Compassionate Spinal Cord Stimulator Psychological Evaluation | Supporting Your Pain Management Journey

You never expected life to look like this.

Chronic pain has taken over your life in ways you never imagined. Every day is a battle—the exhaustion, the discomfort, the frustration of trying to find relief. You’ve tried medications, physical therapy, injections, and countless other treatments, yet nothing seems to give you the lasting relief you need. The pain limits what you can do, drains your energy, and affects your relationships.

Now, you’re considering spinal cord stimulator surgery—a glimmer of hope after years of struggling. But along with that hope comes uncertainty. Will this work? What if the pain doesn’t improve? What if I go through all of this, and I’m still stuck in this cycle? And now, you’ve been told you need a psychological evaluation before surgery—another hurdle that feels overwhelming.

You don’t need someone to question your pain—you need support. You need someone who understands the emotional toll that chronic pain takes and who can help you feel prepared and confident in your next steps.

Hi, I’m Rachel Allen and I’m a licensed clinical psychologist in Pennsylvania.

I specialize in psychological evaluations for spinal cord stimulator surgery. My goal is not to judge or determine if your pain is “real” (it is)—but to support you through this process, help you prepare for surgery, and set you up for the best possible outcome.

During our compassionate, stress-free evaluation, I will:

✔️ Assess your emotional and mental well-being to ensure you’re in the best place for surgery
✔️ Help you understand the psychological aspects of pain and how they can impact your recovery
✔️ Discuss coping strategies and expectations so you feel confident moving forward
✔️ Provide personalized recommendations to support you before and after surgery

This isn’t about passing or failing—it’s about making sure you have the tools, mindset, and support to get the most out of your spinal cord stimulator.

Therapy with me isn’t just about better sleep—it’s about reclaiming your energy, your productivity, and your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Stimulator Evaluations in PA

  • A psychological evaluation for a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a required step before surgery to ensure that you are mentally and emotionally prepared for the procedure and the adjustments that come with it. Chronic pain affects both the body and mind, and research shows that individuals with strong coping strategies and realistic expectations have better long-term outcomes with spinal cord stimulation.

    As a licensed clinical psychologist in Pennsylvania, I provide compassionate, stress-free evaluations designed to support you through this process and help you feel confident in your next steps.

    Book your free 15-minute consultation today.

  • ✔️ Comprehensive Interview – We’ll discuss your pain history, past treatments, and your goals for spinal cord stimulation.
    ✔️ Emotional & Mental Health Assessment – Chronic pain can impact mood, stress levels, and coping abilities. We’ll explore any factors that could influence your experience with the stimulator.
    ✔️ Understanding Your Expectations – We’ll talk about what you expect from the procedure and how it fits into your overall pain management plan.
    ✔️ Coping Strategies & Support System – We’ll assess your current coping skills and discuss ways to enhance your ability to manage pain before and after the procedure.
    ✔️ Personalized Recommendations – If needed, I’ll provide strategies or additional resources to help ensure the best possible outcome.

    Book your free 15-minute consultation today.

    At my practice, I specialize in CBT-I and other evidence-based approaches to help individuals struggling with chronic sleep difficulties, racing thoughts at night, and difficulty staying asleep. In therapy, we will:

    ✅ Identify and change unhelpful sleep habits
    ✅ Address stress, anxiety, or medical conditions affecting sleep
    ✅ Develop a healthy sleep routine tailored to your needs
    ✅ Learn relaxation and mindfulness techniques to quiet a busy mind

    If you're looking for a natural, long-term solution for insomnia, therapy can help. I provide online therapy for individuals across Pennsylvania, so you can get support from the comfort of your home.

    Ready to Improve Your Sleep?

    Let’s work together to help you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting rest.

  • The mind-body connection plays a crucial role in pain management. This evaluation helps your medical team confirm that spinal cord stimulation is the right treatment for you, and it ensures that you have the support and coping skills needed for a successful outcome. It’s not about passing or failing—it’s about helping you get the most out of your treatment.

    Book your free 15-minute consultation today.

Let’s Take the Next Step Together.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Schedule your spinal cord stimulator psychological evaluation today and take the next step toward relief.

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today by clicking the “Book Now” button below.