Assessments 

Common reasons for referral include learning disorders, ADHD, and giftedness. Psychoeducuational assessments may also include evaluation of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression or behavioural/conduct problems. The assessment process involves an interview (depending on the client's age, this will often involve the parents/caregivers), standardized testing, and a feedback session. The testing component involves completion of questionnaires and comprehensive testing of cognitive abilities and academic skills during in-person assessment sessions at our clinic. For child and adolescent clients, we will often ask that the parents/caregivers and teacher complete some questionnaires, too. Following the assessment, the clinician will prepare a formal psychoeducational assessment report, which will be provided to the client. Many clients provide a copy of this report to the family doctor, and when applicable, to the client's school.

Psychodiagnostic assessments focus on complex presenting problems. This type of assessment might be appropriate for clients who are unsure what they are struggling with, are seeking clarification about whether they meet diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder, or are seeking to better understand patterns or themes in their life. Psychodiagnostic assessments are often valuable in planning subsequent psychological treatment. 

The assessment may include evaluation of mental health symptoms, personality, and other things like cognition and social and emotional functioning. The assessment process will vary depending on the nature of the presenting problems, but may include standardized tests, self-report questionnaires, and projective tests. The assessment process will include a detailed interview and a feedback session to discuss the results of the assessment.

Common reasons for referral for neuropsychological assessments include changes in memory or other cognitive abilities. Sometimes the reason for the changes is known, such as a concussion, aging, or physical or mental illness, and other times it may be unclear. The assessment can help to better understand the nature of the difficulties and provide recommendations for supporting the client. The assessment will include a variety of self-report and standardized measures, which are completed on computer or with pen and paper. The assessment process will include a detailed interview with the client (and sometimes family members) and a feedback session to discuss the findings from the assessment. 

Please note that a physician's referral is required for a neuropsychological assessment. A copy of the report is typically provided to the physician, with the client's consent.