Integrating Mental Health and Pain Science into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Dr. Sarah Case-Morris, assistant professor at the University of Michigan–Flint, to explore how mental health, pain science, and health and wellness promotion are being woven into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Dr. Case-Morris shares her inspiring journey from teaching assistant to shaping the next generation of PTs, and we dive into her research on how early-career therapists—trained in the biopsychosocial model—approach pain and mental health differently than those rooted in a more traditional biomedical lens.

We also talk about the real-world challenges of implementing clinical practice guidelines, especially when it comes to screening for psychosocial risk factors in back pain. Sarah gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how she’s integrating pain science, mental health, and health and wellness into her teaching—right as CAPTE requirements are evolving to highlight the mental, psychological, and emotional dimensions of health.

This is an important conversation about the future of physical therapy education and how preparing students with a whole-person approach can change the way we care for individuals and communities. 

For more information, visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com 

For CEU courses on pain and mental health, visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course/

Thank you for listening, 

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT  CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute