Renelle "Ren" Massey, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist  

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Psychotherapist

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Psychotherapy:
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Real Problems

Psychological
Evaluations:
Bariatric, Forensic,
and Gender Identity

Gender Identity Consultation

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Psychological Evaluations
 

Psychological evaluations are special reports prepared by a licensed psychologist with expertise in integrating information gathered from diagnostic interviews, psychological testing, and other sources.

 

 

THE TYPES OF EVALUATIONS THAT DR. MASSEY DOES 

 

Bariatric Pre-operative

Forensic

Gender Identity (Please see Gender Identity Consultation page)

 

 

Bariatric Pre-operative Evaluations

 

Bariatric surgery includes several procedures, such as gastric bypass, to help patients struggling with obesity to lose weight.  Psychological evaluations are usually required prior to bariatric surgery. The purpose of these evaluations is to ensure that the patient's mental health is sufficient for the outcome of the surgery to be as safe and positive as possible.

 

A bariatric pre-operative evaluation aims to make sure the surgery candidate: 

  • understands the risks and requirements of the operation

  • is not likely to try to harm her/himself by neglecting important medical advice

  • has realistic expectations of the surgery outcome

  • has and uses an adequate social support system

  • can cope with life changes that follow the surgery

Most surgery candidates are considered mentally healthy enough for the surgical procedure to be completed. In many cases, special recommendations will be made to assist the patient with developing more coping skills, emotional support, and realistic expectations.

 

My interest and training in health psychology began in graduate school. Rotations at a medical center internship allowed me to gain more experience working with issues at the intersection of mental, behavioral, and physical health. I have found it very rewarding to help many clients improve their quality of life by successfully managing various health issues from weight to chronic illness.

 

 

Forensic Evaluations

 

There are many issues covered in forensic psychology or psychology related to legal issues. These areas include child custody cases, personal injury claims, work-related lawsuits, and more. I've had experience in several of these areas and specialize in evaluations related to criminal cases. I often evaluate a defendant's competency to stand trial or enter a plea. Another issue I frequently assesses is whether there were any mitigating psychological factors related to a legal case.

 

I completed formal course work and sought opportunities to train in forensic psychology during graduate school. With encouragement from a professor, I submitted a paper that was published in the journal Criminal Justice and Behavior. I was first called as a court witness while in graduate school, under the supervision of a professor. I continued to work on legal case evaluations during internship training. 

 

While in independent practice, I've testified in cases ranging from child custody, child molestation, competency to stand trial, and more. I have been involved in county and state courts, but more often have worked on federal cases. Attorneys have sought my expertise for cases in Georgia, Florida, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. I have been an expert witness for the prosecution, the defense, and the court (the judge).

 

 

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