Southwest Spine and Pain Center Introduces Behavioral Health Program

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • Behavioral health is an integral part of pain management that, unfortunately, very few practices utilize to ensure overall wellness.
  • When people receive treatment that is centered around improving their overall wellbeing, more often than not their quality of life improves as well.
  • The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are pleased to announce the practice’s newest component: the behavioral health program.

Behavioral health is defined as the study of a person’s emotions, behaviors and biology, and how it relates to their mental wellbeing and ability to function in every day life. Many psychologists, psychiatrists and other specialists would agree that “behavioral health” is the preferred term to “mental health.” Regardless, the mental wellbeing of a chronic pain patient may be overlooked by physicians tasked with managing the patient’s physical health and pain symptoms.

Physicians with an M.D. go through years of school and training to identify physical ailments and anomalies many mental health physicians would not be able to treat. On the other hand, highly credentialed psychologists are not necessarily equipped to treat physical pain symptoms. The pain management specialists at SWSP recognize the need to treat the entire patient, which is why they are excited to treat both the physical and mental symptoms that often accompany chronic pain. 

Having said that, it is crucial now more than ever chronic pain patients consider both forms of treatment for living a fulfilled life. It’s no secret chronic pain comes with many challenges. These obstacles can put a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing at risk and lead to depression, anxiety and more.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, Andy Thompson, SWSP’s newest team member recognizes everyone carries pain of one sort or another and that sometimes that pain is of the body, other times it’s of the soul. More often than not, it’s both. Nevertheless, his interest in therapy and health care comes from his hope and belief that there can be relief from pain. He believes people can find ways to improve their quality of life and find healing, and that he can help support that process.

Some of Andy’s specialties include:

  • Stress Management
  • Depression/Anxiety/Bi-Polar
  • Trauma
  • Suicidality/Self-Harm
  • Addictions
  • Psychological Factors of Pain
  • Family Stress
  • Teen Issues
  • Couple and Marital Distress
  • Sexual Intimacy Challenges
  • Lack of Social Support
  • Financial Stress
  • Life Balance Issues
  • Chronic Illness

Andy considers it a privilege to work among the physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain Center who are knowledgeable and who genuinely care about the well being of their patients. To learn more Andy Thompson, the Behavioral Health Program and more, call one of the practice locations today!

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With six locations in Utah and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.