Behavioral, Psychological, and Social Dimensions

PNL-02 - (Ask the Panel) When Pain, Addiction, and Mental Health Collide: Evidence-Based Strategies for Complex Comorbidities

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

3:50 PM - 5:20 PM PDT

Moderator(s)

Elicia DeParolesa, PharmD, IHP

Clinical Innovation and Product Design
The Preventative Pharmacist / CVS Health
Walpole, Massachusetts

Panelist(s)

Les Aria, PhD

Chief Psychological Officer
The Pointe Malibue Recovery Center
Sacramento, California
Mel Pohl, MD

Chief Medical Officer
The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center
San Diego, California
Jake Nichols, PharmD, MBA

Chief Medical Officer
Ignite Biomedical
Natick, Massachusetts
Eugene Vortsman, DO

Emergency and Addiction Medicine physician
Northwell Health
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra
New York, New York

This expert panel addresses one of pain management's most challenging clinical scenarios: patients presenting with the complex triad of chronic pain, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions. Through case-based discussions, evidence review, and practical strategies, panelists will explore integrated treatment approaches, risk assessment tools, and collaborative care models that improve outcomes while ensuring patient safety and provider confidence.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss evidence-based strategies for managing patients with co-occurring chronic pain, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions through a holistic, multidisciplinary approach.
Explore the clinical challenges and interconnections between these conditions to better inform treatment planning and patient care
Utilize risk assessment tools for safe and effective care.
Discover how to foster effective collaboration among pain specialists, mental health providers, and addiction care teams to deliver seamless, patient-centered care.
Develop practical skills and strategies through case-based discussions to navigate challenging clinical scenarios with confidence and improve patient outcomes.