Unlocking the Mind to Heal the Body: Integrating Behavioral and Psychological Interventions for Medical Conditions

Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Volney Richmond Auditorium, Seattle, WA

Patients with chronic conditions or acute illnesses often experience comorbid mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders, which can hinder their recovery and overall health outcomes. By integrating psychological care into medical treatment, physicians can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, enhance overall well-being, and reduce healthcare costs.

The Unlocking the Mind to Heal the Body course will equip healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies, practical tools, and a better understanding of the biopsychosocial model of health, empowering them to offer more holistic care to their patients. The course will examine how collaborative care models that include psychological care services can strengthen provider confidence, reduce moral distress when managing complex or “non-adherent” patients, and promote sustainable, team-based practice.

Teaching methods include lecture, Q&A with faculty, case presentations, and the voice of the patient.

 

1. Discuss the benefits of multidisciplinary care, with an emphasis on the integration of behavioral health, from multiple angles relevant to the institution, clinicians, and patients
2. Evaluate the clinical and financial implications of integrating pain psychology into chronic pain treatment models, including effects on patient satisfaction, opioid use, procedural utilization, and overall cost of care
3. Apply a curiosity-based lens to patient encounters to deepen connection, enhance meaning, and support therapeutic alliance
4. Discuss tools to help support patients in their coping through reframing
5. Describe the navigation and advocacy performed by neurology social workers, including connecting patients to essential community resources and advocating for patient rights within complex care systems
6. Identify how a patient-driven care plan supports patient goals

Register to attend this course in person or participate via livestream:

$195.00 - Attend in person, includes box lunch.

$170.00 - Attend via Livestream - link will be provided.

For assistance with registration, email the CME department at [email protected].

The Virginia Mason Medical Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Virginia Mason Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.75  AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Parking: Parking is not included with registration. Virginia Mason's downtown parking facilities are limited and reserved for patients, therefore we offer this map of public lots with walking routes to the Lindeman Pavilion.

Seattle Public transportation: Metro Bus routes serving the First Hill neighborhood include 2, 10, 12, 60, 193, and 303. Please consult the Metro Trip Planner for route information and schedules.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ (6.75 hours), National Association of Social Workers (0.00 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (6.75 hours)

You are not logged in.

Please click the button below to login or create a new account before continuing.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Virginia Mason Medical Center adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Friday, July 17, 2026