Bariatric Evaluation Bloomfield Hills, MI

Psychological Testing

Our Clinicians

Shannon Stoudemire

  • Office Coordinator and Social Media Management

Angelina Toma

  • Administrative Assistant, Community Outreach Specialist

Jason Beers PsyD, LP, RYT

  • Billing Psychologist

Rev. Dr. Billy R. Thompson Sr. LLP

  • Mental Health Therapist, ​Limited Licensed Psychologist

Camille Knight, MA, LPC, NCC, PMH-C

  • Mental Health Therapist

Michael Dolan MS, LLP

  • Mental Health Therapist, Psychometrist

Emily Szabla MA, LLPC

  • Mental Health Therapist, Level 200- RYT Yoga Practitioner, Limited Licensed Professional Counselor

Allanté Burnell MS, LLP, CTP

  • Founder, Mental Health Therapist, Limited Licensed Psychologist, Certified Trauma Professional

Supportive Psychological Assessments for Your Surgical Journey

If you’re getting ready for bariatric surgery, you’re making a bold and life-changing decision. Weight-loss surgery is not just physical—it’s emotional and psychological too. Most bariatric programs require a psychological evaluation as part of the pre-surgical process to make sure you’re mentally and emotionally ready for what’s to come.

At Tranquil Awakenings Counseling Center, we offer compassionate, professional bariatric evaluations in Bloomfield Hills, MI that meet surgical program requirements and support your personal goals. Our approach is nonjudgmental and focused on helping you succeed—before, during, and after surgery.

Why Is a Psychological Evaluation Required?

Bariatric surgery brings big changes to your body, habits and lifestyle. The psychological evaluation isn’t about “passing or failing”—it’s about helping you understand what to expect and making sure you have the emotional resources and support systems in place for long-term success.

Your surgical team may require an evaluation to:

  • Identify emotional or behavioral patterns that could impact recovery
  • Screen for mood disorders, eating disorders or substance use concerns
  • Explore your motivations and expectations for surgery
  • Make sure you understand the lifestyle changes after surgery
  • Provide recommendations for mental health or nutrition support before or after surgery

The evaluation is a proactive step—an opportunity to set yourself up for the best possible outcome.

What to Expect from the Evaluation

At Tranquil Awakenings, our bariatric evaluations are structured but compassionate. We tailor the assessment to meet the requirements of your surgical team and create a comfortable, informative experience for you.

The process includes:

1. Clinical Interview

A one-on-one conversation with a licensed clinician where we discuss your medical and psychological history, eating patterns, past weight-loss attempts, support systems and your readiness for surgery. We’ll talk about:

  • Your relationship with food and body image
  • Emotional eating or disordered eating patterns
  • History of anxiety, depression, trauma or other mental health conditions
  • Coping strategies and stress management tools
  • Family, social and lifestyle factors that may impact your journey
  • Your understanding of the surgical process and recovery expectations

2. Standardized Questionnaires

You’ll complete evidence-based self-assessments to evaluate mood, behavior, personality traits and emotional functioning.

3. Feedback & Written Report

Once the evaluation is complete, we’ll provide a written report to your surgical team. You’ll also receive a verbal feedback session where we discuss the results, answer questions and offer recommendations.

Our Approach: Empowering, Not Shaming

We know many people seeking bariatric surgery have faced years of judgment, stigma and misunderstanding—from society, medical professionals and even themselves. At Tranquil Awakenings we approach this evaluation with deep respect for your lived experience and goals.

  • No moralizing, no assumptions: Your weight does not define your worth.
  • Trauma-informed care: We recognize that past trauma, body shame or chronic stress may play a role in your health journey.
  • Culturally responsive: We honor your unique background including race, culture, gender and identity.
  • Strengths-based: We focus on your resilience and readiness—not just risk factors.

If we identify any emotional concerns that could impact surgery outcomes we’ll work with you to develop a plan for support—never to discourage you but to empower you.

Who We Work With

We provide bariatric evaluations for:

  • Adults preparing for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or lap-band surgery
  • Individuals referred by their bariatric surgeon or medical team
  • People seeking second opinions or updated psychological clearance
  • Clients who want added emotional preparation for the lifestyle changes ahead
  • Post-operative clients who are navigating new challenges around body image, food, identity or emotional health.

After the Evaluation

Once your evaluation is complete we’ll provide:

  • A written report sent to your surgical team (with your consent)
  • Clear documentation of diagnosis and treatment recommendations if applicable
  • Referrals for therapy, nutrition counseling or support groups as needed
  • Optional follow-up counseling for continued emotional support

We aim to make the process seamless and supportive—from your first appointment to surgery and beyond.

Start Your Bariatric Journey with Confidence

Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to do it alone. Our goal is to walk beside you, offer clarity and encouragement and make sure you’re emotionally ready for the transformation ahead. Contact us today to schedule your Bariatric Evaluation at Tranquil Awakenings. We’re here to support your wellness—inside and out.

Call us at (734) 489-1601 today or request your free consultation online.

Call Us: (734) 489-1601
Free 10-Minute Consultation