Behavioral Health Specialist

In addition to Dr. Down's help, we also offer support through Algos Behavioral Health Services, Inc.

Behavioral Health Services are provided by the clinical team at Algos Behavioral Health Services, Inc. These services assist the surgery patient in preparing for, initiating, and implementing behavior changes that are essential for achieving one’s weight loss goals after surgery. The team provides support and coaching in the challenging endeavor of making the many changes in emotions, thoughts, and eating behaviors after surgery. Eating habits developed and enjoyed for so many years can be difficult to change and our team is here to help.

The Mission:
Our mission is to provide caring, supportive, and professional psychological services to patients seeking weight loss surgery through Bariatric Medical Institute (BMI). Our goal is to provide every patient with attention to their particular needs in a compassionate, empathetic, and encouraging way. This includes evaluating psychological readiness for surgery, providing ongoing professional services before and after surgery, and being available to support each patient and their family members in this life-changing endeavor.

The Evaluation:
The first contact with a member of the clinical team is usually for the required psychological evaluation prior to the surgery. This evaluation assesses the patient’s readiness, willingness, and determination to make the behavior changes after surgery that are essential for success. Positive outcomes require awareness and knowledge of the changes to be made, the resources to make behavior changes, and the willingness to work with the BMI team. The evaluation assesses possible risk factors which may interfere with successful behavior changes.

The Support Program:
Our clinical team provides a range of behavioral health services before and after the surgery. These services include psychological coaching and counseling, and consultation on behavioral change. Other services may focus on clarifying a variety of emotions one can experience before and after the surgery, and managing any possible depression or stress associated with this life-changing surgery. We also offer presentations and education at support groups, consultation on marital relationships and family influences as a result of the surgery; and such special topics like weight loss goals prior to surgery, smoking or caffeine cessation; managing emotional eating, binge eating and night eating habits; changing snacking habits, and emotional and behavioral issues that can arise after surgery. Our team works in collaboration with the BMI professional and administrative team to assist you in successfully achieving your weight loss goals.

Contact:
Telephone: (210) 447-6363              (210) 447-6363     Toll free: (877) -772-5467
Email: info@thealgosgroup.com

Your Team:

Seán G. Connolly, Ph.D. is a psychologist and clinical director at Algos Behavioral Health Services, Inc. He has been in private practice since 1980, and has been licensed as a psychologist and health care provider since 1975. His primary focus in this clinical practice is health psychology, and the complex relationship between various medical conditions and one’s emotional and psychological health. Most prominent involvement is with chronic pain, clinically severe obesity patients seeking weight loss surgery, and brain injuries. He completed undergraduate work at the National University of Ireland, graduate work at Our Lady of the Lake University and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, and his doctorate from the University of Arizona. He spent over six years on the faculty at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas before returning to San Antonio. He is from Ireland and has lived in San Antonio, on and off for over 40 years. Dr. Connolly is married and has three grown children.

Mary Ann Spears- Howell, Ph.D, L.P.C. is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience assisting adults with a wide range of emotional and personal development issues. She has extensive experience in helping individuals with depression, anxiety, stress management and problems in living. She is also an experienced career development counselor. Dr. Spears-Howell earned her Ph.D. in Counseling from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. She currently specializes in therapy and pre-surgical psychological assessment for bariatric surgery and chronic pain patients as well as individuals applying for Social Security’s Department of Disability Services.

 

Bertha Rodarte- Luna, Ph.D, P.L.P., earned her degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. She completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio, with a concentration in sexual, combat, and interpersonal trauma. During her internship and post-doctoral year she focused on PTSD, eating disorders, primary care issues, chronic pain, Bariatric surgery evaluations, and serious medical conditions among other things. Dr. Rodarte-Luna has received extensive training in cognitive theoretical models such as CBT, CPT, PE, relational therapy, and attachment theory principles. She also has an interest in multicultural and gender issues within therapy.
 

Erin Murphy, Ph.D Candidate, LMFT-A, LPC-i, earned her Master’s Degrees in Communication Studies and Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas and is in her final year of doctoral work at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas in Marriage and Family Therapy. She currently specializes in relational and couple therapy with focus on gender, sexual dysfunction, trauma, and relational communication patterns. She also has training and interest in addiction and trauma.