Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations

Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations for Adults in Garden City (Long Island), NY and Throughout New York and Georgia

Comprehensive Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations

Expert Psychological Clearance for Bariatric Surgery, Spinal Cord Stimulators, and Other Medical Procedures

Taking the step toward surgery requires both physical and mental preparation. Our comprehensive pre-surgical psychological evaluation provides the thorough assessment your surgical team needs while supporting your readiness for success. 

Whether you're preparing for bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulator implantation, or another procedure requiring psychological clearance, our evaluation (in-person at our Garden City, NY office or virtually throughout New York and Georgia) ensures you're emotionally and mentally prepared for surgery and recovery. Referral from your surgeon or primary physician required.

 

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Two surgeons wearing teal surgical scrubs, caps, and masks viewed from behind in an operating room with blurred medical equipment in the background

Why Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation Are Required

Pre-surgical psychological evaluations are a standard—and critical—step in preparing for certain surgical procedures. They're not meant to be barriers to surgery; rather, they're designed to optimize your surgical outcome and support your long-term success.

The evaluation helps to:

  • Ensure you fully understand the risks, benefits, and lifestyle changes required by your procedure
  • Assess your emotional readiness and coping strategies for surgery and recovery
  • Identify any psychological factors that could impact healing or adherence to post-operative care
  • Provide recommendations to improve your surgical outcome and long-term success
  • Screen for conditions (like untreated depression or anxiety) that may need attention before surgery
  • Evaluate your support system and resources for recovery

This evaluation is designed to set you up for success, not to judge you. Most people are cleared for surgery, often with recommendations for support that can improve outcomes. Your surgical team relies on this assessment to ensure you have the best chance of a positive result.

Free Consultation:

A free 10-minute consultation to identify if Restored Living may be right for you. We’ll briefly discuss your concerns, answer any initial questions, and outline potential next steps. This is a pressure-free way to explore services and get a feel for our approach to care.
 

Procedures That May Require Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations

Pre-surgical psychological evaluations are commonly required for procedures where psychological factors significantly influence success rates and recovery:

Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery

Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and lap band procedures. We assess readiness for lifestyle changes, dietary restrictions, and emotional adjustments.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation 

For chronic pain management. We examine pain coping strategies, psychological factors, and readiness to adapt to the device.

Organ Transplantation

Kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants. We assess ability to adhere to medication regimens and cope with emotional demands.

Chronic Pain Management Devices

Pain pumps and other implanted devices. We explore psychological contributors to pain and readiness for interventions.

Hysterectomy for Medical Conditions

Particularly for younger women with severe endometriosis. We address emotional readiness for permanent reproductive changes and hormonal shifts.

Elective Cosmetic Procedures

Brazilian butt lift, liposuction, facial reconstruction, and similar surgeries. We assess motivations, outcome expectations, and psychological readiness.

Other Procedures

Some orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures may also require psychological clearance depending on your medical team's protocols.

If you've been referred by your surgeon for a psychological evaluation, this service can support you through that process.

What to Expect During Your Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation

The evaluation process is straightforward and designed to be thorough yet comfortable. After receiving your referral, you'll contact us to schedule your evaluation. We'll explain what to expect, answer any questions about the process, and collect basic information about your surgery type and timeline. You'll receive intake forms to complete before your appointment, and we'll confirm whether your evaluation will be in-person at our Garden City, NY office or virtual. Your evaluation appointment will take approximately 2-3 hours and includes the following:

Senior woman with hands gesturing expressively while speaking to therapist during a consultation session in a bright office with natural lighting and window blinds in background

Step 1: Clinical Interview

The evaluation includes a comprehensive interview covering your medical history, psychological history, current life circumstances, and social support system. We'll discuss:

  • Your understanding of the surgical procedure and expected outcomes
  • Your motivation and goals for surgery
  • Lifestyle factors, habits, and readiness for change
  • Current and past mental health (depression, anxiety, trauma, eating concerns)
  • Substance use history
  • Coping strategies and stress management
  • Support system and resources for recovery
  • Ability to follow medical instructions and attend follow-up appointments

Step 2: Standardized Assessment

You'll complete research-backed psychological questionnaires that assess:

  • Current mood and emotional functioning
  • Coping styles and stress management
  • Personality factors relevant to surgical success
  • Eating behaviors and relationship with food (for bariatric evaluations)
  • Pain-related beliefs and behaviors (for pain management procedures)
  • Other factors specific to your type of surgery
Young woman in beige blazer and jeans sitting on a gray couch writing in a notebook in a minimalist waiting room with white walls and wooden door
Healthcare professional in white coat writing on medical documents attached to a clipboard at a wooden desk with laptop keyboard visible in the background

Step 3: Comprehensive Report

Within 7-10 business days of having all necessary information, a detailed written report is sent to you and/or your surgical team with:

  • Summary of clinical interview and assessment findings
  • Identification of strengths that support surgical success
  • Discussion of any concerns or risk factors
  • Psychological clearance recommendation (cleared, cleared with recommendations, or recommendation for additional support before surgery)
  • Specific recommendations to optimize your outcome

Step 4: Feedback & Consultation Session

A follow-up session to review your evaluation results, discuss recommendations, and address any concerns. This session can help you better understand the findings and feel more prepared for your surgical journey.

During this session, we'll:

  • Walk through your evaluation results in a conversational, easy-to-understand way
  • Clarify what your clearance status means for your next steps
  • Create an actionable plan for implementing any recommendations before surgery
  • Answer your questions about the process and address any concerns that arose
  • Help you feel emotionally prepared and confident moving forward with your procedure
Female professional in striped shirt gesturing while speaking during a virtual video consultation with client on computer monitor, taking notes on clipboard in bright home office setting

How to Get the Most from Your Assessment

To ensure an accurate evaluation and timely completion of your report:

Before your appointment:

  • Gather medical records or information about your upcoming surgery if available
  • List current medications and any previous mental health treatment
  • Think about your support system and who will help during recovery
  • Consider your typical coping strategies when facing stress or challenges
  • Be prepared to discuss your lifestyle honestly, including eating habits, exercise, substance use, and daily routines

During your appointment:

  • Be honest and open—this evaluation is designed to support your success, not to judge you
  • Ask questions if anything is unclear
  • Take your time with questionnaires and answer thoughtfully
  • Discuss any concerns you have about surgery or recovery

Remember: The goal is to understand how best to support you through surgery and recovery. Most people are cleared for surgery, often with helpful recommendations that improve outcomes.

Ready to Schedule Your Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation?

If you've been referred for a pre-surgical psychological evaluation, we're here to support you through the process. Available in-person in Garden City (Long Island), NY or virtually throughout New York and Georgia. Contact us to schedule your appointment and take this important step toward surgical success.

 

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FAQs

Pre-surgical psychological evaluations are a standard part of preparation for many medical procedures. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about what these evaluations involve, why they’re needed, and how they help. This is the only service that requires a referral from a surgeon, primary care provider, or other related medical professional.

How long does the evaluation take?
The evaluation typically takes 2-3 hours. This includes the clinical interview and completion of standardized questionnaires. Time spent directly with Dr. Steele will usually be around 60 minutes of the 2-3 hours. Your written report is completed within 7-10 business days of receiving all necessary information.
How soon should I schedule my evaluation before surgery?
We recommend scheduling as soon as you receive your referral, ideally at least 3-4 weeks before your planned surgery date. This allows time for the evaluation, report completion, and addressing any recommendations that may be made.
Will the evaluation prevent me from having surgery?
Most patients are cleared for surgery, often with recommendations for additional support that can improve outcomes. The evaluation rarely results in complete denial of surgical clearance. If concerns are identified, recommendations are typically made for addressing them before proceeding with surgery.
Will I “pass” or “fail” the evaluation?
This isn’t a pass/fail test. The purpose is to identify any issues that could interfere with a successful outcome and, if needed, recommend support or interventions to help you succeed. If concerns arise, your medical team will work with you to address them.
Will insurance cover the evaluation?
Although I am considered an out-of-network provider and do not take insurance directly, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use it. We've partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits. We can provide documentation for reimbursement if needed.
Is the evaluation confidential?
Yes, your information is confidential. A summary report is shared with your surgeon or medical team.
Will you share everything I say with my surgeon?
The report sent to your surgical team focuses on factors relevant to surgical success and recommendations to support you. It does not include a transcript of everything discussed. Information is presented professionally and with your best interests in mind.
What if I have a history of mental health treatment?
Having a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns does not automatically disqualify you from surgery. We're interested in your current functioning and how well-managed any conditions are. Many people with mental health histories are successfully cleared for surgery.
What if I’m nervous about the evaluation?
That’s normal. The evaluation is not meant to be intimidating—it’s meant to help you prepare emotionally and psychologically for the changes that come with surgery.
What happens after the evaluation?
After the evaluation, I’ll write a report summarizing the findings and share it with your referring physician. I can also provide recommendations, such as pre-surgical counseling or stress management strategies, if needed.
What if I don't agree with the evaluation results?
If you have concerns about the findings or recommendations, we encourage you to schedule a feedback session to discuss them. You can also seek a second opinion from another qualified psychologist if desired.

Next Steps.

Let’s Take The First Step Together.

If you’ve been referred for a pre-surgical psychological evaluation, you can contact us to schedule your appointment or ask additional questions. We’re here to support you through every step of the process.

Contact Us

Let’s Take The First Step Together

Whether you have questions, need more information, or are ready to schedule a session, we’re here to help. Reach out today to connect with Dr. Rebecca A. Steele and begin your journey toward clarity, healing, and growth.

LONG ISLAND

New York

1225 Franklin Avenue Suite 325
Garden City, NY 11530
ATLANTA

Georgia

Virtual Appointments
Now Available!

CONTACT

516-200-1889

office@restoredliving1.com
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*Virtual appointments are available for the entirety of NY State