Need recommendation for psych eval please!

I am in need of a counselor/therapist to do my pre-surgery psych evaluation, preferable in the Eastern Baltimore County area, but I am willing to travel. Thanks in advance!

Hi!  The name you'll hear on this board time and again is Ranessa McNally, 410-602-0102.  Her office is on Old Court Road in Pikesville.  She is phenomenal, a wls patient herself, she's lost about 170 pounds and has had plastics, so she gets us!! I live in eastern Baltimore County, too, and before I knew of Ranessa, went to see Dr. Harvey Gerwantner (sp?), who's office is located in the Fuller Medical Center on Rossville Boulevard, right across from Franklin Square Hospital.  He was very nice and the whole thing took about 30 minutes. However, if, like many wls patients, you feel like you may need to continue therapy, I'd go with Ranessa. Good luck, Tia

Hi There, Ranessa McNally in Pikesville, she is a doll and has had WLS so she understands clearly wehat we are going through.  I don't get anything for referring you but if you choose her tell her Cira Saget gave you her information 410-602-0102. She is a doll! Have a great day!

Unfortunately I  am not able to help here. I used someone locally on Kent Island because I really needed to get it done, because i was unable to get an appointment with Bea from Dr. Averbach's Office at St. Agnes.   I was hoping I would find someone like Ranessa who has been through it as well, so I could continue therapy to provide more success with my new lifestyle changes but, no luck in that department!!   I also went through my health insuance, I work for the State.   The person I saw was very nice and very thorough, and I got my evaluation completed and sent to the Doctor Office in two weeks. As far as relating to me it wasn't there, first off shewas young probably just got her PHD and she was young enough to be my daughter not to mention pencil thin, ivory gril skin and healthy looking as they come, many times I felt she looked at me funny.  My reason to tell you all this, is try to start with someone who you would consider continuing with and also, while I do drive all over the place, Pikesville is kinda for so if ayone could recommend someone in Anne Arundel County or Queen Anne's County- Please PM  me.  PS If there are typos please excuse nerves are starting to get shot!!! Surgery a day and half away!!! Thanks Terri

Hi - I want to introduce myself.  My name is Carol Hendler and I had my wls on 3/22/05.  I have currently lost 126 lbs and maintained it for the last 1 and 1/2 years.  I am also a Clinical Social Worker with a private practice in Chevy Chase, MD where I specialize in addictions and co-dependency.  On occasion I have done psychological evaluations for wls as my background in food addiction and my personal experience lend themselves to this area.  I realize that I would be way out of your geographical needs, but thought I would let others know I am out here.  Be glad help and to answer any questions.  My best wishes for you, Carol

Hi I just saw this, so maybe you no longer need the info, but I wanted to say Ranessa McNally and Amy Easley both are WLS successes and do good work with bariatric surgery psych evals.  Ranessa's info has already been provided here.  Amy Easley, LCSW-C is located in Batimore on Harford Rd just south of Putty Hill Rd, at Easley and Associates.  Her address is 8109 Harford rd, Baltimore, MD 21234, and she also has a westminster office.  phone is 410-665-2900.  Dr VonReuden did her surgery 3 years ago.  She and Ranessa McNally were both highly recommended to me when I was seeing Dr. VonReuden at GBMC before he left.  Both myself and a close friend of mine had our psych evals done by Amy, and she gave us both approval to seek WLS and was very supportive.     Any licensed therapist or psychologist or MD can do the eval.  They just have to know what is required to go into it regarding your surgery readiness.   Good luck!