Therapy for Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain in Atlanta, GA and Across Maryland
“When you have a chronic illness, it sometimes feels like every day is an uphill battle you didn’t choose”
Having a chronic illness or chronic pain can feel incredibly isolating and heavy. We’re here to tell you that you are not alone – we’re here to walk alongside you.
- Gain a better understanding of your anxiety triggers and thoughts
- Apply practical coping techniques to reduce stress and panic
- Manage stress effectively and experience a reduction in anxiety
- Create a plan for coping with anxiety and adversity in the future
Get Help Today
Fill out the form below and one of our team members will reach out within 24 hours.
"Whether it’s diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, or another health condition, living with a chronic illness can weigh you down day in and day out."
Maybe it’s thoughts about “why me?,” maybe it’s disappointment in having to readjust what your new normal is, maybe it’s trouble remembering to take your medication.
Whatever it is, these experiences can feel isolating, exhausting, and even overwhelming, leaving you feeling disconnected from the things and people that matter most.
It doesn’t have to be this way. CBT for chronic illness and chronic pain can help you reclaim your life and regain control without having to pretend that your condition doesn’t exist.
At CAYA Care, we’re here to walk alongside you to help you lighten up the burden of having a chronic health condition. Take the first step today to work with a health psychologist in Maryland or Atlanta, Georgia.
It's time to step into a life where your chronic illness doesn't define who you are anymore!
CAYA Care provides CBT for chronic illness and pain tailored for teens, young adults, and parents in Georgia, Maryland, and 42 other states.
Our approach combines proven CBT therapy strategies with a deep understanding of your personal needs and the impact of the chronic illness on your life, for making and maintaining change.
Research shows that therapy can REALLY help with chronic pain and improve quality of life of those with chronic illnesses.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : CBT for chronic illness has been shown to be as effective as surgery for relieving chronic pain, as it can change how you perceive and respond to pain.
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions : Mindfulness-based interventions are helpful in decreasing pain intensity and improving physical functioning in individuals with chronic pain.
At CAYA Care, we have this expertise to walk alongside you. We’ll explore your vision for the future, draft a personalized plan, and develop the skills and insights necessary to bring it to life.
Featured Providers
Dr. Nour Al Ghriwati
FOUNDER & CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Al Ghriwati received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her clinical internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, working with children with a variety of chronic medical conditions. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, working with youth diagnosed with cancer and their families. Dr. Al Ghriwati is now a clinical psychologist at the National Institutes of Health.
(404) 954-2559
nour.alghriwati@cayacare.com
Dr. Sage Hawn
ADULT PSYCHOLOGIST Dr. Hawn received her PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her clinical internship at VA Puget Sound in Seattle, WA, where she further specialized in trauma-focused treatments, substance use interventions to support harm reduction and abstinence goals, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the National Center for PTSD in Boston, MA, where she continued to hone her expertise in evidence-based treatments for PTSD and comorbid disorders.
(404) 954-2559
sage.hawn@cayacare.com
Dr. Billie Abraham
CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Abraham received her PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Miami. She completed her clinical internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia working alongside pediatricians in an integrated primary care setting. Dr. Abraham also completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia providing behavioral health services to youth in urban schools.
(470) 683-6804
billie.abraham@cayacare.com
Dr. Cathy Lau-Barraco
ADULT Psychologist
Dr. Cathy Lau-Barraco is a clinical psychologist who supports young adults, adults, and their families to address anxiety, depression, stress, or substance use challenges. Over the past 20 years, she has worked with patients who are coping with substance and alcohol use, relationship distress, life transitions, self-esteem, and stress management.
(404) 954-2559
Cathy.barraco@cayacare.com
Dr. Kelly O’Connor
CHILD & ADOLESCENT Psychologist
Dr. Kelly O’Connor is a clinical psychologist who supports youth, young adults and their families to address life’s challenges. Over the past 7 years, she has worked with patients who are coping with ADHD, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Dr. O’Connor strives to provide evidence-based therapy within a culturally sensitive framework.
(404) 954-2559
kelly.oconnor@cayacare.com
Dr. Sarah Griffin
ADULT Psychologist
Dr. Griffin received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a concentration in behavioral medicine from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her internship at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine with a focus in behavioral medicine. Dr. Griffin then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Durham VA, where she trained in the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic.
(404) 954-2559 sarah.griffin@cayacare.com
Dr. Nour Al Ghriwati
FOUNDER & CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Al Ghriwati received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her clinical internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, working with children with a variety of chronic medical conditions. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, working with youth diagnosed with cancer and their families. Dr. Al Ghriwati is now a clinical psychologist at the National Institutes of Health.
(404) 954-2559
nour.alghriwati@cayacare.com
(404) 954-2559
nour.alghriwati@cayacare.com
Dr. Sage Hawn
ADULT PSYCHOLOGIST Dr. Hawn received her PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her clinical internship at VA Puget Sound in Seattle, WA, where she further specialized in trauma-focused treatments, substance use interventions to support harm reduction and abstinence goals, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the National Center for PTSD in Boston, MA, where she continued to hone her expertise in evidence-based treatments for PTSD and comorbid disorders.(404) 954-2559
sage.hawn@cayacare.com
(404) 954-2559
sage.hawn@cayacare.com
Dr. Billie Abraham
CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Al Ghriwati received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her clinical internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, working with children with a variety of chronic medical conditions. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, working with youth diagnosed with cancer and their families. Dr. Al Ghriwati is now a clinical psychologist at the National Institutes of Health.
(404) 954-2559
sage.hawn@cayacare.com
(404) 954-2559
sage.hawn@cayacare.comDr. Nour Al Ghriwati
FOUNDER & CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Al Ghriwati received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her clinical internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, working with children with a variety of chronic medical conditions. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, working with youth diagnosed with cancer and their families. Dr. Al Ghriwati is now a clinical psychologist at the National Institutes of Health.
(404) 954-2559
nour.alghriwati@cayacare.com
(404) 954-2559
nour.alghriwati@cayacare.comDr. Sage Hawn
ADULT PSYCHOLOGIST Dr. Hawn received her PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her clinical internship at VA Puget Sound in Seattle, WA, where she further specialized in trauma-focused treatments, substance use interventions to support harm reduction and abstinence goals, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the National Center for PTSD in Boston, MA, where she continued to hone her expertise in evidence-based treatments for PTSD and comorbid disorders.(404) 954-2559
sage.hawn@cayacare.com
(404) 954-2559
sage.hawn@cayacare.comDr. Billie Abraham
CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Al Ghriwati received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her clinical internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, working with children with a variety of chronic medical conditions. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, working with youth diagnosed with cancer and their families. Dr. Al Ghriwati is now a clinical psychologist at the National Institutes of Health.
(404) 954-2559
sage.hawn@cayacare.com
(404) 954-2559
sage.hawn@cayacare.com
Who Can Benefit from Working with Us for Chronic Illness or Chronic Pain Support?
At CAYA Care, we understand that chronic illnesses and pain impact each person uniquely. Our therapy services are designed to help you navigate the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of living with a health condition, empowering you to reclaim your sense of control and well-being. We offer the following services:
- Teen Therapy for Chronic Illness or Pain We help teens develop the emotional resilience and coping skills they need to face the unique challenges of growing up with a chronic condition.
- Young Adult Therapy for Chronic Illness or Pain We support young adults in balancing their health, relationships, and aspirations, so they can thrive despite the challenges of chronic illness or pain.
- Therapy for Adults with Chronic Illness or Pain We provide adults with tools to manage the emotional and mental strain of chronic conditions, while fostering a sense of empowerment and improved quality of life.
Teen Trauma Therapy
Guiding teens to process and recover from trauma, build resilience, and find hope and confidence for the future
In CBT for Chronic Illness or Pain, What Do We Focus On?
Our personalized therapy is designed to help you manage the challenges of chronic illness or pain and take back control of your life by:
- Understanding : We provide a safe and supportive space where you can share your experiences without judgment. Together, we’ll explore the unique ways your condition affects your life, building a foundation of trust and understanding.
- Building resilience : Using evidence-based strategies, like CBT and mindfulness techniques, we’ll help you develop skills to manage emotional distress, cope with physical symptoms, and navigate the challenges of daily life.
- Restoring confidence : Chronic illness or pain doesn’t define who you are. We focus on helping you reconnect with your inner strengths, rebuild self-confidence, and trust in your ability to handle life’s uncertainties.
- Creating balance : We’ll work together to move beyond the limitations of your condition, focusing on what brings you purpose, joy, and fulfillment, so you can build a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.
Imagine a Life Where…
- You understand your chronic illness or pain as a part of your experience, but not the definition of your life.
- You realize that you are so much more than your condition and its limitations.
- You feel at peace with yourself, finding strength within to navigate challenges without relying on the struggle.
- You take control of your life, setting the pace for your journey and deciding how you respond to each day, no matter what comes up for you.
Start your journey to a better you with compassionate chronic illness and chronic pain therapy at CAYA Care, where each session brings you closer to the life you want and deserve.
Ready for Change?
It’s time to stop letting your chronic illness hold you back from living the life you want and deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, our approach to chronic illness or pain therapy focuses on helping you manage current symptoms and develop practical coping strategies for everyday life. We’ll work together to create a personalized plan that fits your needs.
Yes, CAYA Care provides online therapy options for chronic illness or pain, making it easier for you to access support on your schedule and in a way that suits you best.
Yes, we offer therapy tailored to the unique needs of teens, young adults, and parents, addressing the challenges faced at different life stages.
Your privacy is our top priority. All information shared in your chronic illness or pain therapy is confidential and handled with the highest level of care in accordance with professional ethics and privacy laws.
Results vary, but many clients report feeling more in control of their condition, improved emotional well-being, and a better quality of life. Our goal is to provide you with tools that support long-term coping and resilience.
It’s common to experience other concerns, like anxiety or depression, alongside chronic illness or pain. Our therapy is designed to support multiple aspects of your well-being, addressing co-existing conditions as part of your treatment.
Our therapy is personalized to address the unique challenges of your condition. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT and mindfulness, we’ll help you manage specific symptoms and triggers, empowering you to cope with more resilience.
If you’re going to get the most out of therapy for chronic illness or chronic pain, it’s important that you’re working with the therapist who’s right for you. That’s why we offer a free consultation. Click this link to schedule yours, and we can discuss who from our team is the best to help you reach your goals!
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