I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Veronica O'Brien Counseling LLC, where I provide counseling, consultation, and psychological evaluations with a holistic approach to emotional wellness and behavioral health. One of my specialty areas is conducting bariatric psychological evaluations for individuals pursuing weight loss surgery and medical weight management interventions. My evaluations assess emotional readiness, eating behaviors, mental health history, coping skills, and factors that may impact long-term post-surgical success.
My professional interests include emotional eating, body image concerns, trauma recovery, women's mental health, relationship dynamics, and the connection between physical and emotional well-being. I believe lasting change occurs when we address not only behaviors, but also the thoughts, emotions, relationships, and life experiences that influence them.
As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of obesity, I bring both clinical expertise and genuine understanding to this work. Clients often appreciate my compassionate, nonjudgmental approach and my ability to balance thorough assessment with encouragement and practical recommendations. Whether you are preparing for bariatric surgery or seeking support for long-term lifestyle change, my goal is to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and the tools needed for lasting success.
Professional psychological evaluations that support bariatric surgery preparation, helping assess readiness and meet program requirements with confidence.
Confidential counseling sessions designed to help manage life challenges, strengthen coping skills, and support emotional well-being.
Professional consultation services providing guidance, insight, and practical recommendations to help address concerns and achieve desired outcomes.
Goal-oriented coaching that helps individuals build motivation, create action plans, and work toward meaningful personal growth.
A bariatric psychological evaluation is an assessment completed before weight loss surgery or certain medical weight management procedures. The evaluation is designed to help determine emotional readiness for the lifestyle changes that accompany treatment. During the process, factors such as eating behaviors, mental health history, coping skills, motivation, and overall preparedness for long-term success are explored. The goal is not to prevent treatment but to identify strengths, address concerns, and support positive outcomes throughout the weight loss journey.
Many bariatric surgery and medical weight management programs require a psychological evaluation as part of their pre-treatment process. Significant lifestyle changes often accompany these procedures, and understanding emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors can help individuals prepare for the adjustments ahead. The evaluation provides valuable insight into areas that may benefit from additional support while helping treatment teams ensure patients are equipped for long-term success. It is an important step in creating a strong foundation for lasting change.
The evaluation process is designed to be supportive, professional, and straightforward. During the appointment, you will discuss your weight loss goals, medical and mental health history, eating habits, coping strategies, and other factors that may influence your experience after treatment. The process may also include questionnaires or assessment tools used to gather additional information. Every evaluation is conducted with respect, compassion, and a focus on understanding your unique circumstances. The objective is to provide a thorough assessment while helping you move forward with confidence and clarity.
Veronica O’Brien is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Veronica O’Brien Counseling LLC, offering counseling, consultation, and psychological evaluations with a holistic approach to emotional wellness.
She specializes in bariatric psychological evaluations for individuals pursuing weight loss surgery and medical weight management, assessing readiness, eating behaviors, mental health history, and coping skills. She is known for her compassionate, nonjudgmental approach and her focus on supporting meaningful, long-term change.