Deciding to get an assessment for you or your child is a big step. You will need to commit a handful of hours, financial resources, and dedication to ensure that the process is thorough and accurate. This involves preparing for appointments, providing detailed background information, and being open and engaged throughout the assessment process to help the clinician gather the most relevant data. Therefore, it’s understandable if you are unsure or have lots of questions!
Some clinics, like Onyx Assessments, offer an initial consultation meeting with a registered psychologist who is qualified to conduct formal assessments. Essentially, this is a short meeting where you are free to ask questions and inquire about the assessment process. The best part is, it’s a no-commitment meeting! You can test the waters and feel out if this is the right decision for you. The psychologist will help you understand what to expect from an assessment, and whether it aligns with your presenting concerns and goals. They will also discuss the logistics of an assessment, the expectations of everyone involved, the potential outcomes, and how the results could guide future steps, ensuring you're fully informed before moving forward.
However, what questions should you ask your psychologist? This is a unique opportunity where you, as the client, get to ask most of the questions! If you’ve never had an assessment before, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to even begin. To help guide you, here are some questions you can bring to your psychologist during your initial consultation:
What types of assessments do you offer?
There are many psychological assessments to choose from, ranging from psychoeducational, to mental health, to neuropsychological. To make it even more confusing, not every clinic offers every type of assessment! Ethically, psychologists need to be competent in the assessments they administer. To become competent in a specific area, psychologists must ensure they receive appropriate training and obtain supervised hours. If you are going to be paying for a service, you want to ensure that the person providing it is qualified. Therefore, asking your psychologist what makes them qualified to administer assessments is a completely valid question. Many psychologists are eager to discuss their training and qualifications and are often proud to share the details of their expertise and the services they offer. After hearing which assessments are offered, it may give you a better idea of what you are looking for and whether it would be a good fit. Additionally, the psychologist can provide guidance on the most suitable assessments for your needs or refer you to other professionals who may be better equipped to assist you if the assessment you would benefit from falls outside their area of expertise.
What is the purpose of an assessment?
Why even get an assessment done anyway? What benefit will it give you? This is a completely valid question, especially if you’ve never had an assessment before. Your psychologist will be happy to explain the value an assessment can bring to your life. For many, it may lead to a diagnosis that helps explain their symptoms and offers clarity. For others, it might uncover academic or cognitive challenges that can inform personalized strategies for support. Asking your psychologist this question can open the door to a better understanding of how an assessment can be specifically tailored to address your unique needs.
What is the assessment process like?
How many appointments will you need to attend? What will these appointments look like? When can I expect my assessment to be completed? These are all important questions that can help you understand what to expect and may ease some of the anxiety about the assessment process. Generally, an assessment includes an intake meeting, several testing sessions, a final feedback session, and a comprehensive report. However, it’s crucial to ask your psychologist for specific details about what to expect, as there may be additional requirements based on your individual situation.
What kind of information do you need from me?
Assessments typically require a significant amount of information from the client to ensure that the process is as thorough and accurate as possible. Additionally, assessments are rarely ever just between you and the psychologist. Psychologists often gather information from multiple sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of your current functioning. For example, they might ask teachers, parents, coaches, grandparents, siblings, or even friends to complete questionnaires about you/your child. It’s important to note that your right to confidentiality will be upheld, and the results of your assessment will only be released to you, even if others participate in the assessment process.
Additional resources you may share with the psychologist include past medical records, mental health history, developmental history, and educational records. During your consultation, it's important to inquire about what specific information will be required, as some of these records might be challenging to access or obtain. This will help you prepare and ensure you can provide all necessary documents for a comprehensive assessment.
What will the assessment cost?
Psychologists understand that an assessment is a significant financial commitment, and it's normal to have concerns about the cost. Sometimes, they can provide you with a service quote, giving you a rough estimate of how much the assessment will cost. Asking about other details, such as whether they offer direct billing, when payment is required, and what forms of payment they accept, are also important questions to ensure you're fully prepared and comfortable with the financial aspects of the process.
Anything else you would like to ask!
At the end of the day, you know yourself best. If there are any additional questions you have that would make you feel more comfortable about your assessment, don’t hesitate to ask! It's important to take full advantage of the consultation meeting and ensure you’re satisfied with the answers to all your questions.
If you are interested in booking a consultation with one of our psychologists at Onyx Assessments, please call us at (587) 415-0482! We look forward to welcoming you and answering your questions to ensure you feel confident and informed about the assessment process.
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