PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
What is the purpose of a Psychological Assessment?
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The purpose of a psychological assessment is to identify and describe individuals’ mental health symptoms and emotional processes, potential causes for their challenges, and recommendations that might help them manage or overcome their difficulties. This may include a formal mental health diagnosis, when appropriate.
Who is a Psychological Assessment helpful for?
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A psychological assessment can be helpful for anyone who would like to understand more about their mental health; however, this service will be most helpful for individuals who are seeking diagnostic clarification for the purposes of treatment planning, determining potential work accommodations, complementing psychiatric medication consultation, and/or for insurance purposes (e.g., VAC, WSIB).
If you are uncertain whether a psychological assessment may be right for you, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss which service(s) may be the best fit for your needs.
How does a Psychological Assessment work?
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A psychological assessment typically takes place over two to three meetings, and can usually be conducted in person or virtually.
A psychological assessment uses multiple sources of information to understand a person’s challenges within the larger context of their life and current circumstances.
A psychological assessment typically includes the following:
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Clinical interview(s) related to relevant history, current symptoms, and functioning;
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Comprehensive, self-report questionnaires;
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Review of previous relevant medical of psychological reports (if available)*;
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Consultation with previous care providers (optional, as authorized)*;
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Collateral interview with close others (optional, as authorized)*;
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Feedback meeting to review results and recommendations;
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A consultation note and/or comprehensive report.
* Comprehensive Report (see below).
What types of Psychological Assessment reports are available?
The scope of a report may differ, based upon an individual’s needs and preferences. The following types of reports are available:
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Brief Report/Letter (1 Page): A Brief Report is focused primarily on presenting an individual’s diagnosis/diagnoses, and treatment recommendations.
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Consultation Note (2-3 Pages): A Consultation Report summarizes the findings of psychological measures, provides a more elaborate conceptualization of an individual’s diagnosis/diagnoses and causes, and provides additional resources for recommendation follow-up.
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Comprehensive Report (variable length): A Comprehensive Report presents a document review and review of collateral interviews as relevant, summarizes the findings of psychological measures, provides a more elaborate conceptualization of an individual’s diagnosis/diagnoses and causes, and provides additional resources for recommendation follow-up.
If you would like to learn more about the types of psychological assessment report available or would like to request a specific format of report different from the options above, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss options with you.
How much does a Psychological Assessment cost?
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The cost of a psychological assessment varies depending on the complexity of the assessment and report needed. The cost of a psychological assessment increases based on length of report required, level of recommendations/accommodations described, and whether document review, consultation with your previous health care providers, or collateral interviews are included.
If you are interested in a psychological assessment please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your needs and provide a quote for the cost of your service.
Is a Psychological Assessment covered by extended health insurance?
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The cost of a psychological assessment may be covered by your/your partner’s/your parent’s extended health insurance or other funding bodies, including WSIB and Veterans Affairs Canada. It is recommended that you speak with your health care coverage providers to determine whether and what proportion of services they may cover.