Purpose

Assessments of adult non-students are typically undertaken to determine barriers to success in employment, relationships, parenting, and/or the individual’s general ability to succeed at their goals.

Process

Before your scheduled appointment, you will be provided with a form to complete providing information about your medical/developmental, family/social, academic/vocational, and behavioural/psychological functioning. You will also be directed to bring all report cards, special education documents, and previous assessment reports to the initial meeting.

On the day of your initial appointment, you will initially undergo a 45 to 60 minute intake interview. You may bring someone else with you for this portion of the assessment, particularly if you feel that they will be able to provide information that you are less aware of. After the interview is complete, you will begin formal testing lasting approximately two hours. You will subsequently be scheduled for a second testing session which will be approximately three hours in length. The nature and number of testing tools used during an assessment is determined by the presenting difficulty. A typical assessment includes: assessment of intellectual ability; assessment of various cognitive processes, including language, visual-spatial analysis, attention, working memory, processing speed, memory, and executive functioning; tests of academic achievement (reading, writing, and math); and measures of behavioural and psychological functioning.

After completing the assessment, a feedback session will be scheduled. During this 60 minute session, we will discuss your functioning in various cognitive and academic areas, as well as any relevant findings regarding your behaviour and psychological functioning. Discussions of treatment methods required to address your identified areas of need will be discussed, as well as appropriate compensatory strategies to improve your general functioning. You will be provided with a report outlining all of the assessment information, including results, impressions, and recommendations, and the information can be sent to relevant service providers upon request.

Cost

Psychological, neuropsychological, psychoeducational services are not covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Often, partial coverage is provided by extended health insurance plans. Check your coverage if you have such a plan. Please note that some insurance companies will only reimburse part of the cost if there is a physician referral for the service. In these cases a referral letter from the physician should be obtained prior to the assessment.

Fees for assessments are based on the professional time involved in completing the assessment, meetings, test scoring, and time for report preparation. The fee for the assessments includes a comprehensive feedback session to discuss the results in addition to brief follow up telephone or email consultation to clarify or answer questions about the assessment. An estimate of the total fee is provided before the initial session. Assessment fees do not include any further follow up meetings or additional testing. Fees are due at the follow up interview at the end of the assessment, and can be paid by cash or certified cheque. Following full payment of fees, a comprehensive assessment report will be provided that contains findings and recommendations. Unpaid fees will result in a written reminder following one month. After two months, unpaid fees will be transferred to a collection agency.

The standard fee rate is $200.00 per hour. Costs for an adult evaluation typically range from $1500 to $2500 depending on the complexity of the presenting issues.

Please be punctual for the appointments. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance to avoid a charge to your account. Missed appointments are charged $75.00 to your account. Exceptions are made when poor weather conditions make travel hazardous or when you (or your child) are ill. If you are unable to make your appointment, phone as soon as you can so other arrangements can be made.