Your surgeon referred you.
Here’s what that means.

It means your surgical team takes outcomes seriously. Research shows that patients who complete a psychological consultation before surgery report greater satisfaction, improved wellbeing, and stronger results. The referral isn’t a concern about you personally. It’s a standard of care that better surgeons are increasingly adopting.

In most cases, no. 87% of patients are approved at their first consultation. When concerns are identified, the path forward is supportive rather than obstructive, and Jackson works closely with your surgical team to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. The goal is to strengthen your readiness, not create obstacles.

A relaxed, confidential conversation. Jackson explores your motivations, expectations, emotional readiness, body image, current psychological wellbeing, and support network. There are no trick questions and no right or wrong answers. The assessment takes 50-60 minutes and is conducted with genuine warmth and without judgment.

The assessment explores self-esteem and body image satisfaction, the clarity and source of your motivation (self-driven vs. external pressure), realistic expectations, current mood and psychological stability, relevant history, coping strategies, and screening for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). These are the factors research links most strongly to satisfaction and a healthy recovery.

Psychological readiness is the single strongest predictor of post-operative satisfaction, outperforming both the type of procedure and the skill of the surgeon. Individuals who enter surgery with clear, self-motivated reasons and realistic expectations consistently report better outcomes. Those with untreated vulnerabilities such as anxiety, depression, or body dysmorphia are more likely to struggle post-operatively, regardless of how successful the procedure was.

Yes, and more common than people expect. Emotional responses after surgery can vary widely and aren’t always proportional to the outcome. Periods of doubt, vulnerability, or emotional sensitivity are part of the recovery process for many people. Understanding this before you go in, and having support available after, makes a meaningful difference. This is part of why Jackson includes six months of post-surgery support in the fee.

Both are welcome. Many patients self-refer because they want the clarity and support a psychological consultation provides before they commit to surgery. You don’t need a referral to book an appointment with Jackson.

The $315 fee covers the consultation, liaison with your surgeon and treatment team, a written report sent the same business day, a post-surgery follow-up consultation, and up to six months of ongoing psychological support. Medicare and private health rebates may apply. A valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP will reduce your out-of-pocket cost.