Pain is not just a physical sensation—it’s an experience that can profoundly affect your mental, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. For those who live with chronic or recurring pain, it’s not uncommon for depression, anxiety, and stress to follow closely behind. In fact, studies show that persistent pain and mental health conditions often go hand-in-hand. This leads many people to ask: can psychiatrists prescribe pain medication, and is it appropriate to seek psychiatric help for physical pain?
The short answer is yes—psychiatrists can prescribe pain medication, because they are licensed medical doctors. However, the decision to prescribe medication for pain depends on several factors, including the source of the pain, the mental health context, and whether there’s a risk of substance dependence. While psychiatrists aren’t typically the first line of care for pain, there are specific scenarios in which their role becomes not only relevant, but critical.
Understanding when a psychiatrist might step in to manage pain—and what kinds of treatments they might recommend—can help individuals get the holistic care they need.
Can a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Prescribe Medication?
Yes, but with some qualifications. A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) has advanced training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, and in most states, they are licensed to prescribe medication. But when it comes to prescribing pain medications, especially controlled substances, the situation is more nuanced.
In certain clinical situations, such as when a patient is experiencing chronic headaches due to severe anxiety, or has physical symptoms rooted in trauma, a psychiatric nurse practitioner may prescribe medication to help ease discomfort. These prescriptions are typically non-opioid medications that treat both the mental and physical aspects of the condition. PMHNPs may also prescribe medications that work as adjuvants—those that are primarily used for other conditions but have proven effective for pain, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants.
At Mighty Mental Health, Barbra Scheirer, our experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, works closely with each client to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Whether medication is needed to manage emotional pain, physical discomfort, or both, Barbra ensures that each treatment plan is safe, thoughtful, and integrated into the patient’s overall wellness goals.
Situations Where Psychiatrists Can Prescribe Pain Medication
Though psychiatrists are trained to focus on mental health conditions, they may find themselves addressing pain-related symptoms when:
1. Pain is Directly Connected to Mental Health Disorders
People suffering from conditions like major depressive disorder, PTSD, or generalized anxiety disorder often experience chronic pain. Whether it’s tension headaches, back pain, or digestive issues, these symptoms are real—and debilitating. In these cases, a psychiatrist may prescribe medications that alleviate both the psychological and physical symptoms, offering dual relief.
2. The Pain Is Psychosomatic
Psychosomatic pain is real pain, even if it doesn’t have a detectable physical cause. Conditions like somatic symptom disorder or conversion disorder fall into this category. These patients may experience severe physical symptoms that stem from emotional distress. In such cases, psychiatrists may prescribe medications that target the emotional root, while also providing pain relief.
3. Pain Is a Barrier to Mental Health Treatment
For some patients, chronic pain prevents them from fully engaging in therapy or maintaining stability. When pain gets in the way of progress, psychiatrists may step in with medication to help manage pain symptoms, allowing the patient to better participate in their mental health treatment plan.
4. Co-Management with Other Specialists
Psychiatrists frequently collaborate with primary care physicians, neurologists, or pain management specialists. In these integrated care models, the psychiatrist might contribute to the overall strategy by prescribing medications that improve mood and reduce pain perception, while the specialist focuses on physical causes.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Physical Pain
It’s impossible to fully separate mental and physical health. People dealing with fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, or nerve pain are statistically more likely to experience depression or anxiety. And conversely, individuals with untreated trauma or long-term stress may become more sensitive to pain signals in the body.
Psychiatrists are in a unique position to address both sides of this issue. They can identify the psychological factors that may amplify pain and provide treatments that address those root causes. For example, medications like duloxetine not only treat depression and anxiety but also have proven effectiveness for nerve pain and fibromyalgia.
Additionally, therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have been shown to reduce pain intensity and improve coping mechanisms. While psychiatrists themselves may not always provide the therapy, they can coordinate care or make referrals to licensed therapists as part of a broader plan.
Finding Support at Mighty Mental Health
At Mighty Mental Health, we understand that physical and emotional pain are deeply intertwined. If you’re struggling with pain that seems to defy simple explanations, or if your mental health is being affected by long-term physical discomfort, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Our team offers comprehensive care treatment plans designed to treat the whole person—not just symptoms in isolation. Whether the solution includes prescribing pain medication, referring you to therapy, or guiding you through non-medication strategies, we are here to help.
Barbra Scheirer, PMHNP, leads our practice with a compassionate, evidence-based approach. She works to ensure that each patient’s needs are fully addressed through tailored medication management and ongoing support. Whether you’re in Las Vegas, Summerlin NV, or anywhere in Nevada through Telehealth, we are available to help you take the next step toward healing.
Call us today at 702-479-1600, or reach out via our contact form to begin your journey with a team that truly understands the complex relationship between pain and mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do psychiatrists commonly prescribe opioids for pain?
No, they don’t. Psychiatrists rarely prescribe opioids. While legally able to do so, they generally avoid these types of medications unless they are also certified in addiction medicine or working within a multidisciplinary team. The risk of misuse and dependence often outweighs the benefits in most psychiatric cases. Instead, psychiatrists opt for non-opioid medications or those that also provide mental health benefits.
What pain medications might a psychiatrist prescribe?
Psychiatrists may recommend:
- Amitriptyline or nortriptyline – tricyclic antidepressants helpful for chronic nerve pain
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta) or venlafaxine – SNRIs effective for both depression and pain
- Gabapentin or pregabalin – anticonvulsants often used for nerve-related pain
- NSAIDs or muscle relaxants – occasionally, and usually in coordination with a primary care provider
These medications address both physical symptoms and the mental distress that often comes with them.
Should I see a psychiatrist if I need pain medication?
If your pain is significantly affecting your mental health—or if you suspect there may be a psychological component to your pain—it may be time to consult a psychiatrist. They can help determine whether a mental health condition is contributing to your symptoms and prescribe medications that treat both mind and body.
At Mighty Mental Health, our team will listen, evaluate, and create a plan just for you. Whether or not that includes medication for pain, we’ll make sure you feel heard, supported, and understood.