What is an Assessment?
Assessment is a problem-solving process in which information is gathered and interpreted to assist in meeting an individual’s needs. For students encountering learning or attention difficulties, or under-achieving, an assessment can help to understand the student’s learning strengths and needs. A full assessment can range from 10 to 14 hours. Usually this time is spread over two to three weeks.
What can I expect from an Assessment?
An assessment typically begins with a question or questions to be answered, such as, “Why does this student have difficulty completing his work in class?” Rather than trying to label the student, we try to find out his or her particular strengths and needs, ways in which he or she learns more effectively and strategies that may assist the student to perform better in school. An assessment usually consists of standardized tests which measure both cognitive ability and achievement.
What are the steps in the Assessment process?
Prior to scheduling an initial intake interview, Dr. O’Rourke will send you a Family (or Adult) History form, as well as an Authorization for Assessment form to review and complete. For school-age children, she will also provide you with an Education History form to be completed by school personnel. The school may return the form directly to O’Rourke Consulting & Psychological Services, or you may send them back with your completed forms. Parents or adult clients may bring the completed forms with them to the first scheduled appointment, or fax them to Dr. O’Rourke (587-387-2265), together with copies of previous assessment(s) and/or report cards (if available).
The next step will be to schedule two to three testing sessions, typically between two and three hours each. Once the testing is complete, and the educational assessment report is finished, a feedback meeting will be scheduled to discuss the findings and report recommendations.
What is the payment policy?
O’Rourke Consulting & Psychological Services offers a variety of services, including assessment and professional development. You will be asked to pay for services at the end of the assessment process to “O’Rourke Consulting & Psychological Services”. The final assessment report will not be released until all outstanding fees are paid. Cash, cheque or interact e-transfers are accepted. The fees for school observation, test scoring and report writing, if applicable to your case, are part of the assessment time and will be charged to you as they are completed.
The hourly rate is the recommended hourly rate as per the guidelines provided by the Psychologist’s Association of Alberta and the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Insurance
The professions involved and the services recommended are based on the client’s individual needs and may or may not be covered by your insurance plan.
Insurance coverage is your responsibility.
Payment Plans
A payment plan consisting of a set amount to be paid monthly using post-dated cheques may be arranged upon request before service begins.