Pre-Surgical and Pre-Treatment Evaluations

A pre-surgical psychological evaluation is often required before certain medical procedures to ensure emotional readiness and support long-term treatment success. These evaluations assess mental health history, treatment expectations, and any psychosocial factors that may impact recovery.

At Psychology 360 in San Diego, we provide compassionate, goal-oriented evaluations for individuals preparing for bariatric surgery, hormone treatment, gender-affirming care, and other medically guided procedures. Our goal is to support both your health journey and the requirements of your medical team.

Start the Conversation

What Procedures Require a Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation?

Many medical providers require a psychological evaluation before performing procedures that involve significant physical, emotional, or lifestyle changes. These evaluations ensure patients are mentally prepared, understand the risks and benefits, and have the appropriate support systems in place.

At Psychology 360, we provide pre-surgical psychological evaluations for the following procedures:

Bariatric Surgery

Psychological evaluations are commonly required before weight loss surgery (e.g., gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy). These assessments explore eating behaviors, emotional readiness, body image, and motivation for surgery.

Gender-Affirming Care

For individuals pursuing hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries, we offer evaluations aligned with WPATH guidelines. We also provide the letters needed to access hormone treatment and surgical procedures.

Cosmetic Surgery

Certain cosmetic or elective surgeries — particularly those with high emotional or physical impact — may require a psychological evaluation to assess expectations, body image concerns, and overall readiness.

If you’re unsure whether your procedure requires an evaluation, we’re happy to help clarify the expectations from your surgeon or treatment team.

What to Expect During a Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation

A pre-surgical psychological evaluation is not a pass-or-fail test — it’s a supportive process designed to help your medical team understand your readiness for surgery and recovery. At Psychology 360, our evaluations are respectful, informative, and tailored to the requirements of your surgeon or provider.

During the evaluation, we assess key areas related to your mental health and treatment preparedness, including:

Emotional well-being and current mental health status
Understanding of the procedure and its risks/benefits
Coping strategies for stress, pain, and recovery challenges
Motivation for surgery and treatment goals
Support system availability during recovery
History of trauma, disordered eating, or mood-related concerns (if relevant)

The evaluation often includes a clinical interview and brief psychological screening measures. Once complete, we provide any required documentation or letters in a timely manner.

Gender-Affirming Care and Support

For individuals pursuing gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgical procedures, we offer evaluations aligned with clinical best practices and WPATH guidelines. These assessments are affirming, respectful, and focused on helping clients access the care they need.

Our services include:

Psychological evaluations for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Evaluations for gender-affirming surgeries (e.g., top surgery, bottom surgery)
Letters of support for providers or surgeons as required

We also encourage clients and families to explore additional support and education through reputable online resources, including:

We are here to support your goals with compassion, professionalism, and timely care.

GET IN TOUCH

An accurate pre-surgical psychological evaluation helps ensure you’re emotionally prepared and supported before undergoing a medical procedure.

We offer evaluations for bariatric surgery, cosmetic procedures, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming care — with timely documentation and a respectful, client-centered approach.

Schedule a call

Case Study
Big Steps for Lawrence

Lawrence was referred by his occupational therapist to Psychology 360 for diagnostic clarification and intervention recommendations.

Case Study
Hayden in a Spiral

Hayden’s parents elected to have their daughter professionally evaluated through Psychology 360 in order to explore her explore her emotional health and initiate the supports and treatments that would help her overcome her challenges.

Case Study
Maddie on the Move

Maddie was having difficulty with focus and her parents contacted Psychology 360 for an evaluation in order to determine additional supports, interventions, and school accommodations.

Case Study
Keeping Pace with Carlos

Carlos excelled in a variety of sports, although his parents and teachers noticed that he was struggling with academics and self-confidence which prompted an evaluation at Psychology 360.

Pre-Surgical and Pre-Treatment Evaluations

What Procedures Require a Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation?

Bariatric Surgery

Gender-Affirming Care

Cosmetic Surgery

What to Expect During a Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation

Gender-Affirming Care and Support

An accurate pre-surgical psychological evaluation helps ensure you’re emotionally prepared and supported before undergoing a medical procedure.

Case Study
Big Steps for Lawrence

Case Study
Hayden in a Spiral

Case Study
Maddie on the Move

Case Study
Keeping Pace with Carlos

Stay Connected

CONTACT

Pre-Surgical and Pre-Treatment Evaluations

What Procedures Require a Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation?

Bariatric Surgery

Gender-Affirming Care

Cosmetic Surgery

What to Expect During a Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation

Gender-Affirming Care and Support

An accurate pre-surgical psychological evaluation helps ensure you’re emotionally prepared and supported before undergoing a medical procedure.

Case Study Big Steps for Lawrence

Case Study Hayden in a Spiral

Case Study Maddie on the Move

Case Study Keeping Pace with Carlos

Stay Connected

CONTACT

CONNECT WITH US

Fill out the fields below to sign up for our quarterly newsletter.

Case Study
Big Steps for Lawrence

Case Study
Hayden in a Spiral

Case Study
Maddie on the Move

Case Study
Keeping Pace with Carlos