Why is a psychological evaluation for weight-loss surgery required?
The purpose of this evaluation is to evaluate the psychological status of pre-surgery candidates. It is very important that the patient be psychologically stable and prepared for the surgery, the surgical recovery period, and new lifestyle changes.
Why should I use Dr. Hutchinson for my pre-surgical psychological evaluation?
Karen Hutchinson, Ph.D. (PSY-15768) is a licensed psychologist who has done over several thousand psychological clearance evaluations for patients in Sacramento and surrounding areas. While Dr. Hutchinson has helped people with many types of problems, she specializes in assessing bariatric surgery patients. Patients report feeling very comfortable with the evaluation process. The quick turn around time from scheduling to the authoring of the clearance report facilitates and reduces the stress associated with completing this step in the pre-surgical process. Call 916-444-8012 today to schedule your assessment.
What does a psychological evaluation for weight-loss surgery entail?
A pre-surgical psychological assessment includes two parts, a clinical interview and psychological testing.
Clinical interview: This is a one-on-one interview. In a friendly setting, you will be able to discuss the goals with weight loss surgery. The clinical interview will include the reasons for seeking surgery, weight and diet history, current eating behaviors, understanding of the surgery, the surgical recovery period, and new lifestyle changes. We will also discuss social supports and history, current mental health status, and history of mental health treatments and diagnoses, and establish if there is a link between your habits and health issue with weight gain.
Psychological Testing: You will provide demographic information and will take several tests to help identify your strengths. Testing can also identify areas where you might need help and support before and after surgery.
How quickly can I schedule an appointment and when will the report be complete?
We realize how important it is to accomplish the many hurdles that precede surgery. Our office is located on the corner of Alhambra Blvd., and H Street in Sacramento. It is a very comfortable and inviting suite with an elevator to our office on the second floor. Once you initiate the desire to schedule an appointment we will provide you with a date that serves your schedule. We have basically minimal wait time and once you are seen your report can be faxed to your provider with 1-3 business days.
What happens after my appointment?
Your provider will be served with the psychological evaluation. We recommend that you talk with your provider about the pre-surgical protocol so you can be an informed advocate and help to facilitate the scheduling of your surgery.
What is the fee for a bariatric psychological evaluation?
Dr. Hutchinson's bariatric evaluation fee is $500. The fee includes face-to-face time for the clinical interview, administering, scoring, interpreting, and analyzing the psychological tests, and the final report. We do not bill insurance companies for this service. Collection has proven to be time consuming and not cost efficient. However, you will be given a receipt (super bill) that you can submit to your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement.
Does Dr. Hutchinson offer bariatric psychological evaluations to patients who live outside of Sacramento?
Yes. If you are in need of a pre-surgery psychological evaluation and live in Stockton, Fresno, Modesto, San Jose, San Francisco, or other Bay Area city, call our office at 916-444-8012. Dr. Hutchinson can see you in Sacramento or may be able to schedule you at one of her other office locations closer to your home.
Other Office Locations
2377 W Shaw Ave, Suite 112, Fresno, CA 93711
436 14th Street, Suite 910, Oakland, CA 94612
201 Spear Street, Suite 1100, San Francisco, CA 94105
111 N Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113
11 S. San Joaquin Street, Suite 701, Stockton, CA 95202