How do I know if counselling is right for me?

If emotional distress, stress, relationship challenges, or life transitions are affecting your wellbeing or daily functioning, counselling may be helpful. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes. Counselling services are confidential and follow Alberta privacy legislation and professional ethical standards. Information is only shared with consent or when legally required.

Do you offer virtual counselling in Alberta?

Yes. We provide secure virtual counselling for clients located anywhere in Alberta. Virtual sessions follow the same professional and ethical standards as in-person counselling.

Is counselling covered by insurance?

Many extended health benefit plans cover counselling services provided by registered or provisional psychologists. Coverage varies by plan, so clients are encouraged to confirm details with their insurance provider.

How long does counselling take?

The length of counselling varies depending on individual goals and needs. Some clients attend short-term counselling focused on specific concerns, while others choose longer-term support.

Who provides counselling at WJW Counselling & Mediation?

Counselling services are provided by registered psychologists, provisional psychologists, and trained mental-health therapists. Clients are matched with a clinician based on their needs and preferences.

ADHD Assessment

Home » Psychological Assessments in St. Albert » ADHD Assessment

A psychological assessment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Typically a psychological assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist. The assessment aims to gather information about an individual’s cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, behavior, and developmental history to determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD.

Here are some components that are typically included in a psychological assessment for ADHD:

Clinical Interview

The assessment often begins with a detailed clinical interview with the individual seeking the evaluation, as well as their parents or caregivers if applicable. This interview helps gather information about the individual’s developmental history, symptoms, and any family history of ADHD or other mental health conditions.

Behavior Rating Scales

Standardized behavior rating scales are often used to assess ADHD symptoms. These scales are typically completed by parents, teachers, and sometimes the individual themselves.
Common rating scales include the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) and the Conners’ Rating Scales.

Symptom Checklists

The clinician may use ADHD-specific symptom checklists to assess the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms. These checklists typically include criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for ADHD.

Cognitive Testing

Neuropsychological assessments may be conducted to evaluate cognitive functioning, attention, memory, and executive functioning skills. These tests can help identify any cognitive deficits that may be contributing to ADHD symptoms.

Emotional and Behavioral Assessment

Assessment tools may be used to assess emotional and behavioral functioning, including measures of anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring conditions that can mimic or exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

Observations

Direct observations of the individual’s behavior in different settings, such as home and school, may be conducted to assess their behavior, attention span, and impulse control.

Developmental History

Information about the individual’s developmental history, including early milestones and any signs of developmental delays, may be gathered to understand the onset and course of ADHD symptoms.

Medical History

A medical history review may be conducted to rule out other medical conditions or medication side effects that can mimic ADHD symptoms.

Family History

Information about family history, especially the presence of ADHD or related conditions, can provide valuable insights.

Differential Diagnosis

The assessment should consider and rule out other conditions that can present with symptoms similar to ADHD, such as anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, or mood disorders.

Feedback and Diagnosis

Following the assessment, the clinician will provide feedback to the individual and their family, discuss the diagnosis (if applicable), and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include behavioral interventions, psychotherapy, and/or medication.

What to Expect from an ADHD Assessment

An ADHD assessment will…

Conduct Background Questionnaires
Assess Symptoms
Confirm or Clarify a Diagnosis
Identifying emotions and managing them through healthy coping mechanisms
Offer Recommendations
Provide a Treatment Plan

ADHD
Assessments

Receiving a diagnosis is the first step towards understanding ADHD symptoms and strategies and tools to help manage these symptoms

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