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What is a psychological assessment?
At House of Minds, a psychological assessment is a systematic process used by a psychologist to inform a greater understanding of a young person’s cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and/or diagnostic profiles. Our assessments offers a science-based, developmentally-oriented, and trauma-informed clinical formulation, or theory, that outlines relevant factors and how they contribute to a young person's concerns, such as learning challenges, inattention, hyperactivity, anxiety, low mood, trauma, among others. And perhaps most importantly, our assessments use this information to guide interventions so to optimize a young person's neurodevelopment, mental health, and wellness.
The process of any given assessment may vary depending on the purpose and complexity of any given case. However, our assessments typically include an in-depth clinical interview, observations, standardized and norm-referenced testing, a careful review of relevant documentation, and collateral input from key figures like parents, teachers, or healthcare providers. We are deeply committed to understanding young people as a whole, and as a result, any given assessment may involve multiple meetings over the course of weeks and potentially months. The gathered data is carefully analyzed, interpreted, and summarized in a report that is discussed and shared during a collaborative feedback session which may include the young person, their parents, and other relevant parties (e.g., teachers, pediatricians, therapists, probation officers). And from there, we offer ongoing consultation and intervention services as needed, so to ensure that we meet the unique needs of each client over the course of time.
Our assessments focus on neurodiversity, mental health, and wellness
A psychological assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation of a young person’s cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and behavioural functioning. In doing so, it can offer valuable insights regarding a young person’s neurodevelopment, mental health, and overall wellness. Specifically, when it comes to neurodevelopment, an assessment may focus on concerns related to inattention, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, social-pragmatics, or autism. When it comes to mental health, it may focus on concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, aggression, or substance use. And when it comes to wellness, it may focus on concerns related to lifestyle factors that potentially contribute to a young person’s overall well-being (e.g., exercise, diet, sleep, relationships, academic pursuits, employment, religion and spirituality).
Psychological assessments can be critical to understanding and supporting a young person’s development, mental health, and well-being. These evaluations provide comprehensive snapshots of a young person’s life, cognitive abilities, academic skills, emotional well-being, and social functioning so to ensure the provision of evidence-informed, age-appropriate, and targeted interventions.
For example, psychological assessments can help inform the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), selection of appropriate therapeutic programs (e.g., CBT versus DBT), referrals to other professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, dieticians), and accessing government funded initiatives, such as the Ontario Disability Support Program, Developmental Services of Ontario, or Disability Tax Credit (DTC). At House of Minds, we understand that the developmental and mental health sectors here in Ontario are complex and can be difficult to navigate. Therefore, our goal is to create a clear pathway for young people and their families so that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their fullest potential.
Our assessments are ideal for kids and teens, 6 to 19 years of age, who experience:
- Academic difficulties or learning challenges
- Social-emotional and behavioural concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress
- Neurodiversity, including ASD, SPCD, ADHD, and LDs
- Social difficulties or challenges with family dynamics and peer relationships
- Trauma, stress, and adversity
- Difficulties with executive functions, such as self-monitoring, initiative, motivation, organization, and memory
*Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges an individual is facing, enabling a path forward to support their growth and success in all aspects of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a psychological assessment and how can it help??
A psychological assessment is a systematic process used to gain a deeper understanding of a child’s cognitive, academic, social and emotional functioning. Based on evidence-based and norm-referenced standardized tools, it may help identify any challenges or strengths that they have, providing a foundation for science-based, age-appropriate, and personalized interventions. This process is essential for supporting a child or adolescents overall development and well-being so they can achieve optimal outcomes.
Who can benefit from a psychological assessment?
Children and adolescents facing academic difficulties, emotional concerns (like anxiety or depression), attention challenges (such as ADHD), social difficulties, or unexplained changes in behavior or performance can benefit from a psychological assessment. Assessments help identify underlying issues and provide insight into how a young person can be supported using evidence-based or evidence informed interventions.
How long does the entire assessment process take?
The assessment process typically includes an initial interview, testing, and feedback meeting. Depending on the complexity of the case, however, the process is extended as needed (e.g., one child may be able to complete testing during one single session, while another child might require four or five sessions). With this in mind, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete the full process and we work closely with families to ensure that timelines meet the child’s needs.
What happens after the assessment is complete?
Once the assessment is complete, we provide a detailed report summarizing the findings, which is shared during a feedback session with the young person, their family, and other relevant parties. We also discuss recommended interventions, strategies, and next steps for ongoing support (e.g., implementation of Individual Education Plan, provision of therapeutic supports, need for dietary interventions, psychiatric consultation, parenting strategies, etc.).
How do I know if my child needs a psychological assessment?
If your child is experiencing ongoing challenges in areas such as academics, emotional regulation, attention, or social relationships, a psychological assessment can help clarify the underlying issues. If you’re unsure, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation to discuss your concerns and determine if an assessment is appropriate.
How many meetings will my child need to attend?
This really depends on the nature and purpose of the assessment. However, your child will likely need to attend at least three meetings (i.e., an intake, evaluation, and feedback). However, depending on your child’s needs, multiple evaluation or feedback meetings might be required. Please feel free to reach out to discuss what might be most appropriate and helpful in your child’s situation.
Disclaimer: Assessments provided by House of Minds are individually tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. For this reason, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about what the assessment process might look like for your child more specifically.
