Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations

Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluations

Bariatric surgery represents an important life change that often involves adjustments to eating behaviors, emotional functioning, health habits, and expectations.

A psychological evaluation explores factors that may influence preparation for surgery and postoperative adjustment.

Areas of consideration may include:

  • Mental health history and current emotional functioning.

  • Eating behaviors and relationship with food.

  • Coping strategies and emotional regulation.

  • Understanding of surgical procedures and lifestyle expectations.

  • Social support and psychosocial stressors.

  • Readiness for behavioral and lifestyle changes.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Psychological Evaluations

Spinal cord stimulator procedures are often considered as part of a broader treatment approach for chronic pain.

Psychological evaluations may help identify factors relevant to treatment planning, including:

  • Emotional functioning and psychological distress.

  • Chronic pain-related coping patterns.

  • Expectations regarding pain management and treatment outcomes.

  • Behavioral and psychosocial factors affecting adjustment.

  • Relevant mental health history and treatment considerations.

What Does the Evaluation Include?

The evaluation process may involve:

  1. Clinical interview and review of relevant history.

  2. Assessment of psychological and behavioral functioning.

  3. Standardized psychological measures when clinically appropriate.

  4. Review of relevant medical information.

  5. Written evaluation summarizing findings and recommendations.

  6. Communication with the referring medical provider when authorized and appropriate.

A Thoughtful, Individualized Approach

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors relevant to each individual's medical treatment.

Evaluations are conducted with clinical objectivity and attention to the specific referral questions. Recommendations are based on assessment findings and are not predetermined.

A psychological evaluation is one component of the broader medical decision-making process and does not guarantee surgical clearance or approval.

For Medical Professionals

We welcome inquiries from bariatric surgery programs, pain management specialists, and other medical professionals seeking psychological evaluation services for their patients.

Please contact us to discuss referral procedures, documentation requirements, and scheduling availability.

Schedule an Evaluation

If you are preparing for bariatric surgery or a spinal cord stimulator procedure and have been asked to complete a psychological evaluation, contact us to discuss next steps.