Psychological Evaluation Before Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery in California

You have lived with pain long enough to try almost everything. Now your surgeon or pain specialist has mentioned a spinal cord stimulator, and somewhere in the paperwork is a line you did not expect: a psychological evaluation is required first. That request can feel strange, even a little unfair, when all you want is relief. A psychological evaluation before spinal cord stimulator surgery in California is a standard part of the process, and it is far more supportive than it sounds.

What this evaluation is for

A spinal cord stimulator evaluation looks at the psychological and behavioral factors that can shape how someone experiences the device and the recovery that follows. The evaluation aims to understand your expectations and emotional readiness for the procedure. The goal is to understand your expectations, how you have coped with pain so far, and how pain affects your daily functioning.

Surgical teams request this step because living with an implanted device asks something of a person emotionally, not only physically. Understanding your history helps everyone involved plan for the best possible outcome. The evaluation cannot promise that the stimulator will work, and no honest screening can.

This assessment is one of several psychological evaluations Dr. Johansson offers to support patients navigating complex medical decisions. A spinal cord stimulator assessment is part of a broader set of pre-surgical psychological evaluations in california that surgical teams often request before clearing a patient.

Who this is for

This evaluation is for adults preparing for a spinal cord stimulator trial or permanent implant whose surgeon, hospital, or insurer has asked for a psychological screening. Many of the people who seek it have lived with chronic pain for years and feel both hopeful and worn down.

Dr. Amy Johansson is a clinical psychologist and credentialed Health Service Psychologist with specialized training in the emotional effects of medical conditions, including chronic pain. She has worked in hospitals, medical centers, and community settings, so the demands of surgical preparation are familiar territory.

  • What the evaluation may look at

    Every surgeon and insurance program sets its own requirements, so no single evaluation fits every patient. What is reviewed depends on the referral and what the medical team has requested. In a spinal cord stimulator evaluation, the areas commonly explored include:

    • Your understanding of the device and realistic expectations for pain relief

    • How you currently cope with pain and stress

    • Mood concerns such as depression or anxiety that can affect recovery

    • How pain limits your work, relationships, and daily activities

    • Any substance use or other factors relevant to surgical readiness

    The evaluation results in recommendations based on your individual needs and circumstances. Recommendations vary based on what the evaluation shows and what your surgeon or medical program asks for.

  • What to expect

    To start, schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation where we assess if the evaluation aligns with your surgeon's requirements. to confirm the evaluation is a good fit for what your surgeon needs. If it is, you will schedule an intake where Dr. Johansson spends time getting to know you, your pain history, and your goals.

    From there, the evaluation usually includes a clinical interview and a set of questionnaires. Depending on the referral, records from your medical team may be reviewed as well. A feedback session follows, where results are explained in plain language before anything is finalized.

    A written report is then prepared and delivered, typically within about two weeks. Dr. Johansson can send the report directly to your referring surgeon or pain specialist when you provide written permission. If you are unsure about the process, it helps to read more about what happens during a psychological evaluation before your appointment.

  • Completed remotely, while you are in California

    This evaluation is offered through telehealth. It may be available to clients who live anywhere in the United States, as long as you are physically located in California at the time the evaluation is completed. Dr. Johansson is licensed in California and holds additional licensure in Kansas, but the spinal cord stimulator evaluation must take place while you are in California.

    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.

  • Realistic benefits

    A thorough evaluation gives your surgical team a clearer picture of how to support you before and after the procedure. It can surface stress, mood, or coping concerns that are easier to address now than later. For you, it can mean walking into surgery with fewer unknowns and a plan that reflects your whole situation.

 FAQs

 

  • No, an evaluation does not approve or deny your surgery. It provides information to your surgeon or medical program, who make the final decision. Results may lead to recommendations, such as support for mood or coping before moving forward, rather than a simple yes or no.

  • The process generally moves through a few steps: an intake, testing or questionnaires, and a feedback session, with the written report delivered about two weeks after the evaluation is complete. The exact timing depends on your surgeon's requirements and your scheduling. During the free consultation, Dr. Johansson can give you a clearer sense of the timeline for your situation.

  • Yes, Dr. Johansson can send the completed report directly to your referring surgeon or pain specialist once you sign a release. You will have a feedback session to review the findings first. This keeps you informed about what is being shared before it reaches your medical team.

  • Yes, the evaluation is completed through telehealth while you are physically located in California. After I finish the written report, I review the feedback with you first. With your consent, the report can be sent directly to your surgeon or weight-loss program.

    Beyond surgical clearance, the practice also provides adhd evaluations for adults and teens in california for those seeking answers about attention and focus.

Get started today.

Preparing for a spinal cord stimulator is a big decision, and the psychological evaluation is one supportive part of it. To schedule your assessment or ask questions about timing, you can contact the practice directly. Starting with a short consultation is a low-pressure way to see whether this is the right fit for what your surgeon has asked for.

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