Does Clarity Assessment Services provide counselling or treatment services?

 

No.  My specialty is psychoeducational assessment.  I only offer services that are consistent with my training and experience.

 

Why do some people call it a Learning Disability, and others call it a Learning Disorder?

 

"Learning Disability" is the term and definition used by the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC).  It's also the term used within Alberta Education.  "Specific Learning Disorder" is the diagnostic term used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which is the diagnostic tool Psychologist's use in their practice.  The criteria is somewhat different between the two definitions, but a diagnosis of "Specific Learning Disorder" qualifies for identification as a student with a Learning Disability through Alberta Education (AB Ed. code "54").

 

Does my child need a Psychoeducational Assessment?

 

This is the question I'll try to help you answer during our first consultation. If I don't feel that a psychoeducational assessment is going to address your concerns, or if it sounds like another service is more appropriate to start with, I'll tell you.  My goal is to provide assessments to address the needs of you and your child.  If my service won't help address that need, I'll help you find what will. 

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of an Assessment?

 

The advantages of assessment include identifying the factors impacting your child's learning, both strengths and areas of need.  The assessment results may lead to more tailored interventions in the classroom, and greater insight into how your child processes information.  The disadvantages include the possibility that your child will be identified with a specific disability; however, that can also be an advantage depending on the services you can access in the community as a result of that diagnostic opinion.  These considerations will be discussed with you in detail before proceeding with any assessment of your child.

 

How long does an assessment take?

 

How long an assessment takes will depend upon the referral question, and the degree of thoroughness required.  For example, a fairly straight forward assessment for a Learning Disability or Giftedness is 12 hours of clinical time.  An assessment for ADHD, or mood, which should be done within the context of a psychoeducational assessment, is 16 hours of clinical time.   Our initial consultation will help determine the primary referral question, and an estimate of the time necessary to meet your inquiry will be provided. 

 

How much does a Psychoeducational Assessment cost?  Is Assessment covered by my employers benefits plan?

 

Some extended benefits plans cover a portion of psychological services.  Check with your benefits provider to determine what services are covered, if there is a maximum coverage per person per year, if there is a maximum coverage per session, and how to go about claiming coverage.  You would be responsible for any remaining charges that are not covered by your benefits plan.  Clarity Assessment Services does not currently offer direct billing, meaning that you would then seek reimbursement through your extended benefits plan.  

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All fees are consistent with the fee schedule recommended by the Psychologists' Association of Alberta.  Clarity Assessment Services currently bills in a flat-fee for service type so that my clients know exactly what the cost of service is before proceeding.  The service fees vary according to the type of assessment:

• Assessment for a Learning Disability (AB Ed. code "54"), or Giftedness (AB Ed code "80", GATE program assessment, etc.) is billed at 12 hours ($2760).

• Assessment for ADHD, Anxiety, depression, or other mood/executive functioning needs is billed at 16 hours ($3680).

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What documentation will I receive upon completion of the assessment?

 

All assessment services are concluded with a debrief meeting where I review the content of the Psychoeducational Assessment Report.  This report reviews the relevant information to understand a child's history and presentation, my observations in working with them, outcomes of standardized testing and rating scales (if administered), as well as strategies  based upon your child's unique profile of strengths and needs.  This document varies in length based upon the complexity of your child's profile.  The more complex the profile, the greater the detail in explanation and recommendations.  

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Once we have met to review the outcomes of your child's assessment and the service fees are settled in full, a copy of the Psychoeducational Assessment Report is released to you for your records.  This document belongs to you, and you are able to share the document with stakeholders in your child's care (e.g., school/teacher, doctor, etc.).  

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A Psychoeducational Assessment Report is prepared and provided for all assessment types, including Westmount assessments.  Some clinics in Calgary offer Westmount testing for a smaller fee, providing a report at a higher fee only if your child meets entry requirements for Westmount.  It is the opinion of this clinician that any professional investigation into the abilities and skills of your child should result in a record of that investigation, regardless of the outcome.  For this reason, Westmount assessments are also billed at a flat rate, and include the provision of a psychoeducational report.

 

Do you do assessments for Kindergarten entry to Westmount Charter?

 

At this time, Clarity Assessment Services does not complete gifted assessments for Kindergarten entry.  

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