NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Short cognitive therapy for chronic pain in veterans

Official title: Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain to Improve Functional Outcomes amongPrimary Care Veterans

Funded at VA Western New York Healthcare System · NIH-10909888 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a short and friendly version of therapy to help veterans with chronic pain feel better and manage their pain more effectively, all in just six easy sessions at their doctor's office.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Western New York Healthcare System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2021
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
NIH project number5I01RX003485-04
Project IDNIH-10909888 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who are experiencing chronic pain and are seeking non-opioid treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have chronic pain or those who are not veterans may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on providing a condensed version of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically designed for veterans experiencing chronic pain. The approach involves six brief sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, delivered within the primary care setting to ensure accessibility for veterans. The therapy aims to help patients manage their pain and improve their functional outcomes by addressing the psychological aspects of chronic pain. The effectiveness of this brief therapy has been previously demonstrated, showing significant improvements in pain intensity and related activity interference.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management and enhanced daily functioning for veterans suffering from chronic pain.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar brief cognitive behavioral therapy approaches in managing chronic pain, indicating that this method is both effective and viable.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Western New York Healthcare System
    Buffalo, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Beehler, Gregory P — VA Western New York Healthcare System
  • Study coordinator: Beehler, Gregory P

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care

    A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.

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  • Understanding how to use pharmacogenomic testing to guide chronic pain care

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  • Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults

    This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.

    NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-11599794

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.