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PRE SURGERY ASSESSMENT

Clear, supportive evaluations to help you move forward with surgery.
Available in English and Spanish.

Thinking About Surgery?

Many medical procedures—such as bariatric, transplant, orthopedic, or plastic surgery—require a mental health evaluation as part of the process.

This evaluation helps ensure you feel prepared, supported, and ready for both the procedure and the recovery that follows.

At Redwood Counseling, we provide structured, practical evaluations designed to help you move forward with confidence.

More on the Pre Surgery Evaluation

What This Evaluation Looks At

We take a comprehensive but straightforward look at areas that can impact your experience before and after surgery, including:

  • Your current mental health and emotional well-being
  • Any history of substance use
  • Coping skills and stress management
  • Your understanding of the procedure and recovery process
  • Your ability to follow post-surgery care plans
  • Your support system (family, friends, environment)
  • Any barriers that could make recovery more difficult

What You’ll Receive

After the evaluation, we provide a clear, structured report that is shared with your medical team (with your written permission).

This includes:

  • A summary of your evaluation
  • Key factors that may impact your surgery and recovery
  • A readiness determination:
    • Ready
    • Ready with recommendations
    • Deferred (additional support recommended before proceeding)
  • Practical recommendations to help set you up for success

Who Will Be Working With You

Our evaluations are completed by experienced, licensed clinicians who understand both mental health and medical care.

Juana Soto Rodriguez, LMFT

Juana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience in eating disorder treatment across PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings. She brings a strong understanding of eating patterns, body image, and behavioral health factors that can impact readiness for change and follow-through with care. Juana is also a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology and provides evaluations in English and Spanish.

Stephanie McPherrin, LPCC

Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 16 years of clinical experience. She previously conducted pre-surgical mental health evaluations in Indiana, working closely with medical teams. Her background includes assessing behavioral, emotional, and psychosocial factors that impact surgical readiness and recovery. Stephanie provides structured, clinically grounded evaluations supporting clear decision-making for patients and providers.

 

Timing and Insurance

Timing

  • Standard turnaround: approximately 21 days
  • Expedited option: 10 days

If you are working within a surgical timeline, expedited appointments may be available.

Insurance

Medi-Cal (IEHP, Molina, LA Care)
 If you have Medi-Cal, there is no copay and no fee for the report.

Commercial Insurance (HMO/PPO)
 We do not bill or accept commercial insurance for this service.

If you have a PPO plan, you may choose to pay privately and submit for possible reimbursement. Coverage is not guaranteed, and we do not submit claims on your behalf.

Getting Started

Cost & Payment

Fees for surgical readiness assessments vary based on timing and complexity.

  • Standard Evaluation & Report: typically around $1,250
  • Expedited Evaluations: typically around $1,750
  • Additional fees may apply in more complex cases requiring extended time, record review, or coordination

Because each situation is unique, we recommend reaching out to our team for a clear, personalized estimate based on your specific needs and timeline.

Our team can walk you through your options and help you understand exactly what to expect before scheduling.

Payment is due prior to the evaluation for cash-pay services.

How to Get Started

  1. Contact our team by phone, fax, email, or complete this online form
  2. We will reach out to you promptly
  3. Your evaluation will be scheduled promptly
  4. Your report will be completed and sent to your provider

Contact

Referrals & General Information
 Sandy Garcia
951-652-2600 Ext 412
888-285-5826
SandyG@RedwoodCounseling.com

Clinical Questions
 Stephanie McPherrin, LPCC
951-652-2600 Ext 415
888-285-5826
StephanieM@RedwoodCounseling.com

 

Redwood Counseling is Joint Commission accredited, reflecting our commitment to quality, safety, and consistent standards of care.

Serving Southern California
Offices in Gardenia, Hemet, Jurupa, Ontario, Palm Springs, Perris, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Temecula
951-652-2600 
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To reach our office please call:
951-652-2600
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Notice to Clients
Redwood Counseling serves all clients regardless of ability to pay. Discounts for essential services are offered based on family size and income. For more information, please call 951-652-2600.