Bariatric Surgery Evaluations

We know that prior to making the decision to have weight loss surgery that individuals have often tried a multitude of other options in their attempts to lose weight and keep it off. We understand that once an individual makes the decision to move forward with surgery, she or he is typically excited and ready to take on this big step in her or his new journey. 

Addressing the psychological and behavioral contributors to obesity and ensuring that you are prepared to undergo surgery is a required and important step in treatment. The evaluation is far from a pass or fail test. It is more of a discussion to help you explore your history, current circumstances, future concerns, and identify potential challenges that may lead to difficulties post-surgery. Since many obese individuals may also suffer with mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, binge eating), these typically do not delay or lead to surgery getting denied. 

During your evaluation, if anything stands out as concerning, we will share it with you and work collaboratively to develop a plan to better prepare you for surgery. We are compassionate about the daily battles and struggles (emotionally, physically, psychologically, etc.) surrounding obesity and available for pre- and post-bariatric surgery support, and therapy.

If you are interested in getting psychologically evaluated for bariatric surgery, please contact us to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more.

Medical Marijuana Evaluations

In 2016, Illinois approved Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a condition that meets qualifications for a Medical Marijuana Card. Findings are suggesting that medical cannabis is not only helping with PTSD symptoms, including sleep, but also has lesser side effects in comparison to many prescribed medications. 

While recreational cannabis is legal in Illinois, there are many benefits of getting a medical marijuana card. 

Some advantages including the following:

• Taxing on medical cannabis is much lower. Cannabis is taxed at just 1% for patients, while recreational adult use consumers can pay over 36% in taxes.

• Higher possession limits. Patients can buy 2.5 ounces of cannabis every two weeks.

• Only patients are permitted to grow cannabis at home, with a limit of up to 5 plants.

If you are interested in getting evaluated to see if you meet the criteria to qualify for a medical marijuana card to treat your PTSD, please contact us to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more.

Hardship Letter (Immigration) Evaluations

The term “extreme hardship” is a legal term used to define what a person would go through if their loved one were to experience a potential separation or relocation.

We provide thorough psychological evaluations to determine how separation from loved ones would affect your mental health, as well as theirs, and whether you meet criteria for a clinical diagnosis. We fully appreciate that the threat of family separation due to immigration laws is incredibly stressful and overwhelming. We look at each situation individually and take into account the entirety of your unique circumstances. 

It is our commitment that when your case appears before immigration court, that you will have the best supporting documentation possible.

If you are interested in getting evaluated for hardship or other immigration- related concerns, please contact us to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more.

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter Evaluations

Differing from service animals (SA), an ESA is an animal that is not trained to perform a specific task, but rather through companionship alleviates an individual’s psychological/psychiatric disability. Common conditions ESAs help with are depression, anxiety, phobias, and PTSD.

Some benefits of an ESA include the following:

• Calming and relaxing

• Decreasing anxiety

• Reducing depression

• Alleviating loneliness

• Enhancing social engagement and interaction 

• Normalizing heart rate and blood pressure

• Reducing stress 

• Increasing pleasure

• An increased sense of purpose

With an ESA letter, your animal companion can qualify as an emotional support animal. ESA owners have special rights when it comes to housing. Under federal law, the only legal way to have an ESA is to be evaluated and provided an ESA letter from a licensed healthcare professional. 

Having an ESA letter allows the following:

• ESAs are permitted to live in buildings that don’t allow pets.

• Fees and deposits are waived by Landlords, Co-Ops and HOAs.

• Breed and weight restrictions do not apply.

• No specific individualized training is required.

Unfortunately, the Department of Transportation implemented new rules in 2021 that allowed U.S. airlines to stop recognizing emotional support animals. In practical terms, that means virtually every U.S. airline has ended its ESA program. 

If you are interested in getting evaluated to see if you meet the criteria to qualify for an ESA letter, please contact us to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more.