Psychological Assessment for Bariatric Surgery: A Practical Guide

Conducting thorough psychological assessments is essential for supporting individuals preparing for bariatric surgery and achieving long-term metabolic health. This text-based course equips you with structured frameworks to evaluate surgical readiness, identify behavioral risk factors, and craft comprehensive psychological evaluations. What you'll learn: Understand the core clinical concepts and psychological dynamics involved in bariatric care; Apply structured clinical interview techniques to assess eating behaviors, coping strategies, and lifestyle readiness; Identify critical psychological contraindications and behavioral risk factors; Evaluate psychometric screening tools and assessment instruments used in pre-surgical evaluations; Draft clear, ethical psychological reports with actionable recommendations for multidisciplinary teams; Plan pre- and post-operative behavioral support strategies to foster sustained patient outcomes. The course begins with essential terminology, clinical criteria, and patient communication standards before moving into step-by-step assessment workflows and documentation practices. This guide is designed for psychologists, mental health professionals, and healthcare trainees seeking a clear introduction to bariatric evaluation, with no previous specialized bariatric experience required. Start reading today to develop your foundational skills in bariatric psychological assessment.