Cynthia O. Townsend, Ph.D., L.P.

  1. Psychologist

Departments

  1. Psychiatry and Psychology

Specialty Groups

  1. Pain Rehabilitation Center

Location

  1. Phoenix, Arizona

Languages

English

Cynthia O. Townsend, Ph.D., L.P., is a clinical health psychologist specializing in chronic pain and chronic pain rehabilitation. Dr. Townsend's clinical focus includes:

  • Functional restoration through intensive, interdisciplinary rehabilitation while minimizing polypharmacy
  • Addressing psychological comorbidities in the context of debilitating chronic complex medical conditions
  • Delivering cognitive behavioral therapy for management of chronic pain
  • Promoting wellness and a holistic approach to empower individuals with chronic pain syndromes, and their family members and supporters

In addition to her clinical activities, Dr. Townsend has been active in interdisciplinary rehabilitation treatment outcome research.

Dr. Townsend is the clinical director of the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center (PRC) program in Arizona.

Phx

Phoenix, Arizona
  1. 2004
    ResidentMedical Psychology, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  2. 2004
    Post Doctoral Fellowship - Primary Rotation-Pain Rehabilitation Center Minor Rotations-Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Integrated Outpatient Treatment ProgramDepartment of Psychiatry & Psychology
  3. 2002
    Predoctoral Internship - Major Rotations (12-months)- Comprehensive Chronic Pain Management, Primary Care, Health Promotion, Inpatient Consultation-Liaison, Sexual Dysfunction Minor Rotation-Clinical NeuropsychologyVA Connecticut Healthcare System
  4. 2002
    PhDDepartment of Psychology, Counseling Psychology Program, Virginia Commonwealth University
  5. 1999
    MSDepartment of Psychology, Counseling Psychology Program, Virginia Commonwealth University
  6. 1996
    BACreighton University

Certifications

  1. 2008
    Clinical Health PsychologyAmerican Board of Professional Psychology

Awards and honors

  1. 2014
    Director's Recognition Program Network Star Award - First PlaceVA Midwest Health Care Network
  2. 2014
    Meritorious Award for Contributions to the FieldPain Rehabilitation Special Interest Group, American Pain Society
  3. 2012
    Scientific Poster AwardAmerican Academy of Pain Medicine
  4. 2011
    Scientific Poster AwardAmerican Academy of Pain Medicine
  5. 2011
    Mayo Clinic Leadership Competencies 360 review Mayo Clinic
  6. 2006
    CR-20 - Multidisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation and muscle strength training for fibromyalgia [co-investigator]Mayo Foundation
  7. 2005
    Small Grant Research Award - Longitudinal Study of Smoking Status and Eating Behaviors of Chronic Pain Patients Following Pain RehabilitationDepartment of Psychiatry & Psychology
  8. 2005
    Small Grant Award - Pain Rehabilitation with Opioid Withdrawal: Longitudinal Study of Treatment Outcomes for Chronic Noncancer PainDepartment of Psychiatry & Psychology
  9. 2004
    Scientific Poster AwardAmerican Academy of Pain Medicine
  10. 2002
    Clinical Program of ExcellenceVA Connecticut Healthcare System-Renal Dialysis Team Member
  11. 1998
    Phi Kappa Phi-Graduate Scholar AwardVirginia Commonwealth University
  12. 1996
    Outstanding Scholar AwardDepartment of Psychology, Creighton University
  13. 1996
    Outstanding Service AwardDepartment of Psychology, Creighton University
  14. 1992
    Magna cum LaudeCreighton University

Professional memberships

  1. 2022
    ParticipantRoundtable, eMERGing Leaders, MERG
  2. 2018
    ParticipantFoundation Health Partners at Fairbanks
  3. 2018
    PanelistPain and Addiction Summit, Arizona Department of Health Services
  4. 2018 - present
    ConsultantPain and Addiction Curriculum, Arizona Department of Health Services
  5. 2018
    Invited PanelistOpioid Epidemic, Mayo Clinic Community Breakfast
  6. 2014 - 2016
    Secretary/TreasurerBoard of Directors, American Board of Clinical Health Psychology
  7. 2012 - 2013
    MemberRochester Diversity and Inclusion Council
  8. 2012 - 2014
    ExaminerWritten Practice Sample, American Board of Clinical Health Psychology
  9. 2012 - 2013
    ChairDiversity and Inclusion Council, Department of Psychiatry & Psychology
  10. 2012 - 2013
    MemberAssociation for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
  11. 2012 - present
    Oral Board ExaminerAmerican Board of Clinical Health Psychology
  12. 2011 - 2013
    Diversity LeaderDepartment of Psychiatry & Psychology
  13. 2010 - 2013
    CoordinatorPractice Sample, ABPP Board of Clinical Health Psychology
  14. 2009 - 2016
    Board Member at LargeAmerican Board of Professional Psychology
  15. 2009 - 2013
    Board of DirectorsAmerican Board of Clinical Health Psychology
  16. 2008 - 2011
    Co-ChairAmerican Pain Society Special Interest Group: Pain Rehabilitation Centers
  17. 2008 - present
    MemberAmerican Board of Professional Psychology
  18. 2008 - present
    MemberAmerican Psychological Association
  19. 2008 - present
    MemberAmerican Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM)
  20. 2006 - 2009
    MemberEditorial Board, Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, Mayo Clinic Health Solutions
  21. 2005 - 2009
    Diversity CoordinatorPostdoctoral Psychology Fellowship Training Committee, Department of Psychiatry & Psychology
  22. 2003 - 2019
    MemberAmerican Pain Society
  23. 1997 - 2004
    MemberSociety of Behavioral Medicine