You have struggled with the same things for years. You have read articles, tried apps and maybe seen a therapist, but you still don't have a clear answer about what is going on. Or someone, like a doctor, a school or an employer, has told you to "get assessed." A psychological assessment in Cambridge can help you get clearer answers. This post explains when an assessment can help, what it looks at, who can diagnose mental health conditions in Ontario and how to get started with a psychologist.
This post is general information, not a diagnosis or legal advice. Only a qualified professional can assess what you're going through.
Psychological assessment in Cambridge, when it can help
A psychological assessment is a careful look at how you think, feel and act. It is done by a licensed psychologist. Psychologists are trained to assess and diagnose problems in thinking, feeling and behaviour, and to use psychological tests (see Sources).
People look for a psychological assessment in Cambridge for many reasons. You might:
Have long-standing struggles that nobody has been able to explain
Have been told by a doctor, school or workplace to get an assessment
Need documentation for school, work or a benefits claim
Want a clearer picture before deciding on the next step in treatment
This is not a checklist. Many people with these concerns don't need an assessment, and some people need one for other reasons. A short conversation can help you decide.
Signs an assessment might be the next step
Sometimes therapy helps a lot. Other times, it feels like you keep going in circles. An assessment might be worth thinking about if:
You have been in therapy for a while and keep hitting the same wall
Your symptoms seem to overlap, and it is hard to tell what is driving what
You have been given different answers by different people
You want a clearer plan for what kind of help would fit best
A mental health assessment for adults is a structured way to step back and look at the whole picture. Please don't try to diagnose yourself from online lists. They can't take your full history and context into account.
What a psychodiagnostic assessment in Cambridge looks at
A psychodiagnostic assessment in Cambridge looks closely at your mental health. It may explore:
Mood, such as depression or ups and downs
Anxiety and worry
The effects of trauma
Personality patterns and how you relate to others
Other questions you agree on with the psychologist at the start
An assessment usually involves talking with the psychologist about your history and current concerns, and completing questionnaires or tests. At the end, the psychologist goes over what they found with you. Your psychologist will explain the steps for your assessment and what you will receive before you begin.
Who can diagnose mental health conditions in Ontario?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer matters when you book.
In Ontario, telling a person that a specific disease or disorder is causing their symptoms is called communicating a diagnosis. Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, this is a controlled act. That means only professionals who are authorized by law can do it (see Sources).
For mental health conditions in Ontario, this includes:
Psychologists and psychological associates, for certain mental health and brain-based disorders
Physicians, including family doctors and psychiatrists
Nurse practitioners
Registered psychotherapists and registered social workers are trained to provide therapy, and many are very skilled at it. But they are not authorized to communicate a diagnosis. On our team, diagnostic assessments are done by our psychologists.
So if you need a formal diagnosis, for example for school accommodations or an insurance claim, make sure you are booking with a professional who can provide one.
What a diagnosis can and cannot do
A diagnosis can be very helpful. It can:
Guide what kind of treatment is most likely to help
Help you understand why some things have been so hard
Support requests for accommodations at school or work
Help you find information and support from others with similar experiences
But a diagnosis also has limits. It is a description of a pattern, not a description of who you are. It does not define your worth, your future or your personality. And you choose who you share it with. Some people tell family, friends or employers. Others keep it private. Both are okay. You can also take time to think before you decide. There is no rush.
It is also possible that an assessment does not lead to a diagnosis. That can still be useful. It can rule things out and point you toward the right kind of support.
Psychologists who do assessments in Cambridge
These psychologists list assessments on their profiles, list Cambridge as a location and are accepting new clients:
Dr. Carolyn Abramowitz, Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist. Offers psychodiagnostic assessments for adults 18 and up in Cambridge and online. Learn more about Dr. Carolyn Abramowitz.
Stefane Kabene, Clinical Psychologist. Lists psychodiagnostic and personality assessments, and offers assessments in Cambridge. Learn more about Stefane Kabene.
Fariba Touyeh, Clinical Psychologist. Offers mental health assessments for adults 18 and up, including in Cambridge. Learn more about Fariba Touyeh.
A psychologist assessment in Cambridge starts with the free consultation. Our admin team can help you figure out which psychologist fits your questions.
Getting ready for your assessment
You don't need to study or prepare much. But a few simple steps can help you get the most out of it:
Write down your questions. What do you most want to understand? Put it in your own words.
Think about your history. When did things start? What has helped, and what hasn't?
Gather what you have. Old report cards, past assessments or notes from other providers can be useful, if you have them.
Rest up. Try to get a good night's sleep before your appointments. Bring water and a snack.
Ask about the steps. It is okay to ask how long each part will take and what happens next.
It is normal to feel nervous. Many people worry about "failing" a test. There is no pass or fail in a psychological assessment. The goal is simply to understand you better.
ADHD and learning questions
If your main question is about attention, focus or ADHD, an ADHD assessment may be a better fit than a general mental health assessment. Some people need both. Questions about learning, like reading, writing or math, are usually looked at in a psychoeducational assessment, which is a separate service. Let our admin team know what you are wondering about, and they can point you in the right direction.
Cost, coverage and your first step
Therapy sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
You can ask about fees for your situation during your free consultation.
Some extended health plans cover psychological assessments. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your insurer before you start.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs), and we can direct bill many insurers.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. Let them know you're interested in a psychological assessment in Cambridge, and what questions you would like answered. They'll help you find a good fit.
If you're in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
What is a psychologist?, Canadian Psychological Association
Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, section 27 (controlled acts), Government of Ontario, e-Laws
Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act, 2021, section 4 (authorized acts), Government of Ontario, e-Laws
Nursing Act, 1991, section 5.1 (nurse practitioners), Government of Ontario, e-Laws