Assessment before Surgery (London, W1G)

 In a pre-surgical assessment, your Psychologist will initially introduce themselves and tell you about confidentiality and the instances that confidentiality may be breached. Your Psychologist will also tell you about other policies in place – more information is in our therapy contract. 

The next steps of the assessment will include a discussion about how you typically make a decision but also in the context of your surgery – in essence how you came to decide that you wanted to have this surgery. The assessment will also discuss your rationale for wanting this surgery and what led you to decide on surgery as an option. There will also be time to discuss your current and past psychological difficulties that you’ve experienced. 

Alongside any current or past risk issues. There will also be an opportunity to discuss your current coping strategies. Additionally, as some surgeries include a change to an individual’s appearance, it’s important to think about body image, your concerns (if any) about your body at present or in the past and how these may be linked to your current psychological difficulties. Your Psychologist will also ask about any previous surgeries you’ve had and how this has impacted you. Finally, your Psychologist will initiate a discussion with you on your expectations surround your surgery and what you hope will be achieved. There will also be a talk on your understanding of the complications and risks you are mindful of. It also entails how you may adjust to the changes in your appearance or how you might manage if there are any complications. 

There will also be psychometrics involved in the assessment process, to objectively measure your psychological state alongside the clinical assessment. 

Based on the outcome of the clinical assessment and the psychometrics, the letter will include the following information: 

- Your basic details: Name, Date of birth, Address

- Presenting difficulties

- Psychometrics

- Psychological history (treatment, diagnosis, medication)

- Risk assessment

- Social Support

- Surgery

- Conclusion and Professional Recommendation

- Assessing Psychologist (brief information of the Psychologist) 

Please note that each letter will vary from individual to individual depending on the clinical interview. If there is anything you feel isn’t gathered above, please let your Psychologist know during your clinical interview. 

The letter usually takes two weeks. However, if you require it sooner, please let us know as soon as possible and we will check if this is something we can accommodate. We also have a fast-track available, please enquire for further information. We always do our best to be as flexible as possible. 

A 50-minute assessment and letter back costs £340. If additional time is required for the assessment, there is an additional charge.