Psychoeducational Assessment
If you or your child is struggling at school or work, a learning disability might be the reason. A complete psychoeducational assessment with one of our psychologists involves examining learning, attention, and mental health. The goal of a psychoeducational assessment is to provide you with answers for why you or your child may be struggling, assist in accessing resources or accommodations at school and/or in the workplace, and ultimately help with the difficulties you or your child is having.
For more information, check out our informational document on Psychoeducational Assessments or look through the questions below.
Here are questions we are often asked about our Psychoeducational Assessment along with our answers.
What is a Psychoeducational Assessment?
Psychoeducational assessments are an evaluation of a person’s thinking abilities, academic achievement, and their mental health. The goal of a psychoeducational assessment is to provide patients with answers for why they are struggling academically or in the workplace. The assessment evaluates how a person receives, understands, remembers, and expresses information to describe a person’s strengths and weaknesses in learning and any mental health challenges they may be experiencing.
What types of diagnoses can come out of a Psychoeducational Assessment?
-
Psychoeducational assessments are usually able to identify:
-
Giftedness
-
Learning disabilities
-
Intellectual delays
-
Strengths and weaknesses in cognitive abilities
-
Academic achievement relative to peers
-
ADHD
-
Emotional problems
-
Social difficulties
-
Mental health concerns/ diagnoses
Who completes the Psychoeducational Assessment?
Assessments are conducted by one of our trained, certified psychology clinicians (psychologist or psychological associates). A psychometrist may administer some of the tests but the data is reviewed and interpreted by the certified clinician.
If I’m concerned about a Learning Disability or ADHD, why do a comprehensive examination of everything else?
Learning differences rarely appear alone, they are often a piece of the puzzle that explains why a person is struggling in school or at work. We typically find that people who experience learning differences also have other challenges, such as ADHD and/or other mental health concerns. Solutions for learning differences won’t be effective if these other issues are not identified or addressed.
How old does my child need to be to have a Psychoeducational Assessment at the Center for Pediatric Excellence?
Children need to be at least 6 years old to be seen for a Psychoeducational Assessment at the Center for Pediatric Excellence. Currently, none of our clinicians are able to do Psychoeducational Assessments for children 5 or under.
I believe my child may have Autism (ASD) as well as learning differences. Is there a way to assess for both at the same time?
Yes, we have clinicians who are able to do combined ASD and psychoeducational testing. To learn more about that process click here.
What is involved in a Psychoeducational Assessment?
Because psychoeducational assessments are comprehensive, they involve a significant amount of time over a number of sessions to complete. Typically, the steps are:
1. 1-hour initial interview to understand what concerns you and/or your child have and a review of your or your child’s history
2. 8 hours of testing (two 3-hour sessions and one 2-hour session)
3. If needed and with consent, the psychology clinician will conduct informational interviews with teachers and/or other care providers
4. Once all the information is gathered, the psychologist needs 6 hours for scoring and report writing
5. 1-hr feedback session to go over the results, answer questions, and offer recommendations for next steps.
How long does it take to complete a Psychoeducational Assessment?
The entire process of a psychoeducational assessment takes a minimum of 9 weeks from the initial interview to feedback session. Based on appointment scheduling, it can take as long as 12+ weeks.
What happens after the assessment?
The assessment report will summarize the findings and provide recommendations. You may choose to share all or some of the report with the school or employer to help secure support and accommodations. Based on the findings, in discussion with the psychologist, you may be referred to other providers to explore treatment options.
Are Psychoeducational Assessments covered by OHIP?
No. Many private insurance plans provide some degree of coverage for psychological assessments. Check with your insurance provider to verify what they will cover. Although you don’t need a referral to book the appointment, some insurance companies require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement.
How much does a Psychoeducational Assessment cost?
The cost of a Psychoeducational Assessment at the Center for Pediatric Excellence is a baseline of $3,600 ($225 per hour x 16 hours). This includes time the psychologist spends with you or your child, interviews with teachers and care providers, and test scoring and report writing. Your clinician will discuss with you any additional time needed to complete reports or complete additional interviews.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. Psychoeducational assessments are not covered by OHIP, so they do not require a referral from a physician. Check with your insurance provider to verify what they will cover. Although you don’t need a referral to book the appointment, some insurance companies require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement.
How do I get started?
Email psychologybookings@cfpe.ca or contact us