Behavioral Health Services at Georgetown Bariatrics
We know that our patients enjoy their weight loss, better health & dramatic quality of life improvements after surgery. We also understand that even positive change may require some life adjustment. Some patients may experience relationship challenges, body image issues or even a fear of returning to old, unhealthy eating habits. Chronic depression and anxiety are common pre-surgical problems, and unfortunately, surgery itself does not automatically remove these symptoms.
Although we encourage all patients to attend our popular Goal Getters Support Group meetings, some people find they need more specialized care than a support group is intended to provide. Individual or group counseling with an experienced psychotherapist sensitive to the special needs of weight loss surgery patients can be extremely helpful in these situations. As part of our strong commitment to the long term support and success of our patients, we are pleased to provide indiviudal and group psychotherapy services onsite with our nationally recognized expert, Lisa West-Smith, PhD, LCSW.
Individual Counseling- For Georgetown Bariatrics patients, there is no charge for up to three individual counseling sessions in the first year after surgery, and longer term psychotherapy is available at a reduced fee. Dr. West-Smith accepts patients from the weight loss surgery community who are struggling with concerns about return to old eating habits, body image, binge eating, bulimia, self esteem, emotional regulation and other mental health issues related to weight management and/or weight loss surgery adjustment. For appointment or other information, please call 502.570.3717.
Group Counseling- Our "Healthy New You" cognitive & dialectical behavioral therapy skills training group series runs on Thursday evenings from 5-6:30 PM at the Bariatric Center several months each year. Twelve sessions of this special group series are available at no charge to all Georgetown Bariatrics patients. Pre-registration is needed for this group. Please call the office at 502.570.3717 for more information on the next series start date.