Unicare requires a psych evaluation to which I must pay a $30 co-pay. Should this be done during the initial approval period to the insurance company or should I wait to hear that the insurance company approves the procedure pending the psych eval?

Call your ins co and ask. Some require it prior to pre-approval. I think most do, actually, since the psychologist can give a big thumbs-down and remove your candidacy. Or at least could in my program.