Bariatric Psychological Evaluations

We’re here to support you in your bariatric journey.

Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluations

Chelsea Yamaguchi, MA, LPC provides pre-surgical bariatric psychological evaluations as well as counseling or therapeutic support before and after surgery.  Evaluations are provided in person at the Grand Junction office or statewide via telehealth throughout Colorado. Before undergoing bariatric surgery it is required all patients receive a psychological evaluation.  This is a requirement for insurance companies and surgeons. 

Our #1 goal is to help you feel supported.

The evaluation looks to address the psychological and behavioral contributors to weight struggles to ensure you are prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally for surgery.  Upon completing your evaluation, we provide a letter to your surgeon and any other recommendations to help you in your journey.   

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But I’ve never been to counseling…

For many people, their bariatric psychological evaluation is their first counseling/therapy/mental health experience. It is absolutely common to feel nervous about the evaluation as it is an important step in getting you to your goal of surgery. It is my number one goal to help you feel comfortable and encouraged. During the evaluation, we go over expectations of surgery, and history of food/weight struggles and educate you on the various aspects before, during, and after surgery.


The evaluation is done in one or two 50-minute sessions. You will fill out several forms prior to the evaluation with information that will be discussed during the evaluation. This information includes your personal history, family history, medical history, past and present relationship with food, expectations for surgery, and preparedness for surgery. During the evaluation, we will discuss different pieces of your information and provide further education about surgery pre and post-op. At times a surgeon will require sessions in addition to the psychological evaluation.

 

    • Your personal history

    • Your family history

    • Your mental health history

    • Your medical history

    • Personal and family addiction history

    • Your current life circumstances

    • Your current support systems

    • Current medical issues and medication

    • Your knowledge of surgery

    • Expectations before and after surgery

    • Your food, body and weight history

    • Your current relationship with food & exercise

    • Your current mental health

  • Pre-Surgical Bariatric Evaluations consist of one or two 60-minute in-person or telehealth appointments with Chelsea and a letter to your surgeon.

    Encounter Counseling is currently in network with: Aetna, United Healthcare, BCBS and Cigna. If you utilize insurance you will be charged an additional $50 paperwork fee for the surgeon's letter in addition to your copay.

    The total cost out of pocket is $275. You may be able to utilize your ‘out-of-network’ benefits if we do not accept your insurance. We can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement depending on your specific insurance plan.

    Please reach out if you have questions.

  • Chelsea has been working with individuals regarding disordered eating, body image, and weight for over 5 years. She is a certified intuitive eating counselor and uses these principles to help clients listen to their bodies and reshape negative beliefs around food, diet culture, and body image. Chelsea also utilizes EMDR to help reprocess any trauma around food, body image, and weight.

  • 1. Verify insurance & schedule

    Please email chelsea@encountercounselingcenter.com with your insurance card and we can verify your insurance. If you are paying out of pocket and ready to schedule you can find a time on the calendar that works best for you and schedule the appointment. If you have questions or would like a free 15-minute consultation please email or call 970-812-0136.

    2. Fill out documents

    You will be emailed several documents to fill out online through our client portal. These documents and assessments are quite lengthy and best completed on a tablet or computer. Give yourself 20-30 minutes to complete all forms.

    3. Counseling Info

    Then you will receive an email from Chelsea verifying your appointment time, insurance, and basic information for the day of your appointment including contact info and office address.

    4. Attend your appointment!

    Feel free to reach out with any questions otherwise, we will see you on the day of your appointment.

  • Maybe you are wondering why choose Encounter for your bariatric psychological evaluation?

    Weight loss is so incredibly difficult and complex and having an established support person in the form of counseling provides you with the opportunity to work through and heal what might be getting in the way of your weight loss and health goals. If at any point in the future, you need further support pre or post-op you can feel at ease because you will have already established care.