Psychological Readiness Assessment for Bariatric Surgery
Ensuring Your Success
Hello. My name is Priscilla. I am a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. I understand both the mental health and nutrition aspects of bariatric surgery, as I have my second MS in Applied Nutrition and am in the process of becoming board-certified with the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). One of my specializations is nutrition for pre-and post-bariatric surgery, which ensures I can comprehensively support my patients.
I provide pre-surgical bariatric psychological evaluations, along with counseling and therapeutic support before and after surgery. Our evaluations are conducted in person and statewide via telehealth in Arizona, California, Idaho, and Montana. Insurance companies and surgeons require a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery.
Weight loss surgery is a transformative procedure that can lead to significant weight loss and improved health. However, it's essential to understand that this journey involves more than just physical changes; psychological readiness is crucial for the overall success of the surgery and long-term weight management. This is why surgeons and insurance companies mandate a psychological evaluation before surgery.
My main goal is to help you feel supported.
I welcome all inquiries, even if you have a simple question! You can call, text, or email me at (805) 616-1450 or priscilla@therapywithpriscilla.com. I will return your message within one business day. You can download my informational postcard here: Postcard.
What to Expect During Your Pre-Surgical Bariatric Evaluation
Initial Steps:
Verify Insurance & Schedule
Email priscilla@therapywithpriscilla.com with your insurance card so we can verify your insurance. If you are paying out of pocket and ready to schedule, we will find a convenient time for your appointment. If you have questions, please email or call/text (805) 616-1450.
Fill Out Documents
You will receive several documents and assessments via our client portal. These are designed to give us a thorough understanding of your needs. Please complete them on a tablet or computer and allow 30-45 minutes to finish.
Counseling Info
I will email you to confirm your appointment time, insurance details, and basic information for the day of your appointment, including contact information and office address.
Attend Your Appointment!
Feel free to reach out with any questions. We look forward to seeing you on the day of your appointment.
What Is Discussed In The Evaluation
Your personal history
Your family history
Your mental health history
Your medical history
Personal and family addiction history
Your current life circumstances
Your current support systems
Current medical issues and medications
Your knowledge of surgery
Expectations before and after surgery
Your food, body, and weight history
Your current relationship with food & exercise
Your current mental health
Evaluation Process
Typically, one initial appointment is sufficient, but occasionally a second session may be needed. We will conclude the evaluation by discussing any recommendations to ensure you are fully prepared from a behavioral and psychological perspective. The final report will be sent to your surgeon within ten days of your evaluation.
Outcome
Most patients are good candidates for surgery, even if some concerns exist. Specific recommendations will be provided to optimize outcomes for those needing additional treatment before surgery. Ultimately, your surgeon will decide whether to proceed with the surgery, not the mental health professional.
We can maximize your chances of long-term success with bariatric surgery by ensuring physical and psychological readiness.
Cost of the Evaluation
Pre-Surgical Bariatric Evaluations consist of one or two sessions, either in person or via telehealth, followed by a letter to your surgeon.
If you ARE using insurance, please note that insurance typically only covers 55-minute sessions, so two separate appointments may be needed. These sessions cannot be held on the same day but can be scheduled within the same week.
If you are NOT using insurance, the evaluation can be completed in a single session lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.
Insurance Accepted
Sophrosyne Counseling is currently in-network with:
Accepted Insurance for Arizona
Aetna
Cigna
United Healthcare | Optum (credentialing in the process)
Quest Behavioral Health
Oxford
Oscar Health
Accepted Insurance for California
Aetna
Cigna
United Healthcare | Optum
Quest Behavioral Health
Accepted Insurance for Idaho
Aetna
Cigna
Regence BlueShield of Idaho
Blue Cross of Idaho (credentialing in the process)
Quest Behavioral Health
Mountain Health CO-OP (credentialing in the process)
PacificSource
United Healthcare | Optum (credentialing in the process)
Accepted Insurance for Montana
Pending Credentialing for:
Aetna
Cigna
Oscar Health
Oxford
Quest Behavioral Health
United Healthcare | Optum (credentialing in the process)
Mountain Health CO-OP (credentialing in the process)
PacificSource
If you are using insurance, please note there is an additional $50 paperwork fee for the surgeon’s letter, which is not covered by insurance. This fee is in addition to your copay or deductible, as insurance will only cover the session.
Not Using Insurance
The total out-of-pocket cost is $350. If we do not accept your insurance, you may be able to utilize your ‘out-of-network’ benefits. Depending on your specific insurance plan, we can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Please reach out if you have any questions.