Pre-op and Post-op Mental Health Support: Your Bridge to Confident Recovery

The countdown to surgery can feel overwhelming. Each day brings new worries - Will the procedure be successful? How will recovery impact your life? What if healing takes longer than expected? You're not alone in these feelings - 40 percent of surgical patients experience significant anxiety before surgery, while 25 percent face persistent emotional challenges during recovery. Whether you're lying awake at night rehearsing every possible scenario, or struggling with unexpected emotions during recovery, these feelings are valid and deserve expert support.

More Than Just Physical Preparation

Through our secure HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, we provide specialized mental health support that works alongside your medical care. Research shows our evidence-based approach can reduce pre-surgery anxiety by 58 percent and improve surgical preparedness by 82 percent. 

Pre-op and Post-op Mental Health Counseling

From managing pre-surgery jitters to navigating the emotional ups and downs of recovery, our expert team helps you build the psychological resilience needed for optimal healing.

No more adding stress with difficult commutes to therapy - especially when mobility is limited. Connect with your therapist from your home or wherever you're most comfortable during this important and sensitive time.

Understanding Your Unique Journey

Each surgery brings its own set of challenges. You might be experiencing sleep disruption and racing thoughts before a planned procedure, or struggling with motivation and unexpected emotions during recovery. Perhaps you're managing repeated procedures for a chronic condition, preparing for elective surgery, or you're a family member seeking strategies to better support your loved one. Our comprehensive support adapts to your specific situation, whether you're facing pre-operative anxiety, post-surgical adjustment, or the complexities of long-term medical care.

Our Three-Phase Support Approach

Led by Dr. Sarah Lorenz, with 17 years of specialized experience in medical rehabilitation counseling, our team provides structured support through every stage of your surgical journey:

  • Pre-Op Psychological Fortification: We begin by transforming anxiety into preparedness through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. Together, we'll develop personalized coping strategies for your hospital stay and create clear communication plans with your medical team.
  • Post-Op Recovery Optimization: As you move into recovery, we focus on practical challenges like medication adherence, pain management through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and adapting to physical changes. We'll work on strengthening your support network and maintaining motivation throughout rehabilitation.
  • Long-Term Psychological Immunity: For ongoing care, we help you build resilience through stress inoculation training and develop strategies for future medical challenges. This phase ensures you maintain progress and have tools for whatever lies ahead.

Throughout my years of supporting patients through various surgical procedures, I've seen how the emotional aspects of surgery can seriously impact recovery in hopefully positive ways, but sometimes in negative ways. While your medical team focuses on your physical healing, we're here to ensure you have the psychological tools and support needed for optimal recovery. Through our telehealth platform, you can access this vital support right when you need it – whether that's late-night anxiety before surgery or processing emotions during recovery.

Dr. Sarah Lorenz
Therapist & Clinical Supervisor

Your Path to Confident Recovery

Starting therapy is a courageous step, and we've made it as simple as possible. Our most successful patients begin several weeks before surgery, but we can provide valuable support at any point in your journey. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation where we'll discuss your specific situation and create a support plan that aligns with your surgical timeline.

or call (214) 296-245

Available via secure video chat anywhere in Texas.

Common Questions About Pre-op and Post-op Therapy

When is the best time to start therapy before surgery?

Ideally, we recommend beginning 4-5 weeks before your scheduled procedure. This gives us time to develop and practice effective coping strategies and find tips and tricks specifically applicable to you. But don't worry if your surgery is sooner – even a few sessions can significantly reduce anxiety and improve your preparedness. Research shows patients who receive pre-op mental health support experience 58% less anxiety before surgery.

I’m having elective surgery. What can I do to prepare myself psychologically?

There are so many reasons for elective surgery, such as cosmetic, bariatric, joint replacement, and even Lasik. Your individual needs and circumstances should include developing custom strategies for your optimal emotional and physical success from elective surgery. Our secure platform allows you to connect from any device with internet access, and we can coordinate session timing around medical appointments and rest periods. All you need is a smartphone or tablet and a quiet moment to connect.

What kind of support do you provide for family members and caregivers?

We offer specialized guidance for those supporting loved ones through surgery. This includes communication strategies, stress management techniques, and tools for balancing caregiving responsibilities with self-care. Family members often find these sessions invaluable for maintaining their own well-being while providing better support.

How do you help with post-surgery depression and anxiety?

Post-surgical emotional challenges are common – affecting about 25% of patients. We use a combination of evidence-based techniques including CBT and ACT to help you process these feelings, maintain motivation during recovery, and adapt to temporary or permanent changes. Our approach is personalized to your specific situation and recovery goals.

What if I need urgent support between sessions?

We offer 72-hour post-surgical crisis response sessions and can coordinate directly with your medical team when needed (with your consent). Our telehealth platform means you can connect with support from wherever you are, and we provide resources for managing immediate concerns between regular sessions.

How do you coordinate with my medical team?

With your permission, we work closely with your healthcare providers through Texas's Collaborative Care Network. This includes surgeons, pain management specialists, physical therapists, and other providers involved in your care. We share relevant insights while maintaining strict confidentiality, ensuring your mental health support enhances your overall recovery plan.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we work with most major insurance providers in Texas, including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. During your free consultation, we'll verify your coverage and discuss payment options to ensure care is accessible.

Take Your First Step Today

Don't let surgical anxiety or recovery challenges overwhelm you. With proven success in reducing pre-operative anxiety and supporting post-surgical recovery, our team is ready to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

Serving all of Texas through secure online therapy.

Ready?

book a Free Consultation session Today!

Name*
Email*
Phone
Do you have any Health Insurance
Message
0 of 350

By submitting this form you agree to receive SMS text messages and notifications. You understand and agree that text messages sent to your mobile numbers many be generated using automated technology. Messages and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt-out. Consent is not a condition of any purchase.

>