Using telehealth cognitive-behavioral therapy to help Veterans manage pain and reduce opioid use
Official title: Telehealth CBT to increase engagement in pain treatment among Veterans using prescription opioids
Funded at Veterans Affairs, United States Department of · NIH-11091525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help Veterans with chronic pain who are using prescription opioids by offering online therapy that teaches them how to change negative thoughts about their pain, making it easier for them to try other ways to manage their pain and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs, United States Department of NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Canandaigua, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003409-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans experiencing chronic pain who are currently using prescription opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or are not using prescription opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on helping Veterans who are struggling with chronic pain and are using prescription opioids. It utilizes telehealth to deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to change negative beliefs that prevent patients from engaging in effective pain management strategies. By addressing these beliefs, the study seeks to improve participation in non-drug treatments for pain, ultimately enhancing overall health and well-being. The approach is designed to be accessible and convenient for Veterans, allowing them to receive support from home.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better pain management for Veterans and a reduction in reliance on prescription opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy can effectively improve pain management outcomes, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs, United States Department of
Canandaigua, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashrafioun, Lisham — Veterans Affairs, United States Department of
- Study coordinator: Ashrafioun, Lisham
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.