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Chronic pain and its intersection with mental health present significant challenges for individuals, families, and healthcare providers alike. With its prevalence on the rise—nearly 8 million Canadians live with chronic pain— and a financial burden estimated at $40 billion annually in Canada, addressing the complexities of chronic pain management and its impact on mental well-being is paramount. People experiencing chronic pain encounter a spectrum of physical, emotional, and social hurdles, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive care.

Navigating these complexities necessitates a multifaceted approach. From innovative treatment modalities to multidisciplinary approaches, healthcare professionals continually seek new strategies to alleviate suffering and enhance quality of life. Research underscores the intricate relationship between chronic pain and mental health, where each can exacerbate the other, highlighting the importance of integrated care.

Join us at the upcoming "Chronic Pain and Mental Health" event, hosted by the UHN’s Centre for Mental Health. This interactive symposium offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced interventions, emerging therapies, and best practices. The format includes presentations and workshop sessions, and a panel discussion to encourage active engagement and collaboration.

The event will cover a range of topics essential for understanding and addressing the complex interplay between chronic pain and mental health:

  • The Overlap between Chronic Pain and Mental Health Pharmacology
  • A Brief Survey of Psychological Interventions for Chronic Pain and Mental Health
  • Psychosocial and Mental Health Considerations of Chronic Pain
  • Unpacking the Complex Relationship Between Pain and Trauma

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops, focusing on

  • ACT for Chronic Pain and Mental Wellness
  • Aligning the Brain and the Body: How to Get Moving!
  • Communicating Effectively with Chronic Pain Patients: Responding with Empathy to Build Strong Relationships

The conference will conclude with a special panel discussion around barriers to accessing care focused on Sickle Cell Disease and chronic pain featuring insights from clinicians and patients.

Attendees will also receive information on available resources and navigation support to guide healthcare providers assisting patients.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field and gain valuable insights into optimizing care for individuals living with chronic pain and mental health challenges.

Target Audience
No prior knowledge or background is necessary to attend and benefit from this educational event. Presentations and workshops will be particularly relevant to healthcare providers assessing, treating or interacting with patients experiencing chronic pain, or providers interested in enhancing their understanding and treatment of the complex interplay between chronic pain and mental health.

Clinicians from a variety of health disciplines are encouraged to attend, including:

  • Primary Care Physicians
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
  • Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
  • Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Rehabilitation Specialists
  • Mental Health Clinicians
  • Registered Psychotherapists
  • Social Workers
  • Trainees from any of these disciplines

Learning Objectives

Overall Course

At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  1. Develop a greater understanding of the interplay and comorbidity of chronic pain and mental health conditions.
  2. Review the basic subtypes of chronic pain and describe different treatment options to treat patients with both chronic pain and mental illness, including pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches, and how to access resources to treat such patients.
  3. Identify barriers faced by patients with chronic pain and mental health conditions, including stigma, trauma, and access to care, and discuss strategies for providing patient-centred, trauma-informed care.
Register
Returning Registrant


Date & Time

Friday April 25, 2025
9am-4:10pm Eastern Day Light Time

Note: In person attendees should arrive by 8:30 am to register and find a seat prior to the 9am start

Register

Event Location

In-person:
BMO Conference Centre at UHN’s Toronto Western Hospital
60 Leonard Ave, Toronto

Virtual:
Zoom Webinar
A link will be sent via email the week of the event.

Information & Assistance

Conference Services
conferences@uhn.ca