• PRE-OPERATIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS AND CONSULTATIONS
• POST-OPERATIVE TREATMENT AND COUNSELING
• LOCATED IN OTTAWA CANADA
• BILINGUAL SERVICES FOR EASTERN ONTARIO AND WEST QUEBEC

Dr. Eva Fisher 102-436 Gilmour Street Ottawa, ON K2P 0R8 613-830-5830	Dr. Karen J. Coupland 437 Gilmour Street Ottawa, ON K2P 0R5 613-230-4709, ext. 31

Dr. Fisher and Dr. Coupland are psychologists and members of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. They are experienced clinicians with extensive practices in general psychology over many years. As part of their psychological services, they offer pre-operative bilingual psychological evaluations for patients in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and West Quebec who are planning to have bariatric surgery in Canada or the United States. They comply with and apply best standards for this evaluation, and are very well-versed in bariatric surgery procedures, including the post-surgery regimens and required behavioural changes necessary for success.

PRE-OPERATIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS
A psychological evaluation is a mandatory element of the evaluation process for potential bariatric surgery patients. The intent of the evaluation is: 1) to identify, on an individual basis, any psychosocial risk factors that may interfere with achieving a successful post-surgical outcome and 2) to determine pre- and post-treatment recommendations that will improve a patient’s post-surgical outcome.

The psychological evaluation is compromised of a clinical interview and several psychological screening tests. The time required is about two hours. Referrals from family physicians, bariatric surgeons as well as patient referrals are accepted. They can be made to either Dr. Coupland (613-230-4709, extension 31) or Dr. Fisher (613-830-5830). Reports are sent directly to the bariatric surgeon and the family physician.

CONSULTATIONS
Consultations are offered to potential patients who are considering bariatric surgery, but have not yet applied and been accepted. The intent of the consultation is to identify any mental health or behavioural concerns that may hinder an individual from becoming an acceptable candidate. Treatment recommendations and follow-up are offered on an as-needed basis.

POST-OPERATIVE TREATMENT SERVICES
We also offer follow-up treatment services for patients who are having difficulties making the required post-surgerical behavioural changes. Adverse life events, such as loss of a loved one or job, marital or family distress and pre-existing psychological problems may interfere with a patient’s adherence to their medical regimen. Treatment is individually tailored to the patient’s needs with the goal of improving compliance to the post-operative regimen.