Psychological, Educational, Neuropsychologcal, Developmental Assessments and Testing
Psychological and educational assessments are available for children, adolescents and adults. These assessments may be completed to assist with diagnostic questions, help in developing treatment and intervention plans for school, or may be part of a forensic (legal) examination which might be addressing issues such as your ability to work or return to work, drive a car or sign legal documents.
As part of a psychoeducational or clinical assessment I review records, complete a detailed history, administer appropriate test instruments, confer with other members of your health team and then write a comprehensive report focused on developing an appropriate treatment plan or sometimes answering specific questions your doctor or lawyer may have asked. The base fee for an educational evaluation, usually aimed at obtaining specific accommodations in the educational setting, is $1,800.00 CND This covers the initial evaluation and a post-evaluation meeting to discuss the results with the student and family. A written report will be presented at that meeting and specific interventions are usually addressed at that time.
Often for school purposes a shorter/brief assessment can be performed, usually this takes four sessions. From this assessment we are able to write an appropriate letter and give specific rationales for requesting an appropriate evaluation be completed by the school. You should be aware, however, that school districts are taking excessive time in completing their assessments. We can discuss this alternative approach when you come in.
In addition to an evaluation being useful for accommodations, it is also often a key component used in developing a long term education plan (IEP or Individual Education Plan) or for adults a work plan as part of our return to work or coaching program. Attending an IEP meeting at the school or consultating with secondary institutions is done at an hourly rate of $160.00 plus travel and transportation expenses with a minimum of a 1/2 day billing.
Fee’s for a full Functional Behavioral Analysis are approximately $2,200.00 plus expenses related to meetings with the IEP committee or education hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you test adults?
Yes. Adults are often seen for issues relating to diagnosis of depression, anxiety and often PTSD. Often family doctors want comprehensive assessments and a diagnosis to help made treatment and medication decisions. Sometimes these are work related assessments. I also complete ADHD/ADD assessments and help with follow-up monitoring when patients are receiving medications. Other more comprehensive assessments and testing are often completed relating to ICBC and other work or legal claims. You can read more about those specialized services elsewhere on this website.
Do you work with college age students?
Yes. I work extensively with students at the post-secondary level. Often this includes testing, educating the student about their strengths and weaknesses, and then developing a plan to address the academic (and sometimes social) problems they are having. Often this includes monthly follow-up and coaching, either in the office or by phone.
How long will the evaluation take?
The typical evaluation takes approximately six to eight hours, usually scheduled over two days. Some students may require additional time to complete the testing to fit their work speed and need for breaks, or to gather additional test data to better understand their learning difficulties. Some materials are completed at home. Autism evaluations often require school and home observations as well.
What does the evaluation involve?
The evaluation includes a clinical interview, a battery of educational, psychological and cognitive tests to assess a student’s intellectual ability, academic achievement in core areas, (i.e., reading, math, and written language), strengths and weaknesses in processing information, and their emotional state. Often there is also a neuropsychological procedure or examination that requires performing a number of specific tasks.
What happens after the evaluation?
After the evaluation is complete each student is scheduled for an individual feedback session with me (if appropriate). The session typically lasts from one to two hours. In this session I will review the test results, make recommendations for academic accommodations and other support services, and answer any questions. The parents or student may bring anyone to the session. All feedback sessions can be audio taped/recorded so that the student and family can take home a recording of the discussion to listen to again or share with others.
Following the feedback, where appropriate, the student will receive a written report that describes all the tests that were administered and the scores obtained. This report will also document the presence of any disability that warrants academic accommodation and list appropriate accommodations and other recommendations. This report will not be shared with anyone else without the student’s or parent’s written permission.
Team Psychoeducational/Neurodevelopmental Evaluations
Most evaluations are completed by myself, a registered psychologist, however, in many situations testing instruments may be administered by one of my clinical assistants. Each of my assistants is either a licensed/registered psychologist or school psychologist who has experience in this field. When appropriate some components of an evaluation are also done by other practitioners where I would like input from a related field of practice. For instance, a speech pathologist may complete part of an examination, or an occupational therapist. The team will then have a consultative meeting, review their results and I will review all records, complete an appropriate history, confer with outside members of your health team and write a comprehensive report focused on developing an appropriate treatment intervention plan.
What is a Functional Behaviour Analysis?
A Functional Behaviour Analysis is an in-depth observation of a student’s behaviour in the school or home setting. This is a procedure often completed when there are complex questions about emotional or behavioural issues. These are often required by schools when students are classified with moderate or sever behavioural issues, a specific educational coding used by the Ministry of Education to determine placement and funding. They are often part of assessments for autism as well. Fee’s for a full Functional Behavioral Analysis are approximately $2,200.00 plus expenses related to travel, meetings with the IEP committee or attending educational hearings.
Can you do an assessment for autism (ASD)?
Assessments are available for diagnostic purposes relating to Autism, Asperger’s Disorder and related social cognitive deficits. (These assessments include using specific Ministry required tools: the ADOS and ADI-R) These evaluations involve several sessions and the addition of consultation with a speech pathologist and medical doctor for children under six in order to meet the stringent guidelines set forth by the Ministry.. Usually the cost of these examinations is $2,200.00
What kind of payments do you accept?
Methods of payment include: Cash, check, or money order. Payments by credit card need to be made on-line and you can contact me directly about that. Payment is expected prior to the actual assessment. Because several hours are scheduled for the assessment, 48 hours notice are necessary if the assessment session is to be cancelled. A 50% per hour fee is charged for cancelled evaluation time when less than 48 hours notice is given.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not file for insurance payments, but I will provide you with the necessary documentation so that they may file with your insurance carrier after you have made full payment.
What about third party payments (e.g., Department of Rehabilitation Services, WorkSafe BC or Blue Cross)?
The client must supply the psychologist with an official letter (on letterhead), or a voucher from the third party, giving promise of payment and detailed payment information. In most situations payment is expected in full prior to any assessment.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
It usually takes two to three weeks to arrange an appointment and begin the assessment process.