It takes a team to take on pain.
Mental health professionals and other disciplines often work toward the same goal: helping people reduce pain and improve functioning. A 2026 VA clinical trial suggests that patients may benefit most when these services are part of a coordinated, whole-person approach to care. The study, known as the wHOPE Randomized Clinical Trial, involved 764 veterans living with chronic pain and compared three approaches: a Whole Health Team model, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and usual care. The Whole Health Team approach brought together a primary care provider, a clinician trained in integrative pain treatments such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, or physical therapy, and a wellness coach to create personalized treatment plans aligned with each patient's goals and values. After 12 months, participants receiving the Whole Health Team intervention experienced greater improvements in pain-related functioning than those receiving CBT alone or usual care. They also reported greater engagement in non-drug treatment approaches and a better overall perception of their pain over time. These findings reinforce the value of interdisciplinary care for chronic pain. While chiropractic services can help address physical aspects of pain and mobility, psychotherapy and behavioral health interventions can help individuals define and pursue life goals and reduce the impact pain has on daily life. The study suggests that bringing these disciplines together may produce better outcomes than relying on a single treatment approach alone. As healthcare continues to move toward integrated care models, research like the wHOPE trial highlights the importance of collaboration among medical, behavioral health, and complementary care providers. For individuals living with chronic pain, the most effective treatment may not be choosing between physical and psychological approaches but combining them within a coordinated and individualized plan focused on the whole person.
Citation:
Seal KH, Morasco BJ, Martin AM, et al.
The Veterans Affairs’ Whole Health Approach for Chronic Pain Management: The wHOPE Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA. 2026;335(20):1774–1786. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.5