Plenty of people arrive worried they will say the wrong thing. Some fear that a history of depression, anxiety, or disordered eating will automatically disqualify them. Others feel exposed talking about food, weight, and their relationship with their body.

These concerns are understandable, and none of them mean you are doing something wrong. The goal is honest conversation, not a performance. Sharing your real history gives the most accurate picture and helps your care team support you well.

It can also give you a clearer sense of your own readiness. Dr. Johansson has worked in hospitals, medical centers, community counseling centers, and residential treatment settings, with specialized training in how medical conditions affect emotional health. That background shapes how she listens and what she looks for.

Each of these areas tells part of the story. Together, they show patterns in how your teen takes in, holds onto, and uses information. That pattern often explains struggles that have felt confusing for a long time.

I am a clinical psychologist and a credentialed Health Service Psychologist (HSP), licensed in California. I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology and have specialized training in conditions like anxiety, stress, and chronic pain. I have spent years supporting people through the emotional side of medical conditions, so this process starts from a place of warmth, not interrogation. The evaluation usually moves through a few clear steps. We begin with an interview where I get to know you, your health history, and what brings you to surgery. You may complete questionnaires that ask about mood, stress, and daily habits. If your program provides records, those may be reviewed as part of the picture.

After the evaluation, I prepare a written report and share feedback with you. With your permission, the report can be sent directly to your surgeon or referring program. Many patients feel more at ease once they understand what happens during a psychological evaluation and how the results are shared with their care team.

Evaluations are completed through telehealth, and you must be physically located in California at the time of your appointment. Clients residing in California can access these services conveniently. Services may be available to clients who live elsewhere in the United States, as long as you are in California when the evaluation is completed.

A thoughtful evaluation gives your surgical team clear, useful information and gives you a chance to feel prepared. It can identify patterns worth supporting, highlight strengths, and inform your treatment or planning before and after surgery. Recommendations may vary depending on what the findings show and what your specific program requires.

Requirements differ by surgeon, hospital, insurance company, and procedure, so there is no single universal standard. My role is to complete a fair, careful evaluation and communicate clearly with everyone involved.