Melinda Schuster, MA LPC-S PMH-C

Hi, I’m Melinda Schuster, M.A., LMHC, LPC-S, PMH-C, and I help clients navigate bariatric psychological evaluations and pre- and post-operative bariatric therapy. I know that deciding to pursue weight-loss surgery is rarely just about food or weight. For most people, it’s layered with years of experiences, coping patterns, body image struggles, and a lot of pressure to “do this right.” My role is to help you feel prepared, supported, and understood; not judged or rushed. When you complete bariatric psychological evaluations with me, I approach them as a collaborative conversation, not an interrogation. We’ll cover what’s required for surgery, but we’ll also talk honestly about stress, emotional eating, anxiety, trauma history, and the expectations you may be carrying into this process. My goal is for you to walk away feeling informed and confident; not ashamed or overwhelmed. I also work with clients before and after surgery who want support navigating the emotional side of bariatric life, including: 1. Emotional and stress-related eating Anxiety, overwhelm, and perfectionism Body image and identity changes after weight loss Relationship shifts and boundary challenges * Learning how to cope without shame when things feel hard I’m certified in EMDR and use trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy to help clients build healthier coping strategies and long-term emotional resilience. I believe bariatric surgery is a medical tool, not a moral test, and that caring for your mental and emotional health is just as important as caring for your physical health. My hope is that you leave this process feeling supported, capable, and more at peace in your body and your life. An online consultation can be scheduled at www.schustercounseling.com