Psych Eval time...

 Hey guys....this is mainly for people who have already done their psych evals...duh. But, I'm curious how long it took/how many sessions....I understand this is an in depth thing and the therapist kind of wants to make sure that things are okay in my brain, but, I'm just curious if there was a general amount of time. 

Also, if anyone is from the SF area, I would love to know who you used. :)

Thanks! 
Have a super week :)

Hey girl- i would assume everyone is different and it may depend on Surgeon and/or insurance requirements. For me it was just one visit that lasted about 45 mins. We talked about my weight issues growing up and how its affected me. Also about the surgery its self and me made sure i knew and could handle how quickly my body would change. I think they also like to know if you have a support system and that you're not going through this alone. Again- I'm sure everyones experience is a little different but I'm sure most of the general questions are the same. Good luck!
-Courtney

 mine was pretty much the same as courtneys

It's just a formality. Don't sweat it.

 Mine was also like Courtney's :)

Thanks guys. I did find a therapist today--a bunch of the ones I talked to told me that I would need testing and at least 3 sessions....but, the one I found today was SUPER nice and said that he knew what I was going through and he could help me out in one session, and then if I wanted and insurance allowed for it, I could come back for more.

 

Glad you found someone. If he doesn't work out, I recommend Linda Passey in Pleasant Hill. If you are only using public transport it might not work out though. She was super laid back.

My appt was about an hour and we went over childhood, past dieting attempts, why you wanted it and how you planned on maintaining and thats pretty much it. Super easy.

Still waiting for mine, but here's what I was told would be covered.

Psychological Evaluation

 What your psychiatrist needs to cover

Your psychiatrist needs to include at least the following information:

1. The reason for the evaluation
2. How does the patient think the surgery will benefit him/her
3. How long has obesity been a problem
4. Sources of stress or concerns in present life
5. Personal history (lives where, home situation, family interactions, etc)
6. Medications
7. Tobacco, alcohol, recreational drug use, if ever. (How long since)
8. Family history (include physical abuse, child sexual abuse)
9. Schooling
10. Marital status (history to present)
11. Behavioral observations
12. Test results (validity indicators)
13. Impression

Your psychiatrist needs to rule out/look for the following:

1. Drug use
2. Alcohol use
3. Untreated depression
4. Suicidal tendencies
5. Eating disorders
6. Compliance issues
7. Comprehension (Does the patient really understand the surgery and needed lifestyle changes?)
8. Ability to make lifestyle changes
9. Compliance in diet
10. Compliance in exercise
11. Understanding of the need for follow-up no matter how far away the patient lives
12. Reliability
13. Understanding that noncompliance puts them at risk
14. Unrealistic expectations
15. Inadequate support
16. MMPI

I only had to one session... it was about an hour and a half.. maybe two hours.

She asked things along these lines:

-My current living situation
-My lifestyle (school, work, single/married etc)
-My relationship with my parents and family
-Family history
-Drug abuse
-Suicidal tendencies
-Destructive Behaviors
-Sexual/Physical abuse
-My relationship with food
-How long obesity has been an issue for me
-My goals after the surgery
-My expecation of the surgery
-What if the surgery doesnt work
-Romantic history (if my obesity has ever held me back romantically/sexually)

And then she just talked about the after effects like possible plastics, revisions, and kept emphasizing that this was going to be for the REST of my life. 

She cleared me on the spot.  She was impressed with all the research I have done and what not.

I would definitely bring up OH and the forums and what not because my psych didn't even know about it and she was impressed that it was a whole online support community.

Also, my surgeon provided the psych for me.  They work personally with a few different psychs and nutritionists that way I dont pay out of pocket for each session... All I have to do is pay $150 a week before my surgery and that covers all my nutritionist appointments (once every 2 weeks until my surgery, and then after my surgery once every 2 weeks for the first 3 months) and it covers my psych eval.

Good luck! and let us know how it goes!

I have mine on Monday 2/28. Thanks so much it was so helpful and good luck with yours girlie!!