Clinical Assessment Evaluations

Frequently Asked Questions Clinical Assessment / Evaluation

Why do assessments cost what they do?

Clinical assessment within counselling psychology is a specialized service that requires extensive education, training, time, and professional responsibility. Competent assessment is grounded in doctoral‑level training and involves multiple components, including:

• In‑depth clinical interviews

• Careful selection of assessment tools (many of which carry direct costs to the clinician)

• Standardized test administration following strict protocols

• Review of relevant medical information and previous reports

• Collection and integration of information from parents, teachers, physicians, and other providers

• Clinical interpretation that integrates strengths, challenges, and patterns of functioning

• Thoughtful report writing with clear, individualized recommendations

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Each assessment reflects a significant investment of clinical time, expertise, and care before, during, and after appointments. These elements are all included in the overall cost of assessment services.

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Payment policies for assessments

To secure an assessment appointment, a non‑refundable booking fee of $250 is required at the time of booking. This fee helps reserve dedicated clinician time and cover preparation and testing materials.

• If you attend your assessment appointment, the $250 booking fee will be applied to your total assessment balance.

• If you cancel with more than 7 days’ notice, the booking fee will be fully refunded.

• If you cancel with fewer than 7 days’ notice, the booking fee will be retained to compensate for clinician time and materials already prepared.

At your first assessment appointment, 50% of the total assessment cost is due. Payment may be made by e‑transfer, cash, or major credit card.

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The remaining 50% balance is due prior to your feedback/results appointment. You will leave that appointment with:

• A copy of your assessment report

• A receipt for services rendered

Please note: credit card payments are subject to a 3.5% processing surcharge.

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Can assessment services be claimed through benefits?

In many cases, yes—but coverage varies by insurance provider and plan.

• Counselling services are often covered, but assessment services may or may not be included

• Coverage depends on both the service provided and the provider designation (e.g., Registered Clinical Counsellor)

We recommend contacting your insurance provider before booking to confirm coverage. We are not responsible for services that are not reimbursed by your plan.

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Other possible funding options may include:

• Health Spending Accounts

• Eligible medical expenses claimed for tax purposes (consult your accountant)

• Post‑secondary or Canada Student Loans programs (for adults or students)

• Jordan’s Principle (for eligible Indigenous children under 18)

• PDD or AISH funding, where applicable (check with your caseworker)

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How many appointments are involved?

The number and length of appointments depend on the assessment type and package selected. In general, the process includes:

1. An initial assessment interview

2. One or more testing sessions, if applicable

3. A feedback appointment to review results and recommendations

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A formal written report is typically completed within approximately two weeks after the feedback appointment and is securely emailed for your records.

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What types of assessments are NOT offered?

Our clinicians DO NOT provide the following services:

• Neuropsychological assessments

• Custody or parenting capacity evaluations

• Court‑ordered or forensic assessments

• Psychoeducational assessments

• Family court practice note assessments

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If a different type of assessment is required, appropriate referrals or next‑step options can be discussed.

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Cancellation and no‑show policy

Assessment appointments require significant preparation and reserved clinician time.

• 50% of the total assessment fee is due by the start of the intake interview appointment.

• Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will result in the 50% deposit being retained.

• No‑show appointments result in the full 50% deposit being retained.

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If you choose to rebook after a cancellation or no‑show, a new 50% deposit will be required.

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Educational Support Assessment Specific FAQ

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Is an Educational Support Assessment the same as a diagnosis or a psychoeducational assessment?
No. This service is non‑diagnostic and focuses on understanding a student’s strengths, support needs, and barriers to learning in order to guide planning and intervention.

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What is the main purpose of this assessment?
The goal is to help families and schools better understand what may be affecting a child’s school experience and identify practical supports that may help.

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Who is this service for?
Children and youth who may be experiencing challenges with learning, emotional regulation, behaviour, school participation, or adjustment.

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What kinds of concerns can be explored?
Depending on the child’s needs, concerns may include:

• Academic frustration or inconsistent performance

• School avoidance or disengagement

• Emotional regulation or behaviour challenges

• Attention, organization, or executive functioning difficulties

• Classroom support and accommodation needs

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How are parents involved?
Parents and caregivers play a key role. Their insights help shape the assessment process and ensure recommendations are realistic and meaningful.

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Can teachers or school staff be involved?
Yes. With consent, input from school staff may be included to better understand the child’s school environment and support planning.

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Will I receive recommendations I can bring to the school?
Yes. Recommendations are practical and designed to support conversations about accommodations, classroom strategies, and individualized planning.

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Can this support an IPP or an IEP?
Yes. Findings may help inform IPP/IEP discussions, planning priorities, and support strategies.

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A Gentle Note About the Scope of This Service

Educational Support Assessments are intended to support understanding, planning, and intervention. They are not presented as formal diagnostic assessments. Instead, they are designed to provide meaningful information that can help families, schools, and counselling supports respond more effectively to a child’s needs.

If families require a formal diagnostic service, additional specialized assessment pathways may be discussed separately where appropriate.

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Who We Support

Our Educational Support Assessment services may be helpful for:

• Children and youth experiencing learning, school engagement, emotional regulation, or behavioural challenges

• Students who may benefit from accommodations, individualized supports, or more structured educational planning

• Parents and caregivers looking for clearer guidance on how to support their child at home and at school

• Teachers and school teams seeking practical, student-centred recommendations to reduce barriers to learning

With consent, we can collaborate with the people involved in the child’s care and education so recommendations are practical, coordinated, and easier to implement across settings.

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Purpose of Assessment

At 80 Acres Counselling, assessment is focused on understanding the student as a whole.

The goal is to:

• identify strengths, support needs, and learning-related challenges

• better understand barriers affecting school success

• support planning for accommodations, classroom strategies, and individualized goals

• align school-based supports with counselling goals and treatment planning

• help families and educators move forward with greater clarity and confidence

Each assessment is individualized, strengths-based, and grounded in practical recommendations that can be used in real-life settings.