Questions to ask your GI provider—and how to find a therapist who understands IBD
Written by Anna Katherine Black, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
GI Psychology
When you’re navigating life with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), finding the right care team can make all the difference. Many patients understandably focus on medical treatment—managing flares, medications, surgeries, and procedures. But a growing body of evidence reminds us that IBD isn’t just a disease of the gut; it’s also deeply connected to our mental and emotional health. To feel truly supported, psychological care should be part of your treatment plan from the start.
The Gut-Brain Connection: More Than Just a Phrase
Your brain and gut are in constant communication. This two-way system, often called the gut-brain axis, means stress, anxiety, and trauma can intensify physical symptoms—and gut inflammation can affect mood, sleep, and daily functioning (Rome Foundation; Navidi, 2025). In fact, studies show that over 30% of people with IBD experience significant anxiety, and around 25% experience depression (Barberio et al., 2021).
Why Mental Health Support Matters in IBD
It’s not uncommon for people with IBD to experience emotional distress from unpredictable flares, treatment side effects, or fear of medical procedures. Psychological symptoms don’t just co-exist with IBD—they can exacerbate inflammation and slow recovery. Mental health support isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s essential.
Research shows that evidence-based treatments like GI-specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (GI-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and clinical hypnosis can:
- Reduce IBD-related anxiety and depression
- Improve coping skills and quality of life
- Lessen functional symptoms like nausea, pain, or urgency
- Help manage flares and avoid unnecessary escalation of care (Keefer et al., 2013; Chen et al., 2021; Szigethy, 2015)
Who Should Be on Your IBD Team?
The most effective IBD care teams are interdisciplinary. That means your gastroenterologist works closely with:
- A licensed mental health clinician with expertise in GI disorders
- A dietitian trained in IBD nutrition
- A nurse practitioner or physician assistant for ongoing symptom management
- A social worker for care coordination and emotional support
- A pelvic floor physical therapist (especially if symptoms include urgency, incontinence, or abdominal pain)
- Your primary care physician to support overall health and preventive care
A gut-brain therapist can help you work through health anxiety, trauma from past medical experiences, or develop mind-body tools to self-regulate during procedures and flares.
Questions to Ask Your GI Provider
Finding the right support starts with asking the right questions. Here are some examples you can bring to your next appointment:
- “What should I do if I start noticing signs of anxiety or depression impacting my care?”
- “Can you recommend a therapist who understands IBD or gut-brain conditions?”
- “How does stress affect my symptoms, and what support is available?”
- “What mental health resources do you typically recommend to patients with IBD?”
- “Is there a behavioral health specialist you partner with in your clinic or network?”
- “Are there other professionals you recommend I speak with, like a nutritionist or physical therapist?”
- “Do you offer integrated care or work with a multidisciplinary team?”
How to Find a Therapist Who Understands IBD
Not all therapists are trained in GI-specific concerns, so it helps to know where to look:
- GIpsychology.com: Nationwide network of licensed providers specializing in IBD and gut-brain health
- GI On Demand: A virtual platform offering access to GI behavioral health specialists and videos
- Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation: Resource lists, support groups, and referrals
- Rome Foundation: Lists clinicians trained in disorders of gut-brain interaction
Look for someone who uses evidence-based treatments like CBT, ACT, or clinical hypnosis. You can also ask:
- “Do you use mind-body approaches for pain, anxiety, or nausea?”
- “What experience do you have working with IBD patients?”
Creating a Plan That Works for You
Support doesn’t look the same for everyone. You might benefit from:
- Regular therapy sessions during high-stress times or flares
- Brief interventions around surgery or medication transitions
- Ongoing skills-building in self-regulation, relaxation, or pacing
What matters most is that you feel heard, respected, and empowered to be part of your own healing.
Takeaways
- IBD impacts your mind just as much as your body—and treatment should reflect that.
- Adding a gut-brain therapist to your care team can improve both emotional wellbeing and physical outcomes.
- Evidence-based treatments like GI-CBT and clinical hypnosis are effective tools to reduce distress and build resilience.
- Ask your GI provider for mental health referrals and check out trusted platforms like GIpsychology.com to find support.
Take the next step in your IBD care—enroll in our virtual IBD Psychotherapy Group today!
References
Barberio, B., Zamani, M., Black, C. J., Savarino, E. V., Ford, A. C. (2021). Prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 6(5), 359-370.
Chen, J., et al. (2021). Psychotherapy for inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 140, 110302.
Keefer, L., Keshavarzian, A. (2006). Feasibility and acceptability of gut-directed hypnosis on inflammatory bowel disease: A brief communication. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 54(3), 306-319.
Szigethy, E. (2015). Integrated medical and psychological care for IBD. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, 31(6), 567-573.
Navidi, A. (2025). Psychological Treatments for IBD. MyIBD Learning, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.