What you can expect from this assessment
What it is
A structured psychological assessment exploring your motivations, body image, mental health history, and emotional readiness before pursuing cosmetic or elective aesthetic procedures.
Who it's for
Anyone considering a cosmetic procedure who wants to feel psychologically prepared. Also required by many surgeons and clinics before certain elective procedures, particularly those involving significant body modification.
How it works
A clinical interview and validated psychological screening process exploring body image concerns, expectations, mental health history, and motivation for the procedure.
What you receive
A written psychological report documenting the assessment findings, the clinician’s opinion on psychological readiness, and any recommendations, provided to you and, where consented, to your treating clinician.
What is a Cosmetic Readiness Assessment?
A Cosmetic Readiness Assessment is a psychological evaluation designed to explore whether a person is in a sound emotional and psychological place to proceed with a cosmetic or elective aesthetic procedure. It is not about gatekeeping or passing judgement, it is about ensuring that any decision to alter your appearance is made with clarity, sound expectations, and genuine informed consent.
In Australia, there is growing recognition that cosmetic procedures carry psychological as well as physical considerations. Responsible practitioners, surgeons, dermatologists, and cosmetic clinics, increasingly request or require a psychological assessment before proceeding, particularly for procedures involving significant body modification, or where there are indications of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), disordered eating, or complex mental health histories.
Understanding Your Cosmetic Readiness Assessment
A Cosmetic Readiness Assessment at Integro Health is conducted by an experienced clinician using structured clinical interviews and validated psychological screening tools. The assessment explores your motivations for seeking the procedure, your expectations of the outcome, your body image and self-concept, any relevant mental health history, and your capacity to provide truly informed consent.
The assessment does not tell you whether to proceed, that remains entirely your decision. What it provides is a clinician’s independent perspective on your psychological readiness, and a space to reflect before committing. For many people, the process itself is clarifying and grounding, even when the outcome is straightforward. For others, it surfaces concerns worth addressing first, whether through counselling, psychotherapy, or simply more time and reflection.
Our assessments are available at our Eaton Clinic and via telehealth for clients across South West WA, including Bunbury, Busselton, and surrounding regions.
Signs you may need this assessment
People come to a Cosmetic Readiness Assessment from many different starting points. Some are referred by their surgeon or treating clinician. Others seek it out themselves, wanting to be certain before committing. You don't need to be in crisis or doubt, sometimes the desire is simply to feel grounded and clear before a significant step.
Your clinician has requested it
Your surgeon, cosmetic clinician, or GP has asked for a psychological assessment before proceeding with a procedure.
You feel uncertain about your motivations
You have been thinking about a cosmetic procedure for some time but feel uncertain or conflicted about why you want it.
It's affecting your daily life
Concerns about a specific body feature have significantly affected your daily life, relationships, or self-esteem over an extended period.
Previous procedures haven't resolved things
You have had cosmetic procedures before, remain dissatisfied, and are considering further treatment.
You have a relevant mental health history
You are managing or have a history of an eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, depression, or anxiety, and want to ensure you are approaching this from a stable place.
You are going through a major life transition
Separation, bereavement, or significant weight change is part of your current experience, and you are exploring cosmetic options during this period.
You feel external pressure may be involved
You sense that the procedure may be connected to a relationship, external pressure, or social expectations rather than your own genuine desire.
You want an independent professional view
You are seeking a supportive, independent professional opinion before making a decision of this nature, not because something is wrong, but because you want to feel genuinely prepared.
You want to feel emotionally ready
The procedure is elective and significant, and you want to feel grounded and clear, emotionally, not just practically, before you go ahead.
Who refers you
A Cosmetic Readiness Assessment at Integro Health can be accessed through several pathways. The table below outlines the most common referral routes and when each applies.
| Referral Source | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon or cosmetic clinician | Pre-operative psychological clearance | Many surgeons and cosmetic practitioners request a psychological report before proceeding, particularly for significant procedures or where mental health history is a factor |
| Self-referral | Individuals seeking independent psychological input | No referral required to book; self-funded or private health options available |
| GP | Adults with relevant mental health history | Your GP may recommend a psychological assessment as part of coordinated care before a cosmetic procedure, particularly where there is a history of body dysmorphia, eating disorders, or mood conditions |
| Psychiatrist or specialist | Adults under specialist mental health care | A psychiatrist may request or co-ordinate the assessment as part of broader treatment planning before elective surgery |
| Bariatric or weight-management team | Individuals considering body-contouring procedures post weight loss | Surgical teams may require psychological assessment as part of their pre-operative protocol |
If you’re unsure which pathway applies to you, our team can help you work through the options when you get in touch.
The assessment process, what to expect
Every cosmetic readiness assessment follows a clear, considered path. Here is what you can expect at each stage, from your very first contact through to receiving your written report.
Intake and background information
Before your first clinical session, you’ll complete an intake form covering your background, current concerns, and relevant history, including any mental health history, significant life events, and your reasons for seeking the assessment. This shapes the clinical interview and ensures the conversation begins in the right place.
Clinical interview
A structured clinical interview forms the heart of the assessment. The clinician explores your motivations for the procedure, what you hope the outcome will bring, your relationship with your body and self-image, and any psychological factors that may be relevant. This is a conversation, not an interrogation, you’ll be met with genuine care and without judgement.
Psychological screening tools
Validated psychological instruments are used to assess areas such as body image concerns, mood, anxiety, and indicators of conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The specific tools selected depend on the nature of the procedure being considered and what the clinical interview surfaces as relevant.
Clinical formulation
The clinician integrates findings from the interview, screening tools, and background history to form a considered clinical opinion, reflecting on the presence of any conditions that may affect readiness, the clarity and realism of expectations, and whether further psychological support would be beneficial before proceeding.
Feedback session
You’ll receive a dedicated feedback conversation where the clinician explains their findings and what they mean in practical terms. This is your opportunity to ask questions, understand the outcome, and discuss next steps, whether that’s proceeding, pausing, or exploring further support.
Written report
A formal psychological report is prepared documenting the assessment methodology, findings, and the clinician’s opinion on psychological readiness, along with any recommendations. With your consent, the report is provided to you and may be shared with your surgeon, GP, or other treating clinician.
Meet the Team
At Integro Health, you don't just book a clinic, you choose a practitioner who is the right fit for where you are right now. Our team of experienced psychotherapists brings clinical depth, genuine warmth, and a broad range of specialisations together under one roof. Take a moment to read about each of our practitioners and find the person who feels right for you.
Dr Paul King
General Practitioner
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery
FRACGP Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Jools Fordyce
Social Worker & Family Therapist
Bachelor (Hons) – Applied Social Science with Diploma in Social Work
Postgraduate Diploma in Family and Relationship Therapy
Brooke Eden
Psychologist
Bachelor of Psychology
Graduate Diploma of Education
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
Nicholas Kerr
Psychologist
Masters of Psychology (Organisational)
Bachelor of Arts
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
Carli King
Office Administrator
As Practice Manager, Carli keeps the daily operations of Integro Health running smoothly, ensuring our clients always receive the highest standard of care.
Tools and methods used
A thorough Cosmetic Readiness Assessment draws on multiple validated instruments alongside clinical reasoning. At Integro Health, the specific tools selected reflect the nature of the procedure being considered and the individual's clinical presentation.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ)
A validated screening tool for body dysmorphic disorder, used to identify significant preoccupation with perceived appearance flaws that may affect readiness or post-procedure satisfaction.
Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21)
A widely used, validated self-report measure assessing current levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, providing a baseline picture of emotional wellbeing at the time of assessment.
Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ)
A standardised measure of body image attitudes, used to explore how the individual perceives and feels about their physical appearance across multiple dimensions.
Structured clinical interview
A systematic, clinician-led conversation exploring motivation, expectations, mental health history, life circumstances, and the individual’s understanding of the proposed procedure and its likely outcomes.
Mental health history review
A review of any relevant prior psychological or psychiatric history, including previous treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or trauma.
Collateral consultation
Where relevant and with consent, consultation with the treating surgeon, GP, or another clinician may inform the assessment, particularly when co-ordinated care is in place.
Brooke Eden
Brooke has been drawn to understanding the human mind for as long as she can remember. That curiosity, paired with a genuine desire to help people, led her to study psychology at Curtin University before building a career that included working as a psychologist with the Department of Education.
Brooke is one of the psychologists at Integro Health who offers Cosmetic Readiness Assessments, available to clients of all ages, in person or via telehealth. She sees this as a confidential, supportive conversation, a chance to explore your readiness for cosmetic surgery or a non-surgical aesthetic procedure, in line with what many cosmetic practitioners now request as part of comprehensive patient care.
In her practice, Brooke draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Meta-Cognitive Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. She brings a calm, non-judgemental presence to every session, working alongside each client at their own pace.
Brooke holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Graduate Diploma of Education, and is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
Cost and funding
Cosmetic Readiness Assessments at Integro Health can be accessed through several funding pathways. We encourage you to contact us or speak with your GP to determine which option best fits your situation.
Medicare (via a Mental Health Treatment Plan)
If your GP refers you under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on psychology sessions that form part of the assessment process. Your GP can discuss eligibility and help you access this pathway.
Private health insurance
Some private health funds include psychology services in their extras cover. It’s worth checking with your insurer before your appointment.
Self-funded
You are welcome to access the assessment without a referral or funding support on a self-funded basis. This is a common pathway for individuals seeking assessment independently or in advance of a surgeon’s requirement. Please contact us to discuss current fees.
Clinician or surgical team co-ordinated
In some cases, the surgeon or cosmetic clinic requesting the assessment may provide guidance on fee expectations. We’re happy to liaise with your treating clinician’s team where that is helpful.
Common misconceptions about Cosmetic Readiness Assessments
This is one of the most common misunderstandings we encounter. A Cosmetic Readiness Assessment is not a barrier or a veto, it is a professional, caring conversation about where you are psychologically right now, and whether this is the right time and the right decision for you. The purpose is to support you, not to block you.
A genuine Cosmetic Readiness Assessment is a thorough clinical process, not a formality. It can surface important psychological factors, such as body image concerns, underlying mood conditions, or unrealistic expectations, that the surgical team may not have the time or training to fully explore. For many people, it turns out to be the most useful conversation they have in the lead-up to a procedure.
The assessment is not a test with right and wrong answers. Clinicians conducting these assessments are not looking to disqualify you, they are looking to understand you. Honesty is not a risk; it is the point. Sharing your genuine feelings, history, and concerns gives your clinician the information they need to genuinely support you.
Many people who access Cosmetic Readiness Assessments have no significant mental health history at all. They simply want to feel grounded and clear before a meaningful decision. Others are going through a life transition, separation, significant weight change, bereavement, and want an independent perspective before proceeding. The assessment is for anyone who wants it, not only those with clinical complexity.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) exists on a spectrum, and many people with clinically significant body image concerns have never received that framing. They may have attributed their distress to the feature itself, rather than to their relationship with their appearance. Screening for BDD is a routine and important part of a thorough assessment, not a suggestion that something is wrong with you.
The report reflects the clinician’s findings and recommendations, it does not make decisions on your behalf. You remain in charge of what you do next. The report is one piece of information to inform your choice, alongside your own values, the surgeon’s clinical view, and your personal circumstances.
How this differs from a Criminal Injury Trauma Assessment
A Cosmetic Readiness Assessment and a Criminal Injury Trauma Assessment both involve structured clinical interviews and psychological reporting, but serve very different purposes. A Cosmetic Readiness Assessment is forward-looking and exploratory, focused on wellbeing, motivation, body image, and readiness ahead of an elective aesthetic procedure, for your own benefit and care, with no legal context involved.
A Criminal Injury Trauma Assessment, by contrast, is a medico-legal assessment prepared for a compensation claim, documenting the psychological impact of a criminal act, such as trauma or PTSD, for submission to a tribunal or compensation authority. The two also differ in timeframe, audience, and clinical tools. If you’re unsure which applies to you, our team can help, see our Assessments hub for a full overview.
Medically Reviewed By
General Practitioner · MBBS Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery FRACGP Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
The clinical information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr Paul King, a General Practitioner at Integro Health. It is general information, and not a substitute for personal medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
No. You can self-refer and contact Integro Health directly without a GP or surgeon referral. Many people access this assessment independently, either because they want clarity before committing to a procedure, or because their surgeon has asked them to arrange it. If you have a GP referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, it’s worth discussing with your GP whether Medicare rebates may apply to psychology sessions that form part of the process.
A thorough Cosmetic Readiness Assessment typically involves one to two clinical sessions, a structured clinical interview and psychological screening, followed by a dedicated feedback conversation. The exact number of sessions depends on the complexity of the presentation and any issues that emerge during the initial interview. We’ll give you a clear picture of what to expect before the assessment begins.
No. The assessment does not make decisions on your behalf. It provides a clinician’s independent opinion on your psychological readiness, which you can then use, alongside your own values and the advice of your surgeon, to inform your decision. In the majority of cases, the assessment confirms that the individual is in a sound place to proceed. Where concerns are identified, the report outlines recommendations for next steps, which may include psychological support before proceeding.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a recognised psychological condition characterised by persistent, distressing preoccupation with a perceived flaw in one’s appearance, often one that others do not notice or consider minor. BDD affects an individual’s quality of life significantly, and it is associated with poorer outcomes following cosmetic procedures. Screening for BDD is a routine part of a thorough Cosmetic Readiness Assessment, not a suggestion that something is wrong, but a clinically responsible step in understanding your relationship with your appearance.
Yes. Clinical interviews and feedback sessions can be conducted via telehealth for clients who cannot attend in person at our Eaton clinic. This makes the assessment accessible for people across South West WA, including those in Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, and more regional areas. Some assessment components are best suited to in-person delivery, and we’ll discuss the most appropriate format for your situation when you enquire.
We do not publish specific fee amounts on this page, as costs can vary depending on the scope of the assessment and the number of sessions required. We’re always transparent about fees before your assessment begins. Depending on your circumstances, Medicare rebates (via a Mental Health Treatment Plan), private health insurance, or self-funded options may be available. Please contact us to discuss fees and which pathway suits your situation.
A history of an eating disorder, depression, or another mental health condition does not automatically preclude you from proceeding with a cosmetic procedure. What matters is where you are now, your current stability, insight, and capacity to make an informed decision. The assessment is designed to explore this carefully and compassionately, and to identify whether any additional psychological support would be beneficial before you proceed. You are encouraged to be open about your history, it enables the clinician to genuinely support you.
The written psychological report is provided to you at the conclusion of the assessment. You decide who it is shared with, whether that’s your surgeon, GP, specialist, or another party. The report is yours. We will never share it without your explicit consent. If the assessment was requested by a surgeon or treating clinician, we’ll discuss how the report will be handled before the assessment begins, so there are no surprises.
