PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL Assessments

adhd assessments

children, teens & YOUNG ADULTS ages 10-25 years

EDMONTON & sherwood park, ALBERTA 

What is a PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL assessment?

An assessment uses multiple standardized measures to create an in-depth profile of your child and how they are doing across a range of domains, including their cognitive, emotional, and academic functioning, in order to help clarify specifically where they are struggling. We do in-person testing with the child, as well as gather data from the parents and teachers. Our assessments are tailored to the child’s presenting challenges and concerns. 

Thrive’s approach to assessments is that they should not be cold, medical-oriented documents - we are painting a holistic picture of a child or teen, and we are doing a deep dive into the individual’s strengths, abilities, and resources; we are looking to pinpoint specific areas of need and provide responsive and personalized strategies and interventions for home and school. An assessment can provide answers and guidance for families and school staff related to:

  • Intellectual and cognitive functioning

  • Contributing behavioural or emotional issues

  • Learning needs or learning disabilities 

  • Individualized program planning (IPP/IEP support)

When might a child need an assessment?

Any child or teen can benefit from having an assessment done, however there are times when our kids experience major challenges or disruptions in different areas, such as:

  • Struggling with academic concepts and material, especially when they were previously doing well

  • Displaying atypical or maladaptive behaviour at school, home, and/or in the community

  • Issues with emotional regulation or social-emotional learning

Who benefits from an assessment?

In short - everyone! While an assessment is primarily about the individual and their abilities, the people on the person’s support team also benefit from assessments. Parents, teachers, and community members all benefit from having a clearer understanding of the child or youth’s strengths and weaknesses. Psychological assessments help identify areas of strength and weakness; they can also provide strategies and ideas for supporting the child in the school, home, and community.

What is involved in the assessment process?

  • A 1 hour parent meeting/consultation with a psychologist to gather background information to identify the appropriate assessment tools. We ask that parents complete an intake form before the meeting. School staff can complete the school form after the consultation. 

  • 2-6 hours for in-person testing with the child/teen at our office.

  • We gather data from the parents and school report questionnaires along with the testing results to create a comprehensive report that provides detailed, specific, and relevant recommendations and strategies for both home and school.

  • Final meeting to debrief the assessment results, you will also have the opportunity to ask questions. Debriefs are focused on teaching you more about your child’s strengths and areas of need, and provides individualized strategies. School staff/administration are also welcome to attend the debrief as well. The report can also be submitted to the school to be kept with the child’s cumulative record.

  • The entire process can take between 4-6 weeks.

What is the Cost OF A PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT?

The price for a full assessment depends on the number and type of instruments needed, this is based on what you share with us in the consultation and clinical interview. The price reflects the costs associated with completing all aspects of the assessment, including clinician time.

Can the cost of the assessment be covered by insurance?

Psychological assessment may be covered by an employee health benefits plan or through other health insurance/extended health care coverage, depending on your coverage provider. Please review your coverage. It is the client’s responsibility to contact their insurance company to determine their coverage under their insurance plan.

  • Payment is due on the first day of in-person assessment. 

  • You will receive a receipt the day after, which you can then submit for reimbursement from your benefits provider.

  • You may also be able to claim the fees for psychological services under tax deductible health services on your income tax return.

The Alberta Student Grants program may help cover part of the cost of an assessment. Please see the Alberta Grants website for more information.

How do I book?

If you have any further questions about our assessment services, or if you would like to book an assessment, please give us a call at 587-480-7359 or book an initial assessment consultation via our online booking system.