NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Testing group-based psychological treatments for older veterans with chronic pain via video calls

Official title: Evaluating Group-Based Psychological Treatments over Home Video Teleconference for Older Veterans with Chronic Pain

Funded at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-10907436 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how well different online therapy options can help older veterans with chronic pain, comparing three types of treatments to see which one works best and how they can improve access to care.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project startOctober 1, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01HX003494-02
Project IDNIH-10907436 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older veterans aged 65 and above who are experiencing chronic pain.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have chronic pain may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of group-based psychological treatments delivered through video teleconferencing for older veterans suffering from chronic pain. It compares three different approaches: Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP), and Mindfulness Meditation (MM), all tailored specifically for chronic pain management. By utilizing telehealth, the study aims to improve access to these treatments and identify which methods work best for different individuals. The research also seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms of these therapies to enhance future treatment options.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older veterans with more effective and accessible psychological treatments for managing chronic pain.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using telehealth for psychological treatments, but this specific comparison of group therapies for older veterans is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yarns, Brandon C — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
  • Study coordinator: Yarns, Brandon C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • How neighborhood problems and social stress affect chronic pain in older adults

    This project looks at whether problems in the places people live and difficult social relationships make chronic pain worse for older adults.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11285148

  • Group video therapy for older Veterans with chronic pain

    This project compares three types of group video therapy—emotion-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain, and mindfulness tailored for pain—for older Veterans living with chronic pain.

    NIH research VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11252777

  • Using mind-body techniques to help treat chronic pain and mental health issues.

    This study is looking at how a special program called Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) can help Veterans with chronic pain who also deal with anxiety and depression, comparing it to a health education program to see which one helps them feel better overall.

    NIH research VA San Diego Healthcare System · San Diego, United States · NIH-11051231

  • Developing a mobile app to help young adults manage chronic pain.

    This study is testing a new mobile app designed to give young adults with chronic pain personalized support based on their daily experiences, helping them manage their pain better and feel more understood.

    NIH research Seattle Children's Hospital · Seattle, United States · NIH-10950250

  • Understanding how psychological factors influence the transition from acute to chronic pain after injuries.

    This study is looking at how thoughts and feelings can affect whether someone with a painful injury, like from a car accident, ends up with long-lasting pain, and it will involve 200 patients over three months to find ways to help prevent that from happening.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-10758847

  • Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain

    A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.

    NIH research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · New York, United States · NIH-11621209

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.