Maybe your child is working hard at school but still struggling to read. Maybe you've struggled with focus for years and wonder if it's ADHD, or your teen is falling behind and nobody can say why. Or maybe you've always felt different and want to know if you're autistic. A psychological assessment can turn those questions into clear answers and a plan. This guide explains the types of psychological assessment in Ottawa for children, teens and adults, how the process works and how to choose the right one.
Our Ottawa office offers ADHD, autism, psychoeducational and mental health assessments for children ages 6 and up, teens and adults, led by psychologists.
What is a psychological assessment?
A psychological assessment is a careful look at how you think, learn, feel and behave. A psychologist gathers information through interviews, questionnaires and testing. Then they put it all together to answer a specific question, like "Do I have ADHD?" or "Why is reading so hard for my child?"
At the end, you get a written report and a feedback meeting. The report explains the results, gives a diagnosis if one fits and lists practical recommendations. It can also support accommodations at school or work.
Child assessments in Ottawa (ages 6 and up)
Our Ottawa office now assesses children ages 6 and up, as well as teens and adults. If you've been searching for a pediatric psychologist in Ottawa or an educational psychologist in Ottawa, a child assessment is usually what you're looking for: a psychologist looking closely at how your child learns, pays attention and relates to others.
Common reasons parents reach out include:
Learning and school concerns. A psychoeducational, or learning, assessment looks at thinking skills and skills like reading, writing and math. It can help explain why school feels so hard.
ADHD questions. Trouble sitting still, finishing work or following instructions at school and at home.
Autism questions. Differences in social communication, play, routines or sensory needs.
Parents are an important part of a child assessment. The psychologist will usually ask about your child's development, school history and what you see at home, and may ask you to share report cards or earlier reports. You can ask in the free consultation how testing sessions are set up for younger children.
What a child's report can support
A written report explains the results and gives practical recommendations for home and school. It can support school accommodations and an Individual Education Plan (IEP). If your child is diagnosed with autism, the written diagnosis can also support registration for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), which is for children and youth under 18 with a written autism diagnosis from a qualified professional.
For a closer look at learning assessments, read our guide to what a psychoeducational assessment can tell you about your child.
Types of assessments we offer in Ottawa
ADHD assessment
An ADHD assessment looks at attention, focus, organization and impulsivity. In adults, ADHD often shows up as missed deadlines, trouble starting tasks, forgetfulness or feeling like you're always behind. In children and teens, it may show up as unfinished homework, lost items or trouble staying on track.
The psychologist will look at your history and current symptoms and check for other things that can look like ADHD, such as anxiety or learning problems. Learn more about our adult ADHD assessment in Ottawa.
Autism assessment
An autism assessment looks at social communication, sensory needs, routines and interests across your life. Many adults seek an autism assessment after years of feeling out of step with others. Children and teens may be assessed because of social struggles, anxiety or sensory stress. Our Ottawa autism assessments are also available in French.
Psychoeducational assessment
A psychoeducational assessment looks at thinking skills and learning skills like reading, writing and math. It can identify a learning disability, ADHD or giftedness. Children and teens often need one for school support. Adults may need one for college, university or workplace accommodations.
Mental health assessment
A mental health assessment helps clarify what's behind symptoms like anxiety, low mood, panic, obsessive thoughts or trauma reactions. It can lead to a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan. This is helpful if you've tried therapy or medication without much change, or if you're not sure what you're dealing with.
How the assessment process works
Every assessment is a little different, but most follow these steps:
Free consultation. You talk with our team about your questions and which assessment fits.
Intake. You share your history and any past reports, school records or notes from your doctor.
Interview. You meet with the psychologist to talk about your history and what you notice now. For children and teens, a parent or caregiver is usually part of this.
Questionnaires and testing. Depending on the assessment, this can include rating scales, thinking skills tests or learning tests.
Feedback and report. You go over the results with the psychologist and get a detailed written report with next steps.
Assessments are usually done over more than one appointment. In-person and virtual appointments are both available, so parts of the process can be done remotely.
Which assessment is right for you?
It's okay if you're not sure. Many people have more than one question. Here are some common starting points:
"I can't focus, and it's hurting my work." An ADHD assessment may fit.
"I've always felt different socially." An autism assessment may fit.
"My child is bright but struggling with reading or math." A psychoeducational assessment may fit.
"I need accommodations for school." A psychoeducational assessment may fit.
"I'm anxious or down, and I don't know why." A mental health assessment may fit.
Some conditions overlap. ADHD, autism, anxiety and learning disabilities can happen together. A good assessment looks at the whole picture. Your free consultation can help you choose where to start, and the psychologist can adjust the plan if new questions come up along the way.
Assessments for teens
Teens face big demands at school, and hidden struggles can show up as stress, low marks or pulling away. An assessment can help your teen understand themselves and get the right support.
If your teen is struggling, talk with them first. Explain that an assessment isn't a test they can fail. It's a way to learn how their brain works. Let them ask questions, and remind them that many people get assessed. Knowing more about themselves can help your teen feel more confident and less alone. A report can support an IEP at high school and accommodations at college or university.
How to prepare for your assessment
A little preparation can make your assessment smoother and more useful. Before your first appointment, try to:
Write down your questions. What do you most want to understand?
Gather past records. Report cards, earlier assessments and doctor's notes can all help.
Think about your history. For ADHD and autism, the psychologist will ask about childhood. If you can, ask a parent or older relative what you were like as a child.
List your medicines. Some can affect focus, sleep or mood.
Rest well the night before testing. Eat a good meal and bring glasses or hearing aids if you use them.
For children and teens, parents can help by collecting school records and sharing what they've seen at home. Tell younger children simply that they'll do some puzzles and activities with a helper. Try to keep the day of testing calm and low pressure, with a good breakfast and a snack.
Most of all, be honest. There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand you, not to judge you.
Ways to pay for an assessment
Assessments by private psychologists usually aren't covered by OHIP. Many extended health plans cover psychological assessments by a registered psychologist, but coverage depends on your plan, so check your plan. We can direct bill many insurers.
If you're a college or university student, you may be able to get help with the cost of a psychoeducational assessment through OSAP disability supports.
Our Ottawa office
Our Ottawa office is on the 7th floor at 1 Rideau Street, inside the Fairmont Château Laurier. You can reach our Ottawa team at (613) 691-1006.
Assessment fees depend on the service, and your free consultation covers them. No doctor's referral is needed for a psychological assessment.
Our Ottawa office assesses children ages 6 and up, teens and adults.
Frequently asked questions
Who does the assessments?
Assessments at our Ottawa office are led by a psychologist. Psychologists in Ontario can diagnose conditions like ADHD, autism and learning disabilities.
How long does an assessment take?
It depends on the type of assessment and your questions. Most are done over more than one appointment, followed by a feedback meeting.
Can I do my assessment online?
Parts of the process can often be done virtually. Some testing works best in person. We'll talk about the options in your free consultation.
Will my report be accepted by my school or employer?
A report from a registered psychologist is widely used for school and workplace accommodations. Check the specific requirements of your school or employer first.
What happens after the assessment?
Your report will include recommendations. These might include therapy, strategies for home or school, or accommodations at school or work.
Take the first step
You deserve answers that make sense. Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk about the right assessment for you, your child or your teen, or book an appointment to get started.