Bariatric and Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations Online

If you’re preparing for weight-loss surgery, your surgical program will likely ask for a psychological evaluation first. It isn’t a test you might fail. A good pre-surgical evaluation is a supportive, collaborative conversation that helps you and your care team prepare for a successful surgery and recovery. Our licensed psychologists offer bariatric and other pre-surgical psychological evaluations by secure video, with a clear written report for your surgical team.

Why Surgeons Require a Psychological Evaluation

Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool that involves lifelong changes in eating, activity, and routines. Most bariatric programs and many insurance plans require a psychological evaluation, and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) recommends a presurgical psychosocial evaluation for every patient.

The goal isn’t to screen people out. It’s to:

  • Identify strengths and support that will help you succeed
  • Spot challenges, such as stress, mood, or eating patterns, worth addressing
  • Make sure you understand the procedure and the changes that follow
  • Give your surgical team useful information and recommendations

Most people are cleared for surgery. Sometimes the recommendation is extra support first, to set you up for the best outcome.

What the Evaluation Includes

Following ASMBS recommendations, our evaluations typically include:

Clinical interview. We talk about:

  • Weight history and past weight-loss efforts
  • Eating patterns, such as binge eating, emotional eating, grazing, or night eating
  • Mood, anxiety, and mental health history
  • Alcohol, tobacco, and substance use
  • Stress, social support, and your daily routine
  • Your understanding of the surgery, expectations, and readiness for change

Standardized questionnaires about mood, eating behavior, and related areas.

Feedback, where we review our impressions and any recommendations with you.

Written report sent to your surgical program, with specific recommendations when appropriate.

How to Prepare

  • Have your surgical program’s name and any required forms or report guidelines ready.
  • Be honest. Honesty helps us understand your situation and rarely prevents surgery.
  • Have your insurance card and a list of current medications on hand.
  • Choose a private, quiet space with reliable internet.

Can the Evaluation Be Done Online?

Yes. Many bariatric programs accept telehealth evaluations, but confirm with your surgical team that one from an outside psychologist meets their standards. We’re glad to work with your program’s forms. Learn how our teletherapy works.

Support Before and After Surgery

Habits, emotions, and relationships with food take time to adjust after surgery. Our clinicians offer ongoing therapy before and after, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for emotional and binge eating, stress management, and support for anxiety and depression.

Other Pre-Surgical Evaluations

Some procedures besides bariatric surgery also require a psychological evaluation. If your doctor has asked you to complete a pre-surgical evaluation for a different procedure, contact us and we’ll let you know whether we can help.

What Evaluators Look For

Psychologists look at factors research links to surgical outcomes:

  • Understanding of the procedure. Its risks and the lifelong changes to eating and supplements.
  • Realistic expectations. Surgery is a tool, not a cure, and weight loss and its pace vary.
  • Eating behaviors. Binge, loss-of-control, and emotional eating are common and treatable.
  • Mood and mental health. What matters most is whether conditions like depression and anxiety are managed.
  • Alcohol and substance use. Alcohol is absorbed differently after some procedures, so this is a key safety topic.
  • Support and coping. Who will help you during recovery, and how do you usually handle stress?

Readiness Recommendations

Most evaluations end with a straightforward recommendation to proceed. Occasionally we recommend steps before surgery, such as:

  • A few sessions of therapy for binge eating or emotional eating
  • Getting depression or anxiety under better control
  • Establishing a period of stable sobriety
  • Building a support plan for recovery

Common Questions About the Process

Do I need a referral? Your surgical program usually tells you when to schedule. Some plans require a referral or prior authorization, and we can help you check.

Will my surgeon see everything I say? Your program receives a written report with relevant findings and recommendations. Your psychologist will explain what’s included.

What if my program has its own forms? Send them to us before your appointment, and we’ll make sure the report meets your program’s requirements.

Insurance Coverage

We’re in-network with Aetna, Optum and UnitedHealthcare, Oscar (through the UnitedHealthcare network), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ambetter (in Washington only), and others. Depending on the clinician and state, some of our clinicians also accept Anthem.

We do not accept Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans.

Psychological Healing has 40 clinicians, offering in-person sessions in 20 states and video sessions in 44 states. You need to be located in a state where your psychologist is licensed during the appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fail a bariatric psych evaluation? It isn’t a pass/fail test. Most people are cleared. If concerns come up, the usual recommendation is extra support or treatment first, so you’re in the best position for a good outcome.

How long does a bariatric psychological evaluation take? The appointment usually takes one to two hours, plus time for questionnaires. We send the written report to your surgical program after the evaluation.

Is a bariatric psychological evaluation covered by insurance? Often, yes, when your surgical program requires it. Some plans require prior authorization. We’ll verify your coverage first.

What if I’ve struggled with binge eating or depression? That’s common, and it doesn’t automatically rule out surgery. Be open about it. We may recommend support that helps you succeed before and after surgery.

If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.

Clinically reviewed by Karan Singh, Ph.D.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026