, CBT teaches patients that their experiences are shaped by their thoughts and attitudes, not just external events. By changing these thoughts, patients can alter their perception of pain and develop better coping strategies.

One of the practical aspects of CBT in the mind-body connection is the use of homework assignments. These assignments might involve keeping a journal to track thoughts and feelings related to pain throughout the day. By reviewing these entries in therapy sessions, patients can identify patterns and develop strategies to manage their pain more effectively.

CBT also provides patients with life skills that extend beyond pain management. The coping mechanisms learned in CBT can be applied to other challenges, such as stress, depression, or anxiety. This versatility makes CBT a valuable component of the mind-body connection, equipping patients with tools they can use throughout their lives.

CBT and Chronic Pain Management: What the Research Shows

In this study, sixteen patients with chronic pain participated in our CBT program. While pain intensity did not decrease, there was a statistically significant improvement in catastrophic thinking with a large effect size. Additionally, depression, anxiety, and disability levels improved significantly, with small to moderate effect sizes.

In this 2021 study, out of 30 patients who were chosen and divided into two groups, 15 were in the CBT group and 14 were in the treatment as usual (TAU) group. After 16 weeks, there was no major difference between the two groups in how much their pain intensity changed. However, there was a significant improvement in the overall assessment of pain according to the Brief Pain Inventory. The CBT group showed a notable reduction in how much pain affected their daily activities and in their level of disability, compared to the TAU group.

The goal of this 2022 project was to evaluate how well the Veterans Affair’s CBT-CP (chronic pain) treatment worked for patients. From 2012 to 2018, 1,331 Veterans started individual CBT-CP as part of a training program. Patient outcomes were measured by looking at pain intensity, how much patients worry about their pain, depression, how pain affects daily life, and overall quality of life.

Results showed significant improvements from before treatment started, during treatment, and at the end of treatment. The program had a large positive effect on reducing how much patients worried about their pain and medium-to-large positive effects on reducing worst pain intensity, pain interference, depression, and improving physical quality of life.

The training of therapists and use of the VA’s CBT-CP program led to these significant improvements. This suggests that the CBT-CP program is an effective and safe treatment for Veterans with chronic pain. It also highlights the value of making this training widely available to improve access to effective, non-drug treatments both publicly and privately.

The Practicality of the Mind-Body Connection

One of the most compelling aspects of the mind-body connection is its practicality. Patients can apply the principles of this therapy on their own, even if they don’t have regular access to a therapist. The mind-body connection follows a “cookbook approach,” making it suitable for self-help and computerized programs. Research supports that these self-help methods can be just as effective for pain management as one-on-one therapy sessions.

However, it’s essential for patients to fully commit to the process to achieve the best results. Engaging actively in therapy, completing assignments, and practicing new skills are crucial for success. Patients who approach the mind-body connection with an open mind and a willingness to change their perspective on pain are more likely to experience significant relief.

Finding the Right Mind-Body Therapist

As the mind-body connection gains popularity, it’s essential to find a qualified therapist who specializes in chronic pain management. Look for therapists with proper credentials and training in cognitive-behavioral techniques. Conduct interviews to find someone you feel comfortable with, as the relationship between patient and therapist is crucial for successful outcomes.

If in-person therapy isn’t an option, self-help resources can provide a valuable alternative. Many programs and books offer guided approaches to the mind-body connection, enabling patients to take control of their pain management from the comfort of their own homes.

Conclusion

The mind-body connection offers a holistic and effective approach to managing chronic pain by addressing the deep connection between the mind and body. By changing how you think about and respond to pain, you can reduce its impact on your life and regain control. At COPE Psychological Center, we are dedicated to helping you navigate this journey, offering expert guidance and support every step of the way.

Call COPE

If chronic pain is controlling your life, it’s time to take action. CBT can help you regain control and live a more fulfilling life. Contact COPE Psychological Center today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward pain relief.