Mental Health Resources – Momentum Mental Health Services

Question 1

What is CBT-I?

Accepted Answer

CBT-I is an evidence-based treatment that helps you retrain your sleep system. Instead of medication, we focus on habits, thoughts, and behavioral patterns that affect your sleep so you can fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling more rested.

Question 2

How long does CBT-I take?

Accepted Answer

Most people see meaningful improvement in 4-8 sessions. It's structured, goal-oriented, and designed to work quickly.

Question 3

Do I have to keep a sleep diary?

Accepted Answer

Yes, briefly. A simple sleep diary helps pinpoint patterns and guides your personalized treatment plan. Most patients find it easy and surprisingly helpful.

Question 4

Will CBT-I help if I've had insomnia for years?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. CBT-I is the gold-standard for both short-term and chronic insomnia, even when people have struggled for decades.

Question 5

What if I'm already taking sleep medication?

Accepted Answer

You can do CBT-I whether you're on medication or not. Many people eventually find they need less medication as their sleep becomes more consistent (always in collaboration with your prescribing provider).

Question 6

Is CBT-I helpful for people with medical conditions (pain, menopause, apnea, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CBT-I is routinely used to treat insomnia in the context of chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, menopause-related sleep changes, and other medical issues. The approach is easily adapted.

Question 7

What is pain psychology?

Accepted Answer

Pain psychology focuses on how the brain and nervous system experience pain. It does not mean the pain is in your head. Instead, it helps you reduce pain intensity, improve function, and feel more in control using science-based strategies.

Question 8

Is pain psychology the same as physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. Pain psychology works alongside medical care and physical therapy. It helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress-related pain amplification, and change patterns that keep pain stuck.

Question 9

What kinds of pain respond to pain psychology?

Accepted Answer

Back pain, neck pain, migraines, pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, post-surgical pain, and long-standing chronic pain all respond well to these methods.

Question 10

How many sessions does pain psychology take?

Accepted Answer

Many patients notice improvement within 3-6 sessions, though chronic or complex pain conditions may benefit from longer treatment.

Question 11

Do you help with fear-avoidance or movement anxiety related to pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A major part of this work is reducing fear, rebuilding confidence in movement, and retraining the nervous system to feel safer during activity.

Question 12

Will pain psychology replace my medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

No. Pain psychology is meant to complement medical care, not replace it. Many physicians, surgeons, and physical therapists regularly refer to this service as part of a modern, multidisciplinary pain plan.

Question 13

What is health psychology?

Accepted Answer

Health psychology helps people adjust to medical conditions, navigate life changes, manage symptoms, and improve emotional well-being while dealing with health-related stressors.

Question 14

What conditions does health psychology typically help with?

Accepted Answer

Common concerns include: new or chronic illness, cancer treatment or survivorship, sleep disorders, cardiovascular conditions, GI issues, autoimmune conditions, pain conditions, and post-hospitalization adjustment.

Question 15

How can therapy help with a medical diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Therapy provides support, coping skills, and practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, stress, lifestyle changes, and the emotional impact of living with a health condition.

Question 16

Do you work with caregivers as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Caregivers often benefit from support around stress, burnout, communication, and navigating medical systems.

Question 17

What if I'm feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed after a diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

That reaction is extremely common. Health psychology helps you make sense of these feelings and develop tools to feel more grounded, resilient, and in control.

Question 18

Do you communicate with my medical team if needed?

Accepted Answer

With your permission, yes. Collaboration with primary care providers, pain specialists, sleep physicians, oncologists, and surgeons helps ensure coordinated, whole-person care.

Momentum Mental Health Services, LLC