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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
Gender
Identity
Bariatric
Pre-operative
Forensic
Gender
Identity Evaluations
As
many clients with gender identity issues know, there are several ways in
which consulting a knowledgeable mental health professional can be helpful.
Some clients are clear that
they are transgender and seeking gender reassignment. I can assist
clients, after evaluation, by providing the letters needed for hormones and
surgery to proceed with treatment for gender identity issues. Others need to sort through gender identity confusion, and may need
support in clarifying their truths and their options. I can provide this
help as well as ongoing support , if needed, through the transition process.
Other clients seek consultation to understand and feel comfortable with
their cross-dressing, but have no interest in medical changes to their
bodies.
I
am aware that the role of psychologist as "gate-keeper" to medical
care for gender reassignment is controversial. Yet, since this is the
current reality, I believe it is best to seek "the letter" from a
qualified, affirmative professional. I am a member of the World Professional
Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). I use the WPATH (formerly Harry
Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association) Standards of Care as
guidelines, but this leaves room for clinical judgment to assess cases on an
individual basis. Not every transgender person needs to be seen for months
to affirm the need for gender reassignment. Scheduling clients for unneeded
appointments is unethical in any situation, but I am sensitive that
this is a particular concern in the trans community.
I
have worked with clients for years on their own or their loved ones'
gender identity issues, starting in 1995. I've also provided information to a
school administrator about resources for transchildren and written a
soon-to-be published review of The Transgender Child. In 2007-2008, I
facilitated a free support group in Atlanta called Gender
Crossing. I presented a seminar at the Southern Comfort Conference in
September 2009.
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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