Yes. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are licensed advanced practice providers fully qualified to perform pre-surgical psychological evaluations. My evaluation reports are structured to meet the clinical standards set by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery ( ASMBS) as well as major commercial insurance guidelines.

No. A bariatric evaluation is a one-time consultative service and does not establish an ongoing psychiatric treatment or medication management relationship.

Because my practice operates entirely via telehealth, I do not provide intensive community-based crisis care, specialized addiction treatment, or in-person crisis management. If your evaluation indicates a need for higher-level or specialized care, I will provide external resource recommendations (such as local addiction specialists, in-person therapists, or community mental health programs) to help connect you with appropriate local care.

Note: If you wish to establish general outpatient psychiatric care with my practice for non-crisis mental health needs, a separate intake evaluation is required and subject to practice availability.

The best way to prepare is to ensure your clinical paperwork is completed fully and transparently. Because this is a supportive assessment designed to build a post-surgery safety net, you do not need to study or worry about "passing."

To help the process go as smoothly as possible, please have the following ready before your appointment:

• Your Surgeon's Contact Info: I will need your bariatric surgeon's name, clinic name, and office fax number so I can send my formal report directly to them.

• Your Medication List: A current list of any psychiatric or medical prescription medications you are taking, including dosages.

• Your Past History: A brief timeline of any past mental health treatments, therapies, and major weight loss programs you have participated in.

• A Quiet, Private Space: Since our 30-minute consultation is held via secure telehealth, please ensure you are in a private, quiet location with a reliable internet connection where you feel comfortable speaking openly.

You cannot "fail" the evaluation in the traditional sense. Its purpose is simply to assess readiness and ensure your safety before, during, and after surgery. Most individuals complete their evaluation without difficulty.

If active or unmanaged safety concerns are present—such as active substance use, untreated psychiatric symptoms, or recent crisis—clearance may be temporarily deferred. This is not a permanent denial. If a deferral occurs, we will provide clear recommendations and support to help you achieve stability so you can safely move forward when you are ready.

No. Payment covers the professional time required to conduct the evaluation, review administered assessment screenings and the completion of your comprehensive official report. Surgical clearance is based solely on clinical readiness and safety standards set by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

If your evaluation indicates that additional stability or support is needed before surgery, your clearance will be temporarily deferred. A deferral is not a permanent denial—it simply means taking time to prioritize your safety and long-term health.

You will receive specific clinical recommendations on what needs to be addressed before re-evaluation. Once you have worked with your treating provider or care team to meet those stability milestones, you can return to The Calming Edge for a focused re-evaluation. If completed within six months of your initial assessment, a reduced re-evaluation fee will apply.

If you decide not to proceed with the bariatric psychological evaluation before submitting your completed intake packet, your $350 evaluation fee will be refunded in full.

Once your completed intake packet has been submitted, the evaluation process has begun. If you decide not to proceed with the clinical evaluation after submitting your completed intake packet but before completing your clinical appointment, 50% of the evaluation fee ($175) will be refunded.

Once the clinical evaluation appointment has been completed, the $350 evaluation fee is nonrefundable, regardless of the recommendation or outcome of the evaluation.

Appointment cancellations and rescheduling: At least 48 business hours' advance notice is required to cancel or reschedule the clinical appointment without a late cancellation fee. Weekends and holidays do not count toward the 48-business-hour notice period.

Late cancellations and no-shows for Bariatric clinical evaluations are subject to a $75 fee.

After two late cancellations and/or no-shows during the bariatric evaluation process, the evaluation fee will be forfeited and you will no longer be eligible to schedule another clinical appointment to complete the evaluation.