Have a teen patient with debilitating chronic pain? Refer them to the Integrated Healing Program

The Integrated Healing Program (IHP) at Children's is a unique program for teens, ages 13-18, suffering from debilitating chronic pain and related functional neurologic disorders, who have withdrawn from normal activities. 

The IHP is designed to treat patients holistically, through an intensive rehabilitative approach. This involves various evidence-based treatments (physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation, etc.), all meant to help the patient work through their difficult health journey and learn coping mechanisms.    

Our multidisciplinary team works with each individual and family to determine a treatment plan that fits their unique health needs and goals. Through this integrated healing approach, teens will:  

1. Learn to successfully manage their symptoms and increase comfort.
2. Resume normal function in school, socialization, and activities.
3. Regain control of their lives. 
4. Address emotional distress related to the pain.
5. Regain physical strength and endurance.
6. Reduce the need for medical services.
   
7. Overcome the need to use any assistive medical mobility equipment.

Is a patient of yours coming to mind? There are a couple of important requirements that help to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for the Integrated Healing Program: 

1. Patient must be able and willing to participate in and tolerate 8 hours of group programming and daily physical therapy, 5 days per week for 4-6 weeks.
2. Caregiver commitment to regular family contact, weekly family sessions, twice weekly parent groups.
3. Patient must have a diagnosed medical condition causing significant functional impairment due to pain or a functional neurologic disorder and decline in physical or emotional health and/or quality of life.
4. Substantial deterioration in at least 2 key areas of functioning (school, family, community, self-care, work).
5. Patient has failed or is incapable of benefiting from treatment at a less intense level of care.
6. We currently cannot accept patients with psychogenic, nonepileptic seizure disorders.
   

Learn more: 
If you have questions about the program or want to discuss a case prior to referral, reach out to Steven Weisman, MD, Jane B Pettit Chair in Pain Management, and professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics. You can also  our updated referral guide and watch our program video. 

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