Pre- and Post-Operative Psychological Services

What are pre-operative psychological evaluations?

Pre-operative psychological evaluations provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s preparedness for surgery such as bariatric (LapBand, gastric bypass) surgery, spinal cord stimulator implantation, organ transplantation, cochlear implantation, cosmetic surgeries, and other surgical procedures. Any barriers to safety, adjustment, and successful outcome are identified and explored and recommendations are made to best prepare the individual and the physician for the surgical procedure and follow-up.

Why do I need a pre-operative psychological evaluation?

Medical research has demonstrated that patients who have participated in pre-operative psychological evaluations are more likely to achieve and maintain successful, desired outcomes. The pre-operative psychological evaluation aims to ensure that (1) there are no obstacles to successful outcome, (2) the individual is knowledgeable regarding the surgery and any post-operative lifestyle changes, (3) the individual has sufficient social support, and (4) the individual is emotionally prepared for surgery and any post-operative changes. In addition, many insurance companies require a pre-operative psychological evaluation prior to authorizing insurance coverage for particular surgical procedures, such as gastric bypass or LapBand surgery.

What does a pre-operative psychological evaluation involve?

A pre-operative psychological evaluation consists of both a clinical interview and paper-and-pencil assessment measures. The clinical interview is a discussion between the psychologist and the patient regarding a number of aspects of the patient’s life, including past and present experiences, emotional health, lifestyle, motivation, and goals for surgery. The written assessments allow the psychologist to learn more about the patient in a brief period of time, identifying personal strengths as well as areas to be addressed in order to maximize an individual’s preparedness for surgery and beyond. With patient authorization, a pre-operative psychological evaluation report will be sent to the referring surgeon.

What are post-operative psychological services?

Post-operative counseling and/or empirically-supported psychotherapy provides clients with emotional support, behavior modification, and/or psychological treatment to assist in lifestyle and emotional adjustment to maximize potential for continued health and wellness.

How can The Center for Emotional Health help me?

The Center for Emotional Health provides clients with pre-operative psychological evaluations in accordance with standards set by the National Institutes of Health and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as well as current medical and health psychology practices. In addition, The Center provides clients with post-operative counseling and psychotherapy to assist in lifestyle and emotional adjustment to maximize potential for continued health and wellness. A free-of-charge interdisciplinary support program, and comprehensive “Healthy Lifestyles” program is also available for bariatric patients.

How is The Center for Emotional Health uniquely experienced with pre- and post- operative services?

Dr. Deibler holds a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology/neuropsychology, representing specialized training focused on meeting the psychological needs of medical patients. At Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Deibler provided interdisciplinary consultation to the cardiac transplantation program, lung transplantation program, bariatric surgery program, and cochlear implantation program.

Dr. Deibler has provided pre- and post-surgical evaluation as well as post-surgical counseling and psychotherapy to a variety of medical populations, including patients involved in organ transplantation, bariatric surgical procedures, and cochlear implantation. It is Dr. Deibler’s goal to ensure that each client is well-prepared for a surgical procedure and progresses optimally through post-surgical adjustment and behavior change.