Assessment and counselling

An assessment is the gathering of information by a mental health professional through standardized testing, observation and other methods for the purpose of clarifying an underlying issue.

Generally, these “issues” affect the person’s quality of life, and therefore, motivate an individual to seek out resources for help. The assessment can also identify personal strengths that can be utilized in treatment or next steps. 

There are different types of psychological assessments, and each one has a specific purpose. The two most common types of assessments are:

Psychoeducational Evaluations
This kind of assessment focuses on a person’s cognitive and academic skills, as well as their social-emotional functioning. It includes tests of general intelligence (IQ), attention, memory, reading, writing, and mathematics. The psychologist will also assess a child/youth’s mood and social adjustment in the clinical interview and via questionnaires. A psychoeducational assessment may lead to a diagnosis of Learning Disability (LD), Giftedness or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Intellectual Disability. A formal diagnosis is often required to access school- and work-based interventions. The assessment is also helpful in providing specific strategies for the school and home environment, and can help shape a student’s Individual Program Plan (IPP).

Mental Health Evaluations
These assessments are performed for any individual who is experiencing distress or anything that is affecting their mental wellbeing or quality of life. These evaluations may lead to a diagnosis related to such things like anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Regardless of a diagnosis, all assessments are aimed at providing you with personalized recommendations to support you or your family on the pathway to well-being.

Other types of assessments we provide include:

• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessments
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments
• Complex Mental Health Assessments
• Giftedness Assessments
• Neuropsychological Assessments
• Pre-Employment Assessments for First Responders

For more information about each specific assessment, please contact us.

As each assessment varies greatly in the amount of time required for completion, the process will be adjusted to suit your specific needs and wants. The mental health professional working with you will help determine whether all or some of the assessment can be completed online if desired.

View our Services for Children or Services for Adults

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