Rikard Wicksell

Dr. Rikard Wicksell is a clinical researcher and head of the research group Behavior Medicine at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet. He is a clinical psychologist and head of research and development at the Pain Clinic, Capio St Göran Hospital, in Stockholm, Sweden. His research program is focused on adult and pediatric patients with chronic debilitating health conditions such as pain, to increase accessibility, improve effect sizes, and refine theories, and consists of 4 areas: developing and evaluating behavioral interventions; clarifying change processes and treatment mechanisms; assessment of health and treatment effects; digital solutions for behavioral health and agile development. In the past 15 years, he has developed and evaluated a clinical model for adult and pediatric chronic pain based on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), including clinical trials of exposure and acceptance strategies to improve functioning in pediatric chronic pain, and digital interventions. Currently, a major focus is on studies aimed at the development of evidence-bases digital behavioral interventions, using an agile and use-centered approach, and single case experimental research design.