
SERVICES
Pain Psychology
Most injuries heal quickly, and pain fades in weeks. But when pain becomes persistent, it often leads to frustration, fear, anger, or depression.
SERVICES
Helping those suffering from persistent pain
People suffering from persistent pain may avoid activities, lose fitness, and withdraw from work or life, deepening feelings of hopelessness.
Seeing a pain psychologist does not mean the pain isn’t real. Pain always includes psychological factors like focus of attention, beliefs, expectations, fears, and impact on relationships.
Pain psychologists help people with persistent pain cope more effectively. They teach cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage fear, anger, and depression, and explain how psychosocial factors influence pain. Patients also learn psychological techniques for pain control. Additionally, pain psychologists support families in understanding persistent pain and addressing relationship challenges that may result.
At RIW, pain psychologists are integral to our Pain Management Program and also offer evaluations and treatment for others who may benefit. To refer a patient, call (206) 859-5030 or visit our referrals page.
SERVICES
Benefits of pain psychology
Seeing a pain psychologist does not mean that anyone thinks the pain is not real. In fact, pain always involves psychological factors such as focus of attention, beliefs and expectations, pain-related fears, and effects on relationships with others.

Approaching pain in a different way
Pain psychologists help those suffering from chronic pain to cope in more positive ways.
- They teach cognitive and behavioral coping skills for managing fear, depression, anger and other emotional consequences of pain.
- They also help patients understand pain and how it can be influenced by psychosocial factors.
- They teach patients psychological strategies for pain control.
- Pain psychologists also help family members understand chronic pain, and they help resolve negative changes that often occur in relationships because of chronic pain.