What is a Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation?
A pre-surgical psychological evaluation is an important step in preparing for certain medical procedures. This assessment helps determine whether you are emotionally, mentally, and behaviorally ready for surgery and the lifestyle changes that may follow. Many physicians, surgeons, and insurance companies require a psychological evaluation before surgery, especially for procedures such as bariatric (weight loss) surgery, gender affirmation surgery, reconstructive surgery, spinal cord stimulator placement, pain management interventions, and organ transplants.
The purpose of this evaluation is not to pass or fail, but to ensure that you are fully supported and informed before moving forward. The insights gained help both you and your healthcare team achieve the best possible medical and psychological outcomes.
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Benefits and Purpose of a Psychological Evaluation
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A pre-surgical evaluation provides valuable information for both patients and medical professionals. Key benefits include:
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Surgical Readiness and Safety: Evaluates your understanding of the procedure, recovery process, and lifestyle adjustments needed for long-term success.
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Emotional and Mental Health: Identifies symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or stress that could impact surgical outcomes or post-surgical adjustment.
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Coping and Support Systems: Assesses your coping skills, social support, and motivation to adhere to medical recommendations after surgery.
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Personalized Treatment Planning: If emotional or behavioral factors are identified, the evaluation includes recommendations to strengthen readiness and improve recovery.
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This process promotes long-term health and helps ensure that your emotional and psychological well-being are aligned with your physical health goals.​​
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Steps and Process of the Psychological Assessment
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Our pre-surgical psychological evaluations are structured, supportive, and completed efficiently. The typical process includes:
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Referral and Scheduling: Your physician or surgeon refers you for a psychological evaluation for surgical clearance. Our office will contact you to schedule your appointment, either in person or through a secure telehealth session.
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Clinical Interview: During your appointment, you will meet with a licensed psychologist to discuss relevant medical background, reasons for surgery, expectations, coping strategies, and post-surgical goals.
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Standardized Questionnaires: Will include psychological assessments that measure mood, coping style, personality traits, and readiness for behavioral change.
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Review and Interpretation: The psychologist reviews and interprets the results, identifying strengths, potential risks, and recommendations for surgical success.
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Report and Feedback: A comprehensive report is prepared for your surgeon or referring physician. You may also receive feedback and practical recommendations to support your recovery.
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Most reports are completed within one to two weeks, ensuring your surgery is not delayed.
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Physician-Ordered Psychological Evaluations
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In many cases, your physician or insurance company requires a psychological evaluation before approving surgery. This is a standard medical practice that ensures patients are mentally and emotionally prepared for the procedure and aftercare. It also provides your physician with valuable documentation supporting your overall readiness.
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Examples include:
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Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluation: Assesses emotional readiness, motivation, and understanding of lifestyle changes after weight loss surgery.
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Spinal Cord Stimulator or Pain Management Evaluation: Confirms that patients have realistic expectations and the emotional stability to engage in post-surgical care.
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Transplant and Other Specialty Evaluations: Ensures psychological preparedness and appropriate support for complex medical procedures.
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Gender Affirming Surgery Psychological Evaluation: Evaluates emotional readiness, mental health stability, coping skills, and social support prior to gender-affirming procedures. ​
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Our team communicates directly with referring physicians to ensure all required documentation meets their medical and insurance criteria. Reports are delivered promptly and confidentially.
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What to Expect and How to Schedule
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Pre-surgical psychological evaluations are designed to be educational and supportive. You do not need to prepare extensively, but reflecting on your goals and expectations for surgery can be helpful. The evaluation is conversational and focused on understanding your unique needs and strengths.
To schedule your appointment, complete the contact form on our website or email our office directly. If your surgeon has already submitted a referral, we will reach out to you within a few business days to arrange your appointment.
Our evaluations are available throughout California via secure telehealth and in person for local clients. We aim to make the process efficient, respectful, and informative, while providing clear psychological recommendations that support your medical success.
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Fee Statement – Pre-Surgical
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The fee for a Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation ranges from $900 to $1,200, depending on the complexity of the case, testing requirements, and the level of documentation needed.
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Standard Evaluations ($900–$1,000):
This rate applies to cases involving a single 2 hour clinical interview and basic psychological screening for surgical readiness. The report includes an overview of psychological functioning, coping style, treatment motivation, and any relevant risk factors that may influence post-operative adjustment. -
Comprehensive Evaluations ($1,100–$1,200):
This range applies to cases involving more complex medical or psychological presentations—such as multiple diagnoses, history of trauma, substance use, or prior surgeries—or when additional psychological testing, collateral input, or medical record review is required. These evaluations provide a more in-depth assessment of emotional readiness, behavioral patterns, and potential factors impacting surgical outcomes.
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All pre-surgical evaluations include:
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One or more clinical interviews conducted via secure telehealth.
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Administration of standardized psychological screening tools (as indicated).
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Review of relevant medical or mental health records (as applicable).
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A written report summarizing clinical findings, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations regarding surgical readiness.
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One follow-up consultation with the client or referring provider to clarify results.