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Brief cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain rapidly improves pain interference: a randomized controlled trial
Gregory P Beehler1,2, Paul R King1,3, Jennifer S Funderburk4,5
1VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, United States.
Pain
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Brief cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain significantly improved pain interference and quality of life in primary care patients. This abbreviated treatment offers rapid, sustained relief for chronic pain management.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Medicine
- Psychology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Abbreviated psychotherapies enhance access to chronic pain care.
- Evidence for brief interventions in primary care is limited.
- Scalable treatments are needed for widespread chronic pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (bCBT) for chronic pain in primary care.
- To assess bCBT's impact on pain interference, intensity, and quality of life.
- To determine if bCBT provides rapid and sustained improvements.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 184 primary care patients.
- Intervention: 6-session bCBT plus usual pain care vs. usual care alone.
- Outcomes measured: pain interference, intensity, mental health, quality of life, social role participation.
Main Results:
- bCBT group showed statistically greater improvement in pain interference at all time points.
- Clinically significant improvements in pain interference were achieved by mid-treatment and sustained.
- bCBT also improved physical quality of life and sleep quality.
Conclusions:
- Brief cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for primary care patients with chronic pain.
- This abbreviated, scalable treatment leads to rapid and sustained improvements in pain outcomes.
- bCBT enhances access to effective chronic pain management in non-specialty settings.
