What is a psychological assessment?
A psychological assessment is a broad term that refers to various types of evaluations conducted by a registered psychologist, often to explore whether or not a diagnosis is appropriate. The specific type of assessment your child would complete depends on the concerns or questions you’re seeking to answer.
Psychological assessments typically include an intake session to gather background information, one or more assessment sessions, a feedback session to review the results, and a written report. The report outlines the findings, offers recommendations for home and school, and suggests next steps.
Whether or not a diagnosis is made, a psychological assessment can offer meaningful insight into your child’s profile and provide guidance on how best to support them.
Psychological assessments at Red Oak
Our goal is to identify your child’s unique strengths and challenges, and provide tailored, actionable recommendations that support growth at home, at school, and in daily life. All aspects of our assessments are completed in-person by our clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists, who bring both clinical expertise and a thoughtful, compassionate approach to every evaluation.
We approach all assessments using frameworks that are strengths-based, developmentally informed, evidence-based, and culturally responsive.
When should I consider a psychological assessment?
We provide psychological assessments for children aged six and up, with most formal testing beginning after age eight, when results become more accurate and reliable. We provide assessments up to age 25.
Reassessments are typically recommended at key transition points (e.g., entering middle or high school) or when there has been a notable change in functioning. Updated assessments are also often required to access accommodations in post-secondary settings.
Red Oak offers a range of Psychological Assessments
Psycho-Educational Assessments
Our psycho-educational assessments are tailored to your specific needs and concerns, and are more comprehensive than typical practices.
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ADHD Assessments
With our deep understanding of ADHD, our psychologists conduct evaluations to determine if and how your child meets the criteria for ADHD.
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Gifted Assessments
Our gifted assessments help you determine whether your child meets the criteria for identification as a gifted student.
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Neuropsychological Assessments
Our comprehensive neuropsychological assessments offer deeper insight into complex learning, developmental, or medical concerns.
Learn MoreWhich assessment is right for my child?
Answer a few questions and we’ll help you choose the best assessment option for your child.
Comparison of Assessment Options
| Domain | ADHD | Psycho-educational | Neuropsychological | Gifted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD / Executive Functioning | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ | |
| Learning Disabilities | ⭘ | ⭘ | ||
| Social-Emotional Functioning | ⭘ | ⭘ | ||
| Cognitive Profile / Learning Strengths & Needs | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ |
| Giftedness / High Intellectual Ability | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ | |
| Developmental Concerns | ⭘ | |||
| Complex Medical or Neurological History | ⭘ | |||
| Autism | ||||
| Helps Guide School Supports / IEP Planning | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ |
| Formal Diagnosis | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ |
| Feedback for Parents and Child | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ | ⭘ |
Please Note: We do not offer Developmental or Autism (ADOS) assessments at this time.
If you’re still unsure about which assessment is right for your child, request a consultation.
Talk to an assessment psychologistOur assessment process
Our assessment process varies slightly depending on the type of assessment, but typically includes:
1. Caregiver intake session – Conducted virtually or in person to gather background information.
2. In-person testing – A part- or full-day session with your child using standardized tools and observations.
3. Questionnaires – Completed by caregivers and teachers to provide additional perspectives.
4. Document review – Integration of report cards, IEPs, and any past assessments.
5. Feedback session – A meeting with you, and when appropriate, your child, to review results and recommendations.
6. Comprehensive report – A strengths-based written report that explains any diagnoses and provides individualized recommendations for school and home.
Our Assessment Team
Meet our psychologists and neuropsychologists who conduct assessments
Common questions about assessments
Are psychological assessments covered by insurance?
Coverage for psychological assessments under extended health care plans varies depending on your individual insurance provider and plan details. We recommend contacting your insurance provider in advance to understand what is covered, as some plans may have specific requirements or limitations.
At Red Oak, we provide an itemized receipt after each assessment session, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What are the benefits of doing a psychological assessment?
A psychological assessment can offer valuable insight into your child’s unique learning profile, emotional functioning, and behaviour. It can help identify underlying reasons for challenges with attention, learning, emotional regulation, or behaviour—whether at school, at home, or in social settings.
Assessments provide a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and needs, along with tailored recommendations for supports and strategies. This might include accommodations at school (like an Individual Education Plan), therapy recommendations, or specific tools to support day-to-day functioning.
In some cases, an assessment may also result in a diagnosis—such as ADHD, a learning disability, an intellectual developmental disability, anxiety, or depression—which can help guide access to services and appropriate interventions.
Even when a diagnosis is not made, the assessment process itself can be a meaningful step in understanding how to best support your child’s development, confidence, and well-being.
Do I need an assessment to access services?
An assessment is not required to access services at Red Oak.
Do you do Autism assessments?
Unfortunately, we do not conduct Autism assessments at Red Oak at the current time. Below are some recommendations for clinics that offer Autism assessment:
Flourish on Queen
Dr. Darlene Walker at Clinic on Dupont
Dr. Thomas Rhee at Redpath Centre
Growing Minds
How often should my child be assessed?
Reassessments are typically recommended at key transition points, such as when your child is entering a new school, starting middle or high school, or preparing for post-secondary education. An updated assessment can help ensure that appropriate supports and accommodations are in place for the next stage of learning.
Many schools—at both the elementary and secondary levels, as well as colleges and universities—require a recent psychological assessment in order to provide accommodations. While policies vary, some schools will only accept assessments completed within the past 1 to 3 years. It’s a good idea to check with the specific school to understand their documentation requirements.
A reassessment may also be helpful if there has been a significant change in your child’s behaviour, emotional functioning, or academic performance.