Question:
Has anyone ever used a licenced clinical Social worker for my Psych evaluation?

I KNOW AHEAD OF TIME THAT I WILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED BY THE PSYC TO HAVE THIS SURGERY. MY ? IS THIS: DOES ANYONE KNOW IF I CAN USE A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER FOR MY EVALUATION? I HAVE CALLED EVERY PSYCHIATRIST IN OUR PHONE BOOK AND NONE OF THEM DO THIS. I HAVE STRAIGHT MEDICAL AND KNOW THAT THEY REQUIRE THIS. ALSO, HAS ANYONE WITH STRAIGHT MEDICAL BEEN APPROVED? IF SO, HOW LONG DID THE APPROVAL PROCESS TAKE? HAVE MY CONSULTATION ON THE 11TH AND REALLY SCARED TO DEATH. THANKS GUYS....GOD BLESS US ALL!!!!!!    — PETIE B. (posted on September 4, 2001)

September 4, 2001
I used a LCSW for my evaluation, but she is someone I've been seeing for about three years. My surgeon was willing to accept her evaluation because I had been working with her for a long time and she also sees three other WLS patients. In my case it was up to the surgeon to decide. That may not be the case with all insurance companies.
   — Dee P.

September 4, 2001
Hi there!. My regular therapist is an LICSW, and I've been seeing her for, lets say, more than a couple of years. I've done the hardest work I've ever done in therapy with her, and it has helped me prepare for this big step in a way that I never would have before. Just a note on my experience.... Margie B
   — Marjorie B.

September 4, 2001
I also use a LSW for my psych eval, and that was good enough for my approval. Good luck!
   — Dawn H.

September 4, 2001
As a SW , I think that we can do a lot of assessment and evaluation. We do not, as a group, do psychological testing. So to answer you question it would depend on if your physician/insurance co. required psychological testing as part of your evaluation. I think certified social workers can be great theraposts. good luck, Kathy
   — kathleen S.

September 5, 2001
My surgeon recommends all his patients to see the same person for their "psych" evaluation. He happens to be a LCSW. He is also a patient 18 months post-op so he was really able to offer insight about the surgery. He did suggest that I see a therapist because he has concerns about post-op depression. I'm still pre-op (going on 9/20), but starting to see a regular therapist is a really good idea, they're someone to count on for support before, during and after surgery....Good luck!
   — Kelley S.