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Depression Assessment

Personalized, comprehensive assessments to help you understand and treat depression

Depression Assessment in Edmonton & St. Albert

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Wholesome Psychology, Alberta, CA
Author: wholesome
Date: November 30, 2024

Understanding your mental health is a courageous step, and seeking a depression assessment in Edmonton or St. Albert is one of the most effective ways to begin your healing journey. At Wholesome Psychology, we provide compassionate, evidence-based assessments designed to uncover the root causes of emotional pain, helping you or a loved one access the personalized care you deserve.

What is a Depression Assessment?

A depression assessment is a structured process designed to evaluate the presence, severity, and nature of depressive symptoms. It helps clarify whether what you're experiencing aligns with clinical depression (also called major depressive disorder), a different mood disorder, or something else altogether. This insight is crucial for developing a tailored treatment plan that supports recovery and wellbeing.

Whether you're noticing changes in mood, energy, sleep, or overall functioning—or whether a loved one is expressing concern—a formal evaluation can offer answers and direction.

Why Consider a Depression Assessment?

Depression often manifests in subtle or varied ways. Many individuals go undiagnosed for months or even years. A formal assessment can:

  • Provide clarity around what you’re experiencing
  • Help distinguish between depression and other mental health conditions
  • Offer documentation for schools, employers, or medical professionals
  • Guide the most appropriate therapeutic or psychiatric care

At Wholesome Psychology, our goal is not only to assess but also to affirm your lived experience with empathy and professionalism.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Depression impacts emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Symptoms vary widely from person to person, but some commonly reported experiences include:

Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms

  • Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or emotional numbness
  • Loss of interest in hobbies, relationships, or activities
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation

Physical Symptoms

  • Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)
  • Appetite changes or unintended weight gain/loss
  • Fatigue and low energy levels
  • Unexplained aches, digestive issues, or physical tension
  • Self-destructive behaviours, including substance use

If any of these symptoms resonate with you, you’re not alone—and help is available.

Who Are Depression Assessments For?

Our depression assessments in Edmonton and St. Albert serve a wide range of individuals, including:

  • Adults facing persistent mood changes or burnout
  • Teens struggling with academic, social, or emotional challenges
  • Parents concerned about a child’s mood or behaviour
  • Professionals or students facing work-related stress or fatigue

We also support clients who are already in therapy but seek a deeper diagnostic understanding, or those preparing for workplace accommodations or formal reports.

Our Assessment Process: Compassionate and Comprehensive

At Wholesome Psychology, we follow a client-centered approach that balances structure with compassion. Your comfort, safety, and dignity are always our priority.

Step 1: Intake and Consultation

You’ll begin with a confidential consultation with one of our intake specialists who will match you with a therapist experienced in assessment. Together, we’ll discuss your history, concerns, and what you're hoping to gain from the process.

Step 2: Formal Assessment Session

Depending on your needs, we offer:

  • Brief Screening (15–20 minutes): Ideal for individuals unsure if a full assessment is needed.
  • Full Assessment (1.5–2 hours): Includes standardized questionnaires, clinical interview, and interpretive discussion.

In some cases, additional sessions may be recommended to ensure an accurate and complete understanding, especially for complex mental health presentations or co-occurring issues such as anxiety or trauma.

Step 3: Feedback and Recommendations

After your assessment, your therapist will schedule a feedback session to review the results, offer clinical impressions, and collaborate on next steps—whether that involves therapy, medication referral, or other supports.

Our Approach at Wholesome Psychology

We believe that assessments should be respectful, empowering, and rooted in relationship. Our clinicians are licensed professionals with advanced training in psychological evaluation, and we operate from a place of non-judgment, cultural humility, and affirming care. Learn more about our team of therapists here.

We welcome clients from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer, and neurodiverse communities. Your experiences matter here.

Is a Diagnosis Always Given?

Not necessarily. While our depression assessments use clinical criteria, the primary goal is to understand your mental health holistically. If you meet the criteria for a diagnosis such as major depressive disorder, it will be discussed with you clearly and compassionately. However, even if a diagnosis isn’t assigned, your challenges are valid and real, and we’ll still provide helpful next steps.

Integrating Depression Assessments with Ongoing Support

Assessment is just the beginning. We can help you access continued care through:

We can also connect you with psychiatric care, medical consultations, or social support resources where appropriate.

Serving the Edmonton and St. Albert Communities

With physical offices in both Edmonton and St. Albert, we are proud to support the mental health of our local community. Whether you're located downtown, in Sherwood Park, or north of the river, our team is here for you—both in-person and via secure online sessions.

If you're unsure whether a depression assessment is right for you, we invite you to reach out. We’ll help you make an informed decision that feels right for your situation.

Take the First Step Today

Your journey toward healing starts with one small, brave step. To schedule a depression assessment in Edmonton or St. Albert, contact our intake team today. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure you feel supported from the very beginning.

At Wholesome Psychology, you are never just a number. You are a whole person—and we are honoured to walk alongside you.

Schedule Your Session

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