When custody or parenting disputes become complex, a supportive PN8 custody assessment can offer clarity, compassion, and a path forward. At Wholesome Psychology, we help families across Edmonton and St. Albert understand their unique dynamics and advocate for the emotional well-being of children through evidence-based assessments. Whether recommended by the Court or requested independently, our approach is designed to prioritize healing over conflict and children over litigation.
What Is a PN8 Custody Assessment?
A PN8 assessment—short for Practice Note 8 assessment—is a formal psychological evaluation used in Alberta’s family law system. Its primary purpose is to inform the Court of each parent's ability to care for their child, foster a stable environment, and support healthy emotional development. Often requested in high-conflict or unresolved cases, these assessments are essential tools for creating parenting plans grounded in the child’s best interests.
Unlike adversarial reports, our supportive PN8 custody assessments are rooted in therapeutic principles. We seek to understand, not to judge—to highlight strengths, not only deficits. This balanced, compassionate methodology supports families during one of the most vulnerable transitions in their lives.
Who Needs a PN8 Custody Assessment?
PN8 assessments are typically ordered by the Court when:
- Parents cannot agree on custody or access arrangements
- There are concerns about mental health, parenting capacity, or home environment
- Previous interventions (e.g., mediation or PN7 assessments) have not resolved the dispute
- There are allegations of abuse, neglect, or alienation
Families experiencing high levels of stress, communication breakdown, or legal disputes may benefit from this structured and expert-led process. Our goal is to provide clear, non-biased recommendations that support both parents and children in establishing a healthier future.
What Makes Our PN8 Assessments Supportive?
At Wholesome Psychology, we believe that every assessment should be an opportunity for insight and growth—not just a legal checkbox. Our supportive PN8 custody assessments emphasize collaboration, emotional safety, and child-centered care. This includes:
- Thorough clinical interviews with each parent, and where appropriate, with the child
- Observations of parent-child interactions in natural environments
- Psychological testing to assess emotional regulation, attachment, and parenting styles
- Home visits to assess risk, routines, and emotional climate
- Interviews with collateral sources such as teachers, doctors, or extended family members
- Trauma-informed methodology that acknowledges and respects each family’s unique history
These assessments are conducted over several weeks and usually require 35–80 hours, depending on the family’s complexity. The final report outlines strengths, areas of concern, and recommended parenting arrangements that reflect the child’s long-term needs.
Local Expertise in Edmonton and St. Albert
Our assessments are completed by registered psychologists with specialized training in custody evaluations. Wholesome Psychology operates across multiple convenient locations, including North Edmonton, West Edmonton, Campbell Park, and Jensen Lakes in St. Albert. Our team is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive spaces for all family members throughout the process.
If you're unsure whether a PN8 assessment is the right step, we invite you to explore our broader parenting support counselling services, which are often used alongside or in preparation for assessments.
How a PN8 Assessment Helps the Court—and Your Family
The outcome of a supportive PN8 custody assessment is a comprehensive report submitted to the Court. It includes:
- Descriptions of each parent’s strengths and challenges
- Evaluation of the child's needs, personality, and emotional development
- Recommendations for custody, access, and decision-making responsibilities
- Suggestions for parenting support services or therapy
While the Court holds the final authority on custody outcomes, these assessments provide crucial evidence for fair and informed decision-making. More importantly, they offer families guidance on how to move forward with care and responsibility.
Integrated Care for Parenting and Mental Health
Many families who undergo a PN8 assessment are also navigating mental health concerns. That’s why we offer wraparound support through services such as:
We work closely with families to ensure that therapy and assessment work in tandem, not in isolation. This integrated approach fosters better outcomes for parents, children, and the family unit as a whole.
Getting Started with a PN8 Custody Assessment
To begin the assessment process, contact our intake team for a private consultation. We will discuss your family’s needs, explain the expected timeline, and provide a cost estimate. You can also explore our diverse team of professionals on the Our Therapists page to find someone aligned with your values and background.
We understand that navigating family transitions—especially legal ones—can feel isolating. That’s why we’re here: not just to provide clinical expertise, but to walk alongside you with empathy and care.
Reach out today to start your supportive PN8 custody assessment in Edmonton or St. Albert. We’re ready to help you move forward with clarity, dignity, and a deep commitment to your child’s best interests.
