Everything You Need to Know
Choosing an assessment can bring up a lot of questions. Here you'll find answers to some of the questions I hear most often. If you don't see yours, I'm happy to help.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUICK ANSWERS
Common Questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact Blue Spruce Psychology directly to begin the process.
What ages do you assess?
Assessments are available for children (as young as 4 years old), teens, post-secondary students, and adults.
How long is an assessment?
Most assessments are completed within 2-4 weeks. The number of visits varies depending on the type of assessment.
When will I receive the report?
Most reports are ready within two weeks. Gifted Assessment reports are typically ready within three business days.
Can the school use the report?
Yes. Reports can be shared with schools to help inform supports, accommodations, and educational planning.
What should I bring with me?
Bring copies of any previous reports, medical letters, and recent report cards.
Can I Book An Assessment Online?
Virtual intake appointments for assessments can be booked online if you know which assessment you would like (i.e., Psychoeducational, ADHD, Autism, Gifted).
If you’re unsure, looking for guidance, have questions, or need support with documentation, you can book a complimentary consult call, complete the contact form, call or text the office at (403) 431-7723, or email me at kendra@bluesprucepsychology.ca.
I will follow up within one business day to discuss your needs.
Do You Offer Direct Billing?
Yes! Direct billing is available for many extended health insurance plans, including Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Desjardins, GreenShield, Industrial Alliance, and Sun Life. Because coverage differs between policies, please contact your insurer to confirm:
(1) Whether psychological assessment services are covered
(2) Your daily and annual coverage limit
(3) Whether a physician’s referral is required
(4) Whether there are any restrictions on assessment-related services
When possible, eligible fees can be submitted directly to your insurer. Any remaining balance can sometimes be billed to a secondary plan or paid via credit card for reimbursement.
DETAILS AND STEPS
The Assessment Process
Every assessment is individualized, but the process generally follows three key steps:
-
The process starts with a conversation about the concerns, strengths, history, and questions that brought you here. From there, I'll plan an assessment based on what needs to be explored.
• Gifted Assessment — 30 minutes
• Psychoeducational, ADHD, & Autism Assessments — 60 minutesFor child assessments: Only parents attend this meeting
For adult assessments: You attend this meeting yourself
Meetings are available in-person or virtually.
-
Assessment sessions typically involve a series of one-on-one tasks selected to evaluate the areas relevant to the referral question. Breaks and flexibility are built in as needed.
• Gifted Assessment — 2 hours, one visit
• ADHD Assessment — 4 hours, two visits
• Psychoeducational Assessment — 6 hours, three visits
• Autism Assessment — 4-8 hours, two to four visitsFor child assessments: Only the child participates in testing sessions
For adult assessments: You attend these sessions
Testing sessions are completed in-person.
-
I'll walk you through the results in clear, everyday language. You'll have time to ask questions, discuss recommendations, and understand what the findings mean in everyday life.
• Gifted Assessment — 30 minutes
• Psychoeducational, ADHD, & Autism Assessments — 60 minutesFor child assessments: Only parents attend this meeting
For adult assessments: You attend this meeting yourself
Meetings are available in-person or virtually.
You'll receive a comprehensive written report summarizing the results and individualized recommendations. Reports can be shared with schools, healthcare providers, post-secondary institutions, and other professionals when appropriate.
UNDERSTANDING THE RESULTS
How an Assessment Can Help
Psychological assessment results can inform diagnosis, educational planning, accommodations, and recommendations for school and home support.
-
A comprehensive Psychoeducational Assessment can help determine whether a learning disability is contributing to difficulties with reading, writing, or mathematics, while also clarifying learning strengths and areas where support may be helpful.
-
When diagnostic criteria are met, an ADHD Assessment can provide a formal diagnosis. It also considers other factors that may be affecting attention, learning, behaviour, or daily functioning.
-
A Gifted Assessment evaluates cognitive abilities and patterns of intellectual strengths, including whether results meet criteria for gifted identification. Findings can also help guide educational planning and support for advanced learning.
-
An assessment can identify appropriate accommodations and may support eligibility for school coding or services. Decisions about implementation are ultimately made by the school.
-
Colleges and universities may require current documentation when reviewing accommodation requests. When appropriate, an assessment report can provide documentation and recommendations to support that process.
-
Yes. If more than one family member is wondering about ADHD, mention this in your initial inquiry.
Each person would have a separate assessment tailored to their own history, experiences, and questions, but I can help you consider how best to organize the timing and process.
Let’s Connect
To learn more, ask questions, or if you would like direction, complete the contact form or email: kendra@bluesprucepsychology.ca
You can also schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your situation and determine next steps.