THE ASSESSMENT
What is a mental health assessment?
A mental health assessment is a comprehensive psychological evaluation of emotional, behavioural, and social functioning. Through clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires, and, where helpful, direct testing, we clarify what is driving current difficulties and, when appropriate, diagnose conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, or difficulties with emotional and behavioural regulation.
We also consider how these concerns interact with attention, learning, development, and life circumstances, so the full picture is understood.
Emotional wellbeing
Worry, sadness, irritability, and how emotions affect daily life.
Behaviour and regulation
Outbursts, avoidance, school refusal, and coping under stress.
The whole picture
Attention, learning, development, and what else may be contributing.
WHEN TO CONSIDER
When an assessment may help
These are some of the reasons families reach out to us.
01
Ongoing worry or sadness
Feelings that last, rather than passing with time.
02
Changes in behaviour
Withdrawal, irritability, or a change from your child's usual self.
03
Emotional outbursts
Big reactions that are hard to understand or settle.
04
School refusal
Avoiding school, or physical complaints before school.
05
Sleep or eating changes
Changes that are affecting daily life.
06
Treatment is not helping
Therapy has not helped as much as expected, or the picture is unclear.
OUR APPROACH
What makes our approach different
We look beyond the most visible symptoms, so that what is driving them is understood and the right support follows.
Co-occurring conditions considered: including ADHD, autism, and learning difficulties that may sit underneath.
The young person's voice: when age appropriate, your child or teen takes part directly.
Information from home and school: standardized questionnaires from parents and teachers.
Assessment to treatment: if you choose, a smooth transition to therapy with our team.
Many mental health difficulties share overlapping symptoms. An accurate diagnosis guides the right treatment.
A safe, unhurried setting
We pace sessions to your child, offer breaks, and create a calm, predictable setting, so that your child can share their experience and the results are accurate.
THE PROCESS
The assessment, step by step
The full process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from intake to feedback, typically including 2 sessions.
Step
What happens
Why it matters
Free consultation
A 15-minute call to talk through your concerns
Helps decide whether a mental health assessment is the right fit
Clinical interview
An in-depth conversation with parents and, when age appropriate, the young person
Understands current concerns, history, and daily functioning
Questionnaires
Validated rating scales from parents, teachers, and the young person
Measures emotional and behavioural functioning across settings
Additional testing if needed
Cognitive or attention measures
Clarifies how other factors relate to current difficulties
Report and feedback
A written report, reviewed with you in a feedback meeting
Clear answers and a plan for support
AFTER THE ASSESSMENT
What you receive
01
A clear understanding
What is happening and why, and a diagnosis when appropriate.
02
A written report
Signed by a registered psychologist, and usable for school accommodations and to guide care.
03
A treatment plan
Recommendations for the therapy approach most likely to help.
04
A feedback meeting
Time to ask questions and plan next steps together.
Meet the assessment team
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an assessment and therapy?
An assessment answers the question "What is going on?" through a structured evaluation and, when appropriate, a diagnosis. Therapy is ongoing support to address those concerns. Many families find that an assessment makes therapy more focused and effective.
Do we need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. Therapy can begin without a diagnosis. An assessment is helpful when the picture is unclear, when documentation is needed, or when treatment has not been working as expected.
Can my child continue in therapy at Inner Circle after the assessment?
Yes. Our team offers therapy for children, teens, and adults, and we can help you transition smoothly from assessment to treatment if you choose.
How much does it cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Fees depend on the components needed. We will give you a clear quote during your free consultation. Many extended health plans cover psychological assessments, and we can submit a predetermination to confirm your coverage before you begin.
How long does the process take?
Usually 4 to 6 weeks from intake to the feedback meeting.
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