The role of mental health professionals in multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs

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Abstract
The traditional roles of psychologists and mental health therapists are challenged by the comprehensive treatment necessary for patients being treated in multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs (MPRPs). Mental health professionals within MPRPs provide direct clinical care but also guide the biopsychosocial model of pain management and cognitive‐behavioral interventions for multiple disciplines. Illustrated by a case example of a patient who has complex chronic pain, this article discusses the biopsychosocial approach to pain treatment, structure of multidisciplinary care, major roles of mental health professionals in MPRPs, complexities of treating patients who have pain, and challenges in collaborating with multiple disciplines. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 62: 1433–1443, 2006.