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PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING & ASSESSMENT
Psychological and Pre-Surgical Evaluations
Help Therapy connects patients and referring professionals with psychologists for psychological assessments and pre-surgical evaluations. Share the reason for the evaluation, the referring clinician’s requirements, and any requested deadline so our team can help identify the next steps.
Referral fax: 858-244-0990 · Phone: (858) 481-8827
Pre-surgical and procedure-related evaluations
Some medical teams request a psychological evaluation as part of planning a procedure. The evaluation considers the patient’s understanding, expectations, behavioral health history, coping, and support needs. The psychologist provides findings and recommendations to support the treating team’s decisions.
An evaluation does not guarantee surgical clearance, insurance approval, or a particular treatment outcome.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
Evaluation of expectations, coping, behavioral health factors, and preparation for spinal cord stimulation.
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)
Procedure-specific assessment of expectations, coping, and factors relevant to treatment planning.
Bariatric surgery
Assessment of understanding, expectations, eating-related behavior, support, and readiness for required changes.
Intrathecal pain pump
Evaluation of pain-related adjustment, expectations, and behavioral factors relevant to the proposed treatment.
Other procedures
Ask about evaluation needs for joint replacement, transplant, or another procedure. Some referrals relate to procedures that are not surgical.
Requirements differ by procedure, program, and insurance plan, and not every procedure requires a psychological evaluation. Availability depends on provider expertise and location.
Other psychological assessments
ADHD-related concerns
Referrals to evaluate attention, executive functioning, behavior, and relevant history when appropriate.
Autism-related concerns
Referrals to explore social communication, behavior, and developmental history with an appropriately qualified psychologist.
Cognitive or memory concerns
Referrals to assess areas such as memory, attention, or reasoning when the question is within the psychologist’s scope.
Diagnostic clarification or personality assessment
Referrals to better understand symptoms and emotional, behavioral, or personality factors that may inform treatment.
Assessment options depend on age, clinical question, provider expertise, location, and the referring program’s requirements. An evaluation does not guarantee a particular diagnosis or outcome.
What to expect
1
Submit the evaluation request.
Include patient contact details, insurance, the purpose of the evaluation, the referring office, and the requested timeline.
2
Our intake team reviews the request.
The team reviews requirements and available providers and contacts the patient about next steps.
3
The psychologist plans the evaluation.
The psychologist determines the interview, measures, records, and visit format needed.
4
Findings are reviewed.
The psychologist reviews the findings and prepares the report or recommendations appropriate to the referral.
5
Reports go to authorized recipients.
Reports are shared with authorized recipients according to the patient’s permissions and the referral instructions.
Timing depends on the evaluation and completion of required appointments, assessments, and records. Ask our team about your requested deadline.
Information for referring offices
Patient name and contact information
Insurance information
Requested evaluation or procedure
Referring clinician and practice contact
Reason for referral or clinical question
Pertinent records
Surgeon or program requirements
Requested deadline
Where the report should be returned
Use the online evaluation referral form or fax the referral to 858-244-0990. Include any required program forms and the requested completion date. Our team can clarify what additional information is needed.
Please send only the records relevant to the evaluation, and do not send patient information by ordinary email or through general contact forms.
Common questions
Can I request an evaluation myself?
Yes. You can start the request yourself or have a referring office submit it. Some services require a clinician’s referral, program instructions, or insurance authorization.
Can I complete it by telehealth?
Some evaluations or components may be available remotely. The psychologist determines the appropriate format based on your needs and assessment requirements.
Will I be cleared for my procedure?
The psychologist provides findings and recommendations. Your treating medical team determines the next procedural steps.
How long does it take?
Timing depends on the evaluation and completion of required appointments, assessments, and records. Ask our team about your requested deadline.
Who receives the report?
The team will confirm the intended recipients and any permissions needed to share the report.
What if the procedure date is approaching?
Include the requested deadline in the referral and contact our team. Availability and report completion by a particular date cannot be assumed.
Start an evaluation referral
For yourself, a loved one, or a patient. Our team will help with the next steps.
Phone (858) 481-8827 · Referral fax 858-244-0990