Psychoeducational Assessments
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a child's cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning. This kind of assessment is often used to better understand a child's cognitive and learning profile by identifying specific areas of strength and need. The assessment can identify learning or cognitive challenges, as well as explore possible diagnoses, such as a learning disability or ADHD. Additionally, psychoeducational assessments help guide recommendations for support in education (including post-secondary) and targeted interventions.
At what age can you complete a psychoeducational assessment?
Psychoeducational assessments are available for school-age children and adolescents (ages 6 to 18).
What is the process of a psychoeducational assessment?
Consultation Call:
Families complete a 30-minute complimentary consultation call with a clinician to better understand the needs of the child or youth. Together, we plan the next steps for completing a psychoeducational assessment.
Initial Interview/Intake:
During this process, the psychologist will meet with the family to gather in-depth information about the child or youth's developmental history, school and academic performance, social and emotional development, family background, and any specific concerns that led to the assessment.
Review of Relevant Records:
The clinician will review any available and relevant records pertaining to the child or youth's development (e.g., speech and language reports), school history and academic performance (e.g., report cards), as well as any relevant medical documentation.
Testing and Evaluation:
Depending on the child or youth's profile, 2 to 3 testing sessions (up to 3 hours each) will be booked. During these sessions, the child completes a number of standardized tests that evaluate cognitive, academic, attention, and memory functioning. Additionally, standardized questionnaires are completed by parents and teachers to better understand the child's functioning across settings.
Further Interviewing:
If needed and with the family's consent, the clinician may further interview teachers, parents, or other relevant professionals who interact with the child or youth regularly.
Feedback Session:
During the feedback session, the psychologist meets with the client (or family) to discuss the assessment findings, recommendations, and answer any questions.
Written Report:
Families will receive a comprehensive assessment report that includes a clear explanation of the findings, including any diagnoses, as well as specific recommendations for school/education planning and interventions. This report is written so that it can be shared with schools and other professionals involved in the child or youth's care.
Please note that some sessions are conducted virtually (e.g., intake interviews and feedback), while all testing sessions are completed in-person with the child or youth.
What are the fees for a psychoeducational assessment?
The fee for an assessment is billed at the psychologist's hourly rate ($275) and depends on the nature and complexity of the presenting concerns. A breakdown of fees will be discussed in advance. Please contact the clinic for more information.
What if there are other concerns or potential diagnoses?
We recognize that learning disabilities often co-occur with other diagnoses (e.g., autism, ADHD, anxiety, mood). This means that children with learning disabilities may also experience other challenges that can influence their behavior, emotions, or development. Therefore, we often work with families to further investigate these difficulties and discuss an individualized plan to address these areas of concern.