Evaluation 04
Pre-Surgical & Neurosurgical Psychological Evaluation
A focused evaluation, with clear documentation on the timeline your procedure requires.
A focused pre-surgical psychological evaluation and neurosurgical psychological evaluation for patients preparing for procedures in which a psychological evaluation for neurosurgery or surgery is requested or clinically indicated. This includes deep brain stimulation (DBS), epilepsy-related neurosurgical procedures, spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trials and implantation, intrathecal pain pumps, bariatric surgery, organ transplant, and other neurosurgical or medical interventions. The entire evaluation is conducted virtually in a single session, and documentation is written to the criteria your surgeon, program, or insurer requires and sent to your surgical team with your written authorization. Patients may self-refer or be referred by a surgeon or program, and the evaluation is available to eligible patients in New York, Alabama, and participating PSYPACT states.
- Format
- Virtual
- Session
- 60–90 minutes
- Report
- Typically within 1 week
- Fee
- $695
Who this is for
This evaluation fits
- 01Patients referred for a pre-surgical psychological evaluation or neurosurgical psychological evaluation
- 02Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and epilepsy surgery candidates
- 03Patients scheduled for neuromodulation or other neurosurgical procedures where psychological clearance is requested
- 04Spinal cord stimulator trial and implantation candidates
- 05Intrathecal pain pump and pain-management candidates
- 06Bariatric surgery candidates needing psychological clearance
- 07Transplant candidates working towards becoming listed
- 08Patients whose procedure requires behavioral-health clearance not listed here
- 09Surgical practices and programs that need reliable, prompt turnaround
Common reasons people come
What brings people here
A required program step
A surgical date already scheduled
Insurance documentation requirements
A previous evaluation delayed
Program-specific protocols
Adherence and support planning
What the evaluation includes
Measured, not estimated
Relevant psychological, behavioral, and cognitive factors are evaluated using clinical interview, validated measures, and program-specific requirements, and interpreted together rather than in isolation. Cognitive assessment is included when clinically indicated; a comprehensive neuropsychological battery is not required unless the referral question calls for it.
Structured clinical interview
Medical history, mood, substance use, support system, and understanding of the procedure.
Standardized screening measures
Brief validated instruments appropriate to your program's requirements.
Program-specific documentation
Written to the exact criteria your surgical team or insurer uses.
Practical recommendations
Where preparation would strengthen your outcome, it is named specifically and constructively.
Expected timeline
From first call to feedback
A small number of evaluations are scheduled each month, so each stage receives the hours it requires.
Referral
Day 0Your team or you make contact; requirements are confirmed.
Step 1 of 4Scheduling
Days 1–3Appointments are held open weekly for surgical referrals.
Step 2 of 4Evaluation
60–90 minutesA single virtual session covering the required areas.
Step 3 of 4Report
Typically within 1 weekThe evaluation, including the written report, is typically completed within one week. Documentation is sent directly to your surgical team.
Step 4 of 4
What patients receive
What you leave with
A timely determination
The evaluation, including the written report, is typically completed within one week.
A clear explanation
You are told what is being assessed, and why, before the session begins.
Program-ready formatting
Written to the documentation standards your program and insurer require.
Preparation guidance
Where something would strengthen your candidacy, you learn it plainly and early.
Referring providers
Pre-Surgical & Neurosurgical Psychological Evaluations
Focused virtual psychological evaluations for patients preparing for spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation (DBS), epilepsy-related neurosurgical procedures, intrathecal pumps, organ transplantation, bariatric surgery, and other surgical or neurosurgical interventions requiring psychological evaluation. Reports are designed to clearly address relevant psychological and behavioral factors for the referring medical or surgical team, with program-specific criteria incorporated directly into the evaluation and written report.
- Neurosurgical (DBS, epilepsy surgery, neuromodulation), spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal pump, pain-management, bariatric, and transplant clearance
- Program forms and criteria followed as written
- Typically completed within one week, including the written report, and sent with patient authorization
Fees are listed on the fees page, referral details for practices are on the referring providers page, and requirements can be sent through contact.
Frequently asked
Questions people ask first
Is this a test I can fail?
This is not a pass-fail examination. The evaluation identifies psychological, behavioral, cognitive, and support factors relevant to the procedure. When additional preparation would strengthen candidacy, that is described specifically and constructively.
How quickly can I be seen?
Pre-surgical and neurosurgical psychological evaluations are typically completed within one week, including the written report. Flat fee: $695. Private pay. Appointments are held open each week for surgical referrals; timing depends on availability and receipt of any program forms, and the evaluation does not determine surgical approval.
Will the report go to my surgeon?
Yes, sent directly to your team with your written authorization.
Which procedures does this cover?
Pre-surgical psychological evaluations and neurosurgical psychological evaluations are provided when requested or clinically indicated — including deep brain stimulation (DBS), epilepsy-related neurosurgical procedures, spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trials and implantation, intrathecal pain pumps, bariatric surgery, organ transplant, and pain-management procedures. If your program requires a psychological evaluation for neurosurgery or another surgical intervention not listed here, ask — most medically indicated evaluations are accommodated.
Do I need a referral from my surgeon?
No. Patients may self-refer or be referred by a surgeon or program. If your program has its own criteria or forms, send them and they are incorporated.
Is the evaluation done virtually, and where are you licensed?
The evaluation is a single virtual session, typically 60 to 90 minutes. It is available to eligible patients located in New York, Alabama, and participating PSYPACT states.
Clear next steps
How to begin
Request a consultation
A complimentary 15-minute call to describe what you are noticing and hear whether this evaluation answers your question.
Receive an estimate
A Good Faith Estimate and a written plan for scheduling arrive before any work begins.
Reserve your dates
Interview and testing sessions are scheduled together, so the full timeline is known from the start.
Pre-surgical and neurosurgical psychological evaluations are typically completed within one week, including the written report. Flat fee: $695. Private pay.
Timing depends on appointment availability and receipt of any necessary records or program forms. The evaluation informs, but does not determine, surgical approval.
Also offered
ADHD Evaluation
Diagnostic clarification for adolescents and adults when attention, organization, follow-through, executive functioning, or academic or work performance raises the question of ADHD.
02Psychological Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment of emotional and psychological functioning, for diagnostic clarification and individualized recommendations.
03Neuropsychological / Cognitive Evaluation
An individualized assessment of how you are functioning cognitively, whether something has changed, what may be contributing, and what to do next.
While you wait
The Brain Blueprint™
Written work from this practice — plain-language guides to attention, memory, habit, and recovery. A one-page primer is free to download.
Next step
What happens next
Messages are answered within one business day. Consultations are usually available the same week.
- 01
Book a 15-minute call
Nothing is scheduled or charged at this stage.
- 02
We decide together
Which evaluation answers your question, what it costs, and when it can be held.
- 03
You receive it in writing
Dates, fees, and a Good Faith Estimate, before anything begins.