Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations

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

Psychological Readiness Assessments for Surgery and Major Medical Decisions

A thoughtful clinical assessment of emotional readiness, expectations, coping, support, and decision-making before a major medical procedure

Taking the step toward surgery requires both physical and mental preparation. Our comprehensive pre-surgical psychological evaluation helps your surgical team understand your readiness and support needs while giving you space to consider expectations, coping resources, and recovery planning. 

Whether you're preparing for bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulator implantation, or another procedure requiring psychological readiness, our evaluation (in-person at our Garden City, NY office or virtually throughout New York and Georgia) examines emotional readiness, realistic expectations, coping resources, and support needs before surgery and recovery. Referral from your surgeon or primary physician required.

 

Request a private consultation

Man and woman couple discussing emotional readiness and realistic expectations before surgery.

Why Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations 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 help your surgical team understand your readiness and support needs.

The evaluation helps to:

  • Clarify your understanding of the risks, benefits, and lifestyle changes associated with the 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 tailored to your readiness and support needs
  • 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 support informed preparation, not to judge you. The findings help your surgical team understand your readiness, identify support needs, and make decisions within its own clinical process.

A private, complimentary first conversation

A private, complimentary 10-minute consultation to see whether Restored Living is the right fit. We’ll briefly discuss your concerns, answer initial questions, and outline possible next steps — with no pressure to continue.
 

Procedures That May Require Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations

Pre-surgical psychological evaluations are commonly required for procedures where emotional readiness, expectations, coping, and follow-through are relevant to planning 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 readiness 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 and coping factors relevant to preparation and recovery
  • 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
Woman completing a standardized questionnaire about emotional readiness before surgery.
Client receiving a completed psychological readiness report in a private consultation office.

Step 3: Comprehensive Report

Reports are typically completed within 7–10 business days once all necessary information has been received. With your written consent, the report may be sent to you and/or your surgical team and includes:

  • Summary of clinical interview and assessment findings
  • Identification of strengths that support preparation and recovery
  • Discussion of any concerns or risk factors
  • Clinical impression of psychological readiness, support needs, and any recommended next steps
  • Specific recommendations to support preparation and recovery

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 readiness 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
  • Clarify practical next steps and support needs before the procedure
Man discussing psychological readiness results and next steps during a consultation.

How to Get the Most from Your Assessment

To support 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 understand your readiness and support needs, 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. The evaluation may identify strengths, questions to clarify, or recommendations to address before your medical team makes its decision.

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 in preparing for the procedure.

 

Request a private consultation

For Referring Providers

Restored Living provides thoughtful psychological readiness assessments for adults preparing for surgery or major medical procedures. Evaluations typically include a clinical interview, standardized psychological measures, review of relevant medical or referral information, and a written report with clinically grounded recommendations. Reports are typically completed within 7–10 business days once all required information has been received, depending on clinical complexity and referral needs. To refer a patient, use the secure Provider Referral Form below. For questions about fit, scheduling, or referral coordination, contact Dr. Steele at office@restoredliving1.com or 516-200-1889. Calls and texts are accepted for scheduling and coordination; please do not include detailed clinical information by text.

Complete Provider Referral Form

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 typically completed within 7–10 business days once all necessary information has been received.
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?
The evaluation does not independently decide whether surgery will proceed. It gives your surgical team information about emotional readiness, expectations, coping, and support needs. If concerns are identified, the report may recommend steps to address before your medical team makes its decision.
Will I “pass” or “fail” the evaluation?
This is not a pass/fail test. The purpose is to understand readiness and support needs and to identify recommendations that may help you prepare. Your medical team remains responsible for decisions about the procedure.
Will insurance cover the evaluation?
Restored Living is a private-pay practice in New York and Georgia and does not bill insurance. Payment is due at the time of service. For clients with out-of-network benefits, reimbursement support may be available through Mentaya, a third-party service that helps submit claims. Coverage varies by plan, so please check your benefits with your insurer.
Is the evaluation confidential?
Your information is protected under privacy law and professional ethics. A summary report is shared with your surgical team only with your written consent, and we'll explain exactly what it includes.
Will you share everything I say with my surgeon?
The report sent to your surgical team focuses on factors relevant to surgical readiness 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. A treatment history is considered in context and does not by itself determine the recommendation.
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 500
Garden City, NY 11530

ATLANTA

Georgia

Virtual Appointments
Now Available!

CALL OR TEXT

(516) 200-1889

office@restoredliving1.com
Secure Fax: (516) 703-6160
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*Virtual appointments are available for the entirety of NY State