Psychological Assessments
"Waking up to who you are requires letting go of who you imagine yourself to be"
- Alan Watts
Assessments are charged at an hourly rate of $220/hour for the interview portion, and all costs are pro-rated to 15-minutes. However, should the process prove extensive and require more than the stated hours, we will discuss caps to the charges. If you require an assessment with additional specialized or specific measures, additional fees may apply.
I currently do not perform comprehensive cognitive testing for intelligence, memory function, executive function, processing speed, spatial skills, working memory capacity, fluid reasoning, or academic performance. Should you be seeking such an assessment, I can provide you with reputable referrals. I can provide brief screening for cognitive impairment, should that be found to be a consideration however, this will also be followed up with a referral suggestion.
Please note that I only perform assessments on individuals over the age of 18. All adolescents and children seeking assessment will be referred to appropriate and reliable assessment psychologists.
The following hours listed for the different types of assessment are for the interview and/or testing process only. The cost of formal written reports is discussed below.
Types of Assessments
1. General Mental Health Assessment – 4-6 hours
a. Interview (minimum 4 sessions)
b. Review of assessment tools used
c. Review of any historical documents provided (i.e. previous reports, medical documents)
2. ADHD – Specific Assessment – 4-6 hours
a. Interview (minimum 4 sessions)
b. Review of assessment tools
c. Review of historical documents (i.e. report cards, previous reports, medical documents)
3. Autism – Specific Assessment – 6-8 hours
a. Interview (minimum 5 sessions)
b. Interview with another rater (minimum 1 session)
c. Review of assessment tools
d. Review of historical documents (ie. Previous reports, report cards, medical documents)
Formal Assessment Reports
(Cost is determined based on type of report required or requested)
1. Comprehensive Psychological Report – 3-5 hours
Typically needed for back-to-work assessment reports, government applications for disability, insurance agency requests subsequent to motor vehicle accidents and workplace injuries (note this is not an exhaustive list and other situations may apply).
2. Brief Psychological Report – 2-3 hours
Communicates evidence gathered, diagnostic conclusions, and treatment recommendations for the client, other psychologists, psychiatrists, and general practitioners.
3. Referral or Summary Letter – 1-2 hours
This a short letter summarizing diagnostic findings and recommendations. Used for new referrals, where a previous report is recent and still applicable, completed by same author, but requires updated information about treatment adherence, changes in symptom severity, or ongoing recommendations, or in response to a physician request to an update. This type of report may not be adequate for an autism diagnosis.
Completion of Paperwork
I am able to complete and submit reports and paperwork towards any of the following:
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Adult school accommodations
Student aid funding and bursaries for disabilities
Government of Canada disability and/or disability tax credit
Motor vehicle accident insurance
Veterans Affairs
(For the above, the following may apply: Novel Applications, Renewal Forms, and Progress Reports)
Any applications or renewals may require the inclusion of a full or brief psychological report. Such requirements are agency specific.
The completion of additional paperwork (such as progress reports) will have associated time-costs (typically 1hr – 3hr). Some insurance agencies will cover the cost of paperwork (progress reports or assessments) but this tends to be case-specific
For forms and applications that do not request a separate psychological report, but which require the same level of information, analysis, and conclusions, the associated time-cost is typically 3-6 hours.
Assessment FAQs
Q: What is the importance and value of a mental health assessment?
A: An assessment can benefit anyone, not just those seeking a diagnosis or facing serious mental health issues. The assessment provides a structured exploration of various factors influencing a person's life and experiences, leading to new insights and improved self-understanding.
Q: Is a mental health assessment necessary if someone suspects they already have a diagnosis?
A: Yes. Even if someone identifies with a specific diagnosis, the assessment explores its extent, other potential diagnoses, and eliminates irrelevant factors. A properly administered assessment will consider multiple factors like medical health, psychosocial history, family background, substance use, and socioeconomic status for a comprehensive understanding.
Q: What does a mental health assessment involve?
A: The assessment primarily consists of an interview process, spanning around 4-5 one-hour sessions, covering current functioning, therapy history, and symptom analysis.
Q: Do I need a written report after the assessment?
A: Reports aren't necessary unless you desire personal clarity or need to share with other professionals. Comprehensive reports have specific uses for insurance, government agencies, and legal proceedings.
Q: How does a comprehensive assessment report present the findings?
A: The report reads like a research paper, summarizing the research into "why I am the way I am" in a clear, non-judgmental manner, aiming for accessibility to professionals from different orientations.