Tests talk therapy for chronic back pain in Veterans with serious mental illness
Tests cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic back pain in adult Veterans with serious mental illness.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: CBT-CP for Veterans With SMI
Key facts
- Where
- Baltimore, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MDBaltimore, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- VA Office of Research and Development
- Trial code
- NCT06758414
- Record updated
- 9 February 2026
- Original description
Chronic musculoskeletal pain has a highly negative impact on Veterans, especially those with serious mental illness (SMI). Chronic musculoskeletal pain leads to poorer mental and physical health-related functioning, representing a critical obstacle to rehabilitation and recovery for SMI Veterans. Despite known high prevalence rates of chronic pain in SMI populations, there is little research to evaluate nonpharmacological pain management strategies in this population. This study aims to address this research and clinical gap by testing the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) - a VA evidence-based psychotherapy for chronic pain - in Veterans with SMI and chronic low back pain. The study will primarily evaluate the impact of CBT-CP on pain-related functioning, quality of life, and pain severity. This study will also examine relationships between pain and mental health symptoms, and how these relationships may change with CBT-CP completion.Read full original descriptionShow less
Exploring the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain in Veterans With Serious Mental Illness
Chronic musculoskeletal pain has a highly negative impact on Veterans, especially those with serious mental illness (SMI). Chronic musculoskeletal pain leads to poorer mental and physical health-related functioning, representing a critical obstacle to rehabilitation and recovery for SMI Veterans. Despite known high prevalence rates of chronic pain in SMI populations, there is little research to evaluate nonpharmacological pain management strategies in this population. This study aims to address this research and clinical gap by testing the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) - a VA evidence-based psychotherapy for chronic pain - in Veterans with SMI and chronic low back pain. The study will primarily evaluate the impact of CBT-CP on pain-related functioning, quality of life, and pain severity. This study will also examine relationships between pain and mental health symptoms, and how these relationships may change with CBT-CP completion.
Inclusion: Have chronic back pain, per medical record; Have a PEG-3 rating of 4 or greater for pain severity or interference; Meet criteria for an SMI diagnosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression with psychosis) per medical record; 18 years of age or older; Enrolled in outpatient programming within a VISN 5 health care facility at time of consent; Have regular access to a telephone; Capacity to sign informed consent.
Exclusion: Engagement in individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP), whether currently or in the past 12 months; Have a current acute pain condition, medical condition, or limited mobility (i.e., unable to walk one city block) that would interfere with their ability to engage in CBT-CP interventions (e.g., activity pacing/walking program); Are engaging in moderate-to-severe substance use that would impact their ability to participate and/or would require a higher level of care (as determined by treating provider).