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Mental Health &
Chronic Pain

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Psychology & Mental Health
Support in Minnesota

Find A Provider

What Is Mental Health—and How Does It Relate to Pain?

Psychology is the study of human thought, emotion, and behavior. Psychological and mental health services can help people manage stress, improve resilience, and build skills for emotional well-being, all of which can influence how pain is felt and experienced.

Minnesota psychologists and licensed therapists may offer counseling, psychotherapy, and evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These sessions focus on helping people understand the connections between mind, body, and pain.

For patients living with ongoing pain, psychologists may offer practical tools for coping, managing mood, improving sleep, and reducing the emotional impact of pain, providing an important layer of support alongside medical and physical care.

 
Mental and physical health are deeply connected—and that connection plays a significant role in how we experience pain.

How Psychology & Mental Health Care May Help with Pain

 

Psychological care may help reduce pain intensity, improve coping skills, and help reclaim the ability to complete day-to-day activities.

Working with a psychologist may help to:

  • Manage stress and emotions that worsen pain
  • Shift into healthier pain-related thought patterns
  • Build resilience and self-efficacy
  • Calm the nervous system with relaxation techniques
  • Improve sleep and energy
  • Address mood, anxiety, or depression related to chronic pain
  • Support lifestyle changes that promote overall well-being

Psychology and mental health care can complement physical treatments and may offer lasting benefits for those managing pain throughout Minnesota, from the Twin Cities to communities across the state.

Learn More About Mental
Health Support in Minnesota

Find a Psychologist in Minnesota

The American Psychological Association, CDC, and U.S Health and Human Services all recommend incorporating non-drug treatments for chronic pain. Psychologists

in Minnesota can play an important role in non-drug treatment plans for pain by helping people cope

and manage their pain. Use the NOPAINMN map to find a psychologist near you.

Find A Provider
 

Disclaimer

Psychologist contact information listed on the Resource Map was provided from the Minnesota Board of Psychology in 2025.

Please see the General Disclaimer page for additional disclaimers.

Professsional Association Websites

American Psychological Association: Psychology Topics: Pain
Minnesota Psychological Association