Marilyn S. Jacobs, Ph.D., ABPP

Marilyn S. Jacobs, Ph.D., ABPP is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst specialist in pain psychology. Her perspective on understanding pain is informed by the biopsychosocial model, which regards physical, emotional and social factors as influential the perception of pain and interdisciplinary team treatments with a collaborative patient relationship. The care which Dr. Jacobs provides includes psychological evaluations for treatment planning, including that which is required by insurance companies for spinal cord stimulation and other interventions, patient centered psychotherapy fitting the treatment to the patient’s needs and culture. As well, she regards that patient education is an essential part of pain related psychological evaluations and treatments. Dr. Jacobs also provides consultations to health care professionals for improved patient care. Prior to becoming a clinical psychologist, Dr. Jacobs was trained in clinical medicine as a physician’s assistant, working in emergency medicine, a background which is an asset in the care of medical patients. She has been a member of pain research investigations and advisory panels for the development of pain treatment guidelines. Dr. Jacobs has lectured widely and published in peer reviewed journals on topics in clinical and pain psychology. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organizations and the North American Neuromodulation Society where she is a journal reviewer. She is also a member of the board of directors of the American Association of Pain Psychology. Dr. Jacobs believes that all patients with chronic pain conditions can improve their quality of life and is committed to that goal.