Psychiatric Pre-Operative Evaluations

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Mental Health Assessments to Support Surgical Planning

At Brain Garden Psychiatry, we offer specialized psychiatric evaluations for individuals preparing for elective or medically necessary surgeries. These assessments are designed to ensure that a patient is mentally and emotionally prepared for their surgery and recovery—while also equipping the surgical team with thoughtful, clinically relevant insights that promote safe, ethical, and personalized care.

• Plastic and cosmetic procedures (e.g., facial surgery, breast augmentation, body contouring)
• Bariatric surgeries (e.g., gastric sleeve, gastric bypass)
• Fertility-related procedures (e.g., egg donation, gestational surrogacy, IVF)
• Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant placement for chronic pain 
• Organ transplant or as part of a live donor assessment
• Other elective or reconstructive surgeries where psychological readiness is an important consideration

• A 90-minute comprehensive psychiatric interview
• Screening for body image concerns or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
• Assessment of emotional preparedness, coping strategies, and decision-making capacity
• Review of medications, supplements, and relevant labs (if applicable)
• An extensive written report delivered to the referring provider with clear, personalized recommendations

Mental Health Diagnoses and neurodivergence are more prevalent than many surgical teams recognize:

• Over 30% of U.S. adults report symptoms of anxiety or depression each year (CDC, 2022)
• OCD affects 2–3% of the population (NIMH, 2023)
• Up to 1 in 5 individuals may meet criteria for neurodivergence, such as ADHD or autism (CDC, 2020)

These conditions—often undiagnosed—can significantly influence surgical outcomes, from pre-op anxiety and pain tolerance to adherence with post-op care.

As a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry and Family Medicine, and a former perioperative RN with over a decade of experience in the OR and PACU, I understand both the psychological landscape and the practical demands of surgery and recovery.

These evaluations go beyond diagnosis. They provide actionable, individualized insights that can help surgical teams enhance care through small but meaningful adjustments—such as:

• Anticipating sensory sensitivities or trauma responses
• Offering written instructions or visual supports for executive function challenges
• Planning ahead for sleep disruptions, medication sensitivities, or emotional processing difficulties

With the right context, your team can deliver more compassionate, attuned care—without adding burden or delay.

• Flat Fee: $495 (cash-pay only)
• Format: Secure virtual visits available across California
• In-Person Option: Limited availability at our Roseville, CA office on Thursdays
• Turnaround: Most evaluations available within one week; written summary delivered within 2–3 business days

Surgeons and coordinators may fax referrals directly. Patients are also welcome to contact us to schedule their evaluation.

Brain Garden Psychiatry

Carrie Friedman, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Fax: (916) 581-8669
Phone: (916) 299-7244
Website: www.braingardenpsychiatry.com
Email: info@braingardenpsychiatry.com