Discussion about working full-time for Psych group in September

Later this week I am going to sit down with the Psychologist that I report to for my part-time job doing psych evals to discuss the possibility of me joining the group full time in September after I officially get my PhD conferred in August.  On one hand, it is something that I would like to do full-time (it would include counseling as well as doing psych evals, whereas right now I only do periodic psych evals for them), and it would be great if it paid enough for me to quit my current full-time job (which is often a frustrating PITA, but it pays the bills).  One of the suggestions that I made recently was implementing a more structured approach to offering/providing therapy to people after surgery.  Right now, they focus on doing the psych evals and providing pre-op counseling to get people approved for surgery who were not deemed ready at the evaluation, and although they do SOME counselling of post-ops (and non-WLS clients as well), working with post-ops to help them deal with their issues and be successful isn't emphasized as much as pre-surgery prep.  I would love to be able to be part of a more comprehensive program for post-ops, but there is no guarantee that they are interested/willing to go in that direction.

On the other hand, I would have to either terminate my current clients at my other part-time job or they would have to see me in Cincinnati (and I know that two of them, one of whom has been a client for six years, wouldn't be able to do that).  The drive down there can also be a huge hassle in the winter, but that's more an annoyance than a determining factor.  

So, I am torn. It is nice, though, that I even have the opportunity to talk with them about it, especially with the way the economy is here.

Just curious... How many of you would be more likely to see a counselor who has training in post bariatric surgery psych issues in addition to the typical training and experience as a counselor and/or psychologist (as opposed to someone with no specific knowledge of WLS)?  Would that really be a "plus" when deciding on what counselor to see or would that not matter much?

Lora

Seriously, I think you would probably have more business than you could handle if you offered post bariatric surgery counseling. I just looked at the map to see how far a drive it would be for me to come to you.  LoL

Do what you love and what you're good at and you will be more than paying the bills...

Good luck (and congrats) no matter which journey you undertake!!!!

Totally agree! The lady my husband and I saw was nice, but she is a tiny little thing and I don't think she 'gets' the issues related to WLS and while I really would like to pursue more therapy, I don't feel like it is going anywhere with her. And I have not found ANYONE who is experienced with such therapy in a 50 mile radius of either of my homes.  Seriously, I think you would be so busy, you'd wish you could clone yourself! GO FOR IT! :)

And another thought--you might want to consider a satellite office. Surely not 100% of the patients are IN town. I bet plenty drive from other locations. Maybe one day a week or something you could see people at an office closer to home. Worth a shot!

I have to agree, What a great  thing to do, how rewarding it would be!! I would rather see someone who  has been there done that , trained in this field, good luck in your tough decision, Denise

Personally, I think you have a great idea to help those who need help adjusting to the issues that many of us need after the surgeon has done her/his part.  Your unique life experiences have given you a golden soul and I think you would be so effective for post-surgical psych issues.  The good Lord knows that you have helped so many of us on this forum - directly and indirectly.  Whichever way it works out, I know you will continue to be a strong advocate for all.  The best of luck to you.

It would definitely affect my decision on who to see. I would love to see someone for post-Bariatric surgery counseling. I'm having a hard time with depression here lately and not knowing whether my anti depressants are being absorbed fully or not is making me nervous. I currently take 120 mg of Cymbalta and was told at even though it is extended-release, it is absorbed well. Now I, doubting that I absorb most of it and I don't know if I can go on a higher dose or not. Fortunately I see my therapist tomorrow, unfortunately he is not specialized in post-Bariatric surgery!

We have one here in Indy ,Dr. Charles Bowman.  Attends our support groups at the hospital as a patient and has his own private practice. He is also a recovering alcoholic and treats cross addiction issues following WLS.  Quite the demand.

Education plus first-hand WLS experience, I'd be in! One of the WLS practices I considered offers an on-site psychologist for pre-op evals, post-op counseling (extra charge), plus he leads the weekly support group.  

Count me in, if you were in Canada, I bet you would have a long list of clients! 

I would definitely see a counselor who "got it" by personal experience. It's invaluable to be able to talk with someone who can relate.