Comparing online cognitive behavioral therapy and a single session pain relief intervention for chronic pain
Official title: Comparative Effectiveness of Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. An Online Single-Session Pain Relief Skills Class for Chronic Pain - The PROGRESS Study
Run by Stanford University · NCT05612750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether an 8-session online therapy program or a one-time pain relief session works better for people with chronic pain, like those with lupus or pelvic pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1650 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05612750 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who experience chronic pain on at least half of the days for three months or more.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unable to provide informed consent, have cognitive impairments, or are experiencing active suicidality may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two different interventions for chronic pain: an 8-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program and a single-session pain relief skills intervention called Empowered Relief. The trial will assess which treatment is more effective for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions, including those related to lupus and pelvic pain. By utilizing online platforms, the study seeks to expand access to evidence-based behavioral treatments for chronic pain across the U.S. and provide valuable insights for patients and healthcare providers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more effective and accessible treatment options for managing chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain, suggesting that this approach could be effective, though the specific comparison of these two interventions is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. At least 18 years of age or older of either sex (and all genders). 2. Chronic pain (pain that occurs on at least half of the days of 3 months or more). 3. Past-month average pain intensity score of at least 3/10. 4. Ability to adhere to and complete study protocols. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability to provide informed consent. 2. Cognitive impairment, non-English speaking, or psychological factors that would preclude comprehension of material and/or full participation in the study including group treatment. 3. Active suicidality documented in medical records. 4. Study staff may exclude individuals with a known history of disruptive behavior to minimize contamination of the learning environment for an entire treatment cohort. 5. Receipt of either study treatment in the past 3 months.
Where it's running
-
SCAN Health Plan
Long Beach, California, United States Recruiting -
Lehigh Valley Health Network
Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
Intermountain Healthcare
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Recruiting -
Phoenix VA Health Care System
Phoenix, Arizona, United States Not yet recruiting -
Humana
Louisville, Kentucky, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emma A Adair, BS
- Email: eadair@stanford.edu
- Phone: 6097448937
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.