Adult Psychology

For an appointment or referral to a Walton psychologist, call 706-823-5250.

Illness and disability have a profound effect not only on a person’s physical health, but also their mental health. Using research-driven, scientifically supported therapies, Adult Psychology Services at Walton help both patients and families as part of its collaborative approach to caring for persons with injury and disability.

Psychotherapy

Patients struggling with depression, anxiety and/or other mood-related issues can also benefit from counseling and therapy at Walton. Services also include psychological testing/assessment for mood and behavioral disturbances, as well as medication management.

Medical Adjustment Counseling and Treatment for Chronic Pain

Our staff provides individual, family and group therapy, focusing on assisting individuals and the people in their lives as they adjust to changes in their lives due to illness or injury. This includes treatment for chronic pain and adjustment to medical conditions like stroke, amputation, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and others. Our pain psychologist will help reduce the intensity of chronic pain, will address co-occurring psychological issues, and will teach the patient different techniques so that they can better manage their pain without needing more medication.  Our office will also facilitate screenings for opiate medicine appropriateness and return the findings to the physician’s office within a reasonable time for patient medication management.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a process by which patients become more aware of their physiological functions using computers and instruments that monitor body functions, with the purpose of being able to control these functions, such as muscle tone, brainwaves, heart rate, skin conductance, and pain perception, at will.  Biofeedback has been found to be effective for treatment of chronic pain, headaches, and anxiety.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Screening

Medicare, as well as most other insurance policies, requires a screening psychological exam prior to spinal cord stimulator surgery. The goal is to ensure that patients have realistic expectations about the implant and its ability to help manage chronic pain. It also helps determine if patients have any co-existing psychological conditions that may interfere with a successful outcome.

Physicians’ offices can expect a 48-hour turnaround on the findings with a formal written report forwarded within one week of assessment so that patient care is not interrupted.

Bariatric Surgery Screening

Screening used to assess a patient’s psychiatric history and current psychological functioning to determine if there are any psychological reasons why surgery is not an appropriate treatment. In addition, the evaluation includes an assessment of a patient’s weight and dieting history, current eating behaviors and level of physical activity. Patients also have the opportunity to learn more about the behavioral changes necessary to ensure good post-operative results, as well as any psychological changes that can be anticipated after surgery.

Physicians’ offices can expect a 48-hour turnaround on the findings with a formal written report forwarded within one week of assessment so that patient care is not interrupted.

Scheduling

Patients and families interested in psychology services must obtain a physician’s referral. Physicians who believe their patients may benefit from a psychological evaluation should contact our office directly. For an appointment or referral to a Walton psychologist, call 706-823-5250.

Walton’s Behavioral Medicine offices are conveniently located inside the Walton Outpatient Therapy Center at the corner of 13th Street and Independence Drive.