Chronic Pain & Psychiatry
Dedicated telehealth psychiatric care for chronic pain and comorbid depression. Millions of Australians live with chronic pain — and depression is among the most common co-occurring conditions. Specialist care that addresses both together can lead to better outcomes.
Book a Consultation“For millions of Australians, chronic pain and depression are not separate problems — they are the same problem.”
Chronic pain and mental health conditions frequently co-occur and reinforce each other. Research consistently shows that a significant proportion of people with chronic pain also experience depression, and pain-related anxiety, sleep disruption, and social withdrawal are common.
The pain-mood connection is bidirectional: unmanaged pain can worsen depression and anxiety, while untreated mental health conditions can lower pain thresholds and reduce the effectiveness of pain management.
How we treat pain and mood together
Psychiatric Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of the pain-mood overlap. Identifying depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, and medication interactions.
Targeted Medication
SNRIs, anticonvulsants, and emerging options including low-dose ketamine for co-occurring mood symptoms simultaneously.
ACT Psychology
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy specifically adapted for chronic pain. Building psychological flexibility alongside medical treatment.
Coordinated Care
Working with your GP, pain specialist, and allied health team. We fit into your existing care plan.
Common questions
How does chronic pain affect mental health?
Chronic pain and mental health conditions frequently co-occur and reinforce each other. Research consistently shows that a significant proportion of people with chronic pain also experience depression, and pain-related anxiety, sleep disruption, and social withdrawal are common. The pain-mood connection is bidirectional: unmanaged pain can worsen depression and anxiety, while untreated mental health conditions can lower pain thresholds and reduce the effectiveness of pain management. Current evidence supports addressing both conditions as part of a coordinated treatment approach.
Can a psychiatrist help with chronic pain?
Yes. A psychiatrist brings specialist expertise in how pain and mood interact in the brain and nervous system. Certain medications used in psychiatry — including specific antidepressants (SNRIs such as duloxetine), anticonvulsants (such as pregabalin), and low-dose antipsychotics — have well-established evidence for chronic pain management. A psychiatrist can also assess for and treat conditions that commonly accompany chronic pain, such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and sleep disorders, and coordinate with your pain specialist, GP, and physiotherapist.
What conditions do you treat in your pain-mood clinic?
Our Chronic Pain and Psychiatry program works with patients experiencing fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), chronic back and neck pain, neuropathic pain, headache disorders, endometriosis-related pain, and other persistent pain conditions where mental health is a significant factor. We focus on the psychiatric and psychological dimensions of chronic pain, including medication optimisation, psychological therapy (ACT-based pain management), and coordinated care with your broader pain management team.
Is there a Medicare rebate for pain-related psychiatry?
Yes. Psychiatric consultations for the mental health aspects of chronic pain are eligible for Medicare rebates under standard psychiatry items. You need a GP referral that mentions the psychiatric symptoms or conditions related to your chronic pain. Our practice is private billing, meaning you pay the consultation fee upfront and receive the Medicare rebate directly into your bank account. WorkCover may also cover pain-related psychiatric consultations depending on your claim status.
Living with chronic pain? We can help.
Specialist psychiatric care that understands the pain-mood connection. Medicare, WorkCover, and CTP accepted.