Implementation and Evaluation of a Stepped-Care Mental Health Treatment Program for Patients With Chronic Pain

"Step 0: Screening via Manage My Pain (MMP) App. Patients using MMP will be prompted to complete questionnaires on pain catastrophizing, depressive symptoms, anxiety, suicide risk and opioid risk. Those scoring above clinical risk cut-offs will be referred to Step 1.~Step 1: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Workshop. Patients will be offered a virtual ACT workshop focusing on practical coping skills for dealing with pain, emotional dysregulation, and disability, while maximizing functioning and quality of life with chronic pain. Thirty days later, patients will be prompted to complete all questionnaires through MMP again; those who score above clinical risk cut-offs will be referred to Step 2.~Step 2: Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) group. A 6-week DBT-based skills group will cover topics such as self-compassion, radical acceptance, distress tolerance, and mindfulness, among others. Thirty days later, patients will be prompted to complete questionnaires through MMP."