You've decided it's time to find out whether ADHD explains the missed deadlines, the restlessness or the constant feeling of being behind. Then the practical question hits: does Desjardins cover ADHD assessment costs under your benefits? The honest answer is that it depends on your plan. This guide explains where an assessment usually fits in a Desjardins group plan, what Desjardins says publicly, what to ask before you book and how billing works with us.
This post is general information, not insurance advice. Only Desjardins and your plan documents can confirm your coverage.
The short answer: it depends on your plan
Desjardins doesn't have one plan that applies to everyone. Most people with Desjardins benefits are covered through a group plan set up by an employer, a union or an association. Each plan sponsor chooses what to include, how much to cover and which practitioners qualify.
That means two people with Desjardins cards can get very different answers. One plan might include psychologist services with a generous maximum. Another might have a small amount, and some plans may leave that category out entirely. Before you book, it's worth taking a few minutes to check your own plan.
Desjardins' public information on mental health professionals
Desjardins publishes some general information about its group plans. Its Mental Health Focus page says its group health insurance plans offer mental health supports to plan members and their dependents, and that members covered by its extended healthcare benefit can seek care from different types of mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers and psychotherapists.
That's helpful background, but it isn't a promise about your plan. The same general information applies only if your plan includes that benefit.
Where an ADHD assessment usually sits in your plan
An ADHD assessment is a psychological assessment, completed by a psychologist. So if your plan covers it, the claim would usually fall under the psychologist or mental health professional part of your extended health benefits.
Desjardins also publishes a benefits summary for one of its group plan designs, called PerformPlus. In that example, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers and several counsellor titles sit together in one "psychologist category" with a combined maximum. The document notes that the reimbursement percentage for this category can differ from other health professionals, and that an entire category of health professionals can be excluded from a plan.
That's one example, not your coverage. But it shows why the details of your own plan matter.
Desjardins ADHD assessment coverage and your maximum
Desjardins ADHD assessment coverage, where it exists, is usually limited by your plan's maximum. In the PerformPlus example, plans can be set up with a maximum per category, a combined maximum across categories, or a per visit maximum with a set number of visits each year.
An ADHD assessment is usually a single, larger fee rather than a series of small sessions. So it's worth asking how a one-time fee would be handled under your maximum, and how much of your yearly amount you've already used, for example on counselling sessions. Desjardins' healthcare claims guide also explains that reimbursements are limited to reasonable and customary fees for the area.
Who must do the assessment
Titles matter on insurance claims. An ADHD assessment that leads to a diagnosis is done by a psychologist, and the receipt will show that title. Before you book, check that "psychologist" is listed in your plan.
If you're asking does Desjardins cover psychological assessments in general, the same rule applies. Your plan has to include psychologist services, and the claim must match what your plan covers. Desjardins' public pages that we reviewed don't say whether ADHD assessments specifically are included, so ask Desjardins directly.
Desjardins and ADHD testing for children and teens
Many parents ask, does Desjardins cover ADHD testing for a child? Desjardins' Mental Health Focus page says its group plans offer mental health supports to plan members and their dependents. Whether that includes a psychological assessment for your child depends on your plan, so ask how dependants are covered and whether they share your maximum.
We offer ADHD assessments for children, teens and adults at our Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Ottawa offices. Assessments for young people start at age 6.
Questions to ask before you book
When checking your psychologist benefits with Desjardins, have your plan number and certificate number ready, and ask:
Does my plan cover services from a psychologist?
Is a psychological assessment, including an ADHD assessment, an eligible expense?
What is my yearly maximum for psychologist services, and is it shared with other practitioners?
How much have I already used this year?
What percentage of the fee is reimbursed?
Do I need a referral or any other paperwork for the claim?
Are my dependants covered the same way?
How long do I have to submit a claim?
Write down the answers, the date and the name of the person you spoke with. You can also look at your benefits booklet or ask your HR or benefits administrator.
Direct billing with us
We can direct bill Desjardins through TELUS eClaims for sessions with a Registered Social Worker, Registered Psychotherapist or psychologist. This doesn't apply to sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
We haven't confirmed whether direct billing through TELUS eClaims applies to ADHD assessment fees in every case. Ask us to check for your plan before you book, and never assume an assessment is covered until Desjardins confirms it. We can never promise coverage.
If direct billing isn't available for your assessment, Desjardins' claims guide explains that most healthcare claims can be submitted online through its secure site or the Omni app, or by mail with a claim form. Keep your original receipt and any other paperwork until your claim is settled.
Common mix-ups to avoid
A few misunderstandings come up often with assessment claims:
Assuming counselling coverage means assessment coverage. Your plan may cover therapy sessions but handle a psychological assessment differently, so ask about both.
Forgetting about a shared maximum. If your psychologist amount is shared with other practitioners, counselling earlier in the year may have used some of it.
Booking before checking. A quick call to Desjardins before your appointment can save a surprise later.
Not keeping paperwork. Hold on to receipts and any letters until your claim is fully settled.
None of these are your fault. Benefits language can be confusing, and asking questions is the best way through it.
If your plan doesn't cover it all
Sometimes a plan covers part of an assessment, or your maximum runs out partway. We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs), which some employers offer alongside regular benefits, depending on how your plan is set up.
If you're asking more broadly, is an ADHD assessment covered by insurance with other insurers, the same principle applies: it depends on the plan. Our post on whether Canada Life covers ADHD assessments walks through the same questions for another insurer.
For details on assessment fees, ask during your free consultation. Our admin team can explain the cost, what's included and what paperwork you'll receive for your claim.
What an ADHD assessment with us involves
An ADHD assessment looks at attention, focus, organization, restlessness and how these affect your daily life now and in the past. It usually includes interviews, questionnaires and other measures, followed by a feedback meeting where the psychologist explains the results and recommendations.
We offer an adult ADHD assessment in Kitchener-Waterloo, and assessments at our Cambridge and Ottawa offices too. Our guide to psychological assessment in Ottawa explains the types of assessment we offer for children, teens and adults.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. We can talk through your questions, check direct billing for your plan and help you plan your next step.
Understanding your coverage before you book can take a lot of stress out of the process. A few questions now can save surprises later.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
The support we offer, Mental Health Focus, Desjardins Insurance
PerformPlus benefits (PDF), Desjardins Insurance
Healthcare claims guide (PDF), Desjardins Insurance