Structured psychological assessment for children and young people, guided by developmental context and built around your family's questions. Registered Psychologists and Provisional Psychologists regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists, In-person (Edmonton and St. Albert) and virtual options, Collaborative, client-centred care.

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You Might Be Wondering Whether an Assessment Is the Right Next Step

Maybe a teacher mentioned something at a parent-teacher conference and it has been sitting with you since. Or perhaps your child has been struggling in ways you cannot quite name, and you are unsure whether what you are seeing is typical for their age or something worth looking into more carefully.

You might notice your child having a harder time keeping up with peers at school, or reacting to everyday situations with an intensity that surprises you. Perhaps bedtime has become a battle, friendships feel difficult, or there are meltdowns that leave everyone in the family exhausted. You may have been told to "wait and see," and now you are wondering whether waiting is still the right call.

These concerns are worth paying attention to. They do not mean something is permanently wrong with your child. Many families reach a point where they want a clearer picture of what is happening, not because something is broken, but because understanding brings better support. Assessment is one way to gather that picture.

If you are still deciding whether assessment is what your family needs, this page may be a useful place to start. It explains what assessment involves, what it can and cannot do, and how to take the next step if and when you are ready.

Who This Service May Be a Good Fit For

Child and youth assessment at Wholesome Psychology may be helpful for families who are:

• Looking for a clearer understanding of their child's attention, learning, behaviour, emotions, or social development
• Wanting to understand patterns of strengths and challenges in context
• Preparing for conversations with schools, paediatricians, or other professionals
• Seeking clarification around a specific developmental or emotional question
• Exploring whether counselling, assessment, or another service is the best fit

This Service May Not Be the Right Fit If:

• Your child or family is in immediate crisis or danger. Please see the crisis resources below.
• You are seeking a forensic or custody-related assessment. These evaluations involve different procedures and ethical requirements and are outside the scope of this service. The clinic's clinical team can help clarify whether a referral elsewhere would be appropriate.
• You are looking for a guaranteed diagnosis, school accommodation, or funding outcome. Assessment supports understanding and planning, but cannot promise specific external results.

Crisis and Urgent Support

Wholesome Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service. If your child or someone in your family is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services:

• 911 for immediate danger
• Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)
• Family Violence Info Line (Alberta): 310-1818 (24/7, toll-free)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Wholesome Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service.

What Child and Youth Assessment Is

A child or youth assessment is a structured process used to gather relevant information about a young person's functioning, strengths, and areas of concern. It is not a single test or a quick answer. Instead, it involves careful observation, conversation, and age-appropriate methods to build a clearer picture of what is happening and what kinds of support may be worth considering.

Assessment is different from ongoing counselling. Where counselling focuses on support and change over time, assessment focuses on information-gathering and clarification around specific questions. Some families begin with one and later discover the other is a better fit. The Getting Started page can help you understand what to expect from each.

Assessment is not a legal service, an investigative process, or a form of crisis intervention. It does not replace medical evaluation and is not a substitute for emergency care. The pace of the process is guided by the young person's needs and the family's questions.

Confidentiality is reviewed at the start of every assessment. Your clinician will explain what is shared, with whom, and under what circumstances before any personal information is discussed. More detail on confidentiality and its limits appears later on this page.

The scope of any assessment depends on the referral question, the young person's age and developmental stage, and the clinician's area of practice. Exact format, session count, and reporting process vary. This page provides general information only and does not constitute individualized clinical advice.

Signs That Assessment May Be Worth Considering

Families often reach out for assessment when they notice patterns that are hard to explain or that seem to be getting in the way of daily life. These might include:

• Difficulty with attention, concentration, or following through on tasks at school or home
• Learning challenges that do not seem to match the effort your child puts in
• Behaviour that feels more intense, more frequent, or harder to manage than expected for their age
• Emotional reactions that seem outsized or difficult for your child to regulate
• Trouble making or keeping friendships, or difficulty reading social situations
• Withdrawal from activities, school, or family life
• Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood that persist over time
• Questions from teachers, coaches, or other caregivers about your child's development

Having these experiences does not mean your child has a specific condition. Many of these patterns are common reactions to stress, developmental transitions, or environmental changes. Assessment can help put these observations in context so that families and professionals can plan support that fits.

How Assessment Works Here

• Find your clinician. Use the Match with a Therapist tool or review clinician profiles to find someone whose experience aligns with your family's questions. You can also call the admin team at 780-904-4880 for guidance on which clinician may be the best fit for your child's age and referral question.
• Book your first appointment. The first session typically involves a conversation with the parent or caregiver about current concerns, developmental history, and what you hope to learn from the assessment. Consent and confidentiality are reviewed before any personal information is shared.
• Build the assessment plan together. Based on the referral question, the clinician will outline what the assessment may include. This is a collaborative process. You are welcome to ask questions at any point about the purpose, scope, or next steps.
• Assessment sessions. Depending on the referral question, sessions may include meetings with the child or youth (adjusted to age and developmental stage), questionnaires or rating forms, and review of relevant records or school information where available and consented. Not every assessment includes every step.
• Feedback and next steps. The clinician shares themes, observations, and any recommendations in a feedback conversation. This is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss what the findings mean in practice, and plan next steps together.

There is no fixed number of sessions for every assessment. The exact format, timing, and follow-up process depend on the referral question, the young person's needs, and the clinician's professional judgement. The process is collaborative, and your family's voice matters at every stage.

What Research Tells Us About Child and Youth Assessment

Child and youth assessment draws on established principles in developmental psychology and clinical practice. The evidence base for assessment is broad, but a few key themes are well supported across the available research.

Developmental Context in Assessment

What it helps with: Understanding a child's functioning in relation to their age and developmental stage, rather than applying adult frameworks to young people.

Evidence summary: Research across clinical and public health sources consistently supports the principle that child and youth concerns should be understood within a developmental framework. A Canadian public health review found that assessment and early identification efforts for neurodevelopmental concerns benefit from considering the child's age, family context, and the broader environment in which they are growing up (Public Health Agency of Canada [PHAC], 2022). Clinical guidelines for recognition and referral of neurodevelopmental conditions in young people also emphasize developmentally sensitive approaches (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2011).

Limitations: Developmental frameworks provide a lens for understanding, not a guarantee of accurate classification. Individual variability is significant, and no single developmental benchmark applies equally to all children.

Structured Assessment and Diagnostic Tools

What it helps with: Providing a systematic method for gathering information, reducing reliance on informal impressions alone.

Evidence summary: A Cochrane systematic review examined the accuracy of diagnostic tools used in assessing autism spectrum disorder in preschool-age children. The review found that while structured instruments can support the assessment process, no single tool is sufficient on its own, and clinical judgement remains an essential component (Randall et al., 2018).

Limitations: This review focused specifically on ASD diagnostic tools in preschool populations. Findings may not generalize to all referral questions or age groups. The accuracy of any tool depends on the clinical context in which it is used.

Caregiver and Family Involvement

What it helps with: Incorporating perspectives from the people who know the child best, and supporting families to participate meaningfully in the assessment process.

Evidence summary: The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) identifies caregiver involvement as a key element of effective child and youth mental health services, noting that family participation supports better understanding of the young person's needs and more relevant recommendations (Canadian Mental Health Association [CMHA], n.d.). Clinical guidelines similarly recommend gathering collateral information from caregivers and, where appropriate, schools and other professionals (NICE, 2011).

Limitations: The degree and nature of caregiver involvement should be guided by the young person's age, developmental stage, and preferences. In some circumstances, the young person's perspective may differ from caregiver reports, and both are valuable.

What Results to Expect

Assessment is a process of clarification, not a source of instant certainty. Some families find that even a brief assessment conversation helps organize their thinking and points toward useful next steps. Others benefit from a more extended process that examines multiple areas of functioning.

Results and recommendations vary by referral question and clinician. Assessment can help highlight patterns of strength and challenge, support planning for school or home, and clarify whether further evaluation or ongoing support would be useful. It cannot guarantee a diagnosis, school accommodation, funding, or insurance coverage.

Not every assessment leads to a diagnostic label. Sometimes the most useful outcome is a clearer understanding of what a young person needs, independent of any formal classification. If the assessment does support a diagnostic impression, your clinician will explain what that means and what options may follow.

Therapeutic fit matters in assessment as well as in therapy. If the clinician or approach does not feel right for your family, Wholesome Psychology's admin team can help identify a different clinician. You are not locked into a single path once you start.

Confidentiality and Privacy

What is shared during assessment is confidential. All psychologists at Wholesome Psychology are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and adhere to the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Code of Ethics. Provisional psychologists practise under the supervision of a senior registered psychologist and are held to the same confidentiality standards.

Confidentiality in Alberta is governed by the Health Information Act (HIA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). These laws set out how personal and health information must be collected, used, and disclosed.

There are legal exceptions to confidentiality. Information may need to be disclosed in the following circumstances:

• Risk of serious harm to the client or to others
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child (mandatory reporting under Alberta law)
• A court order requiring disclosure

In child and youth services, parents or caregivers are often involved in part of the process. At the same time, the young person's privacy is respected in a developmentally appropriate way. Your clinician will explain how information is shared between family members and what the limits of confidentiality look like for your specific situation.

These limits are reviewed clearly during the first session. You are welcome to ask questions about confidentiality before sharing anything personal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child have to describe what is going on in detail?

No. Assessment is adapted to the child's age and comfort level. Younger children may engage through play, drawing, or structured activities rather than direct conversation. Older children and teens set the pace for what they share. Caregivers provide much of the background information, and the clinician works with whatever the young person is comfortable offering. No one is asked to describe difficult experiences in more detail than they are ready for.

Is what we share kept private?

Yes, with important exceptions. What is discussed in assessment is confidential under the Health Information Act (HIA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). There are legal limits to confidentiality, including situations involving risk of serious harm, suspected child abuse or neglect, or a court order. These limits are explained clearly at the start of the assessment process. See the Confidentiality and Privacy section above for more detail.

How many sessions will the assessment take?

There is no fixed answer. Some referral questions can be addressed in a small number of sessions, while others require a more extended process. The clinician will outline an expected plan after the initial conversation, and timing is reviewed as the assessment unfolds. If your family's needs change during the process, the plan adapts.

What if the clinician is not the right fit?

Fit matters in assessment just as it does in therapy. If the clinician does not feel right for your child or family, the admin team at 780-904-4880 can help identify a different clinician. You can also use the Match with a Therapist tool to explore options. New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Can we access assessment services online?

Some services may be available virtually across Alberta. Because assessment-related availability can vary by clinician and referral type, confirm format and options when booking. Virtual sessions follow the same confidentiality standards as in-person appointments.

What is the difference between counselling and assessment?

Counselling typically focuses on ongoing support, coping, and change over time. Assessment focuses on structured information-gathering and clarification around a specific question. In some situations, families begin with one and later decide the other would be more helpful. Your clinician or the admin team can help you determine which starting point makes the most sense for your family.

Will my child receive a diagnosis?

Not necessarily. Some assessment pathways may support diagnostic clarification, but no ethical clinician can promise a diagnosis or a particular outcome before the process is complete. Assessment is about understanding, not labelling. If a diagnostic impression does emerge, your clinician will explain what it means and discuss next steps with you.

Meet Your Clinicians

Wholesome Psychology's team includes Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, Certified Canadian Counsellors, Mental Health Therapists, and Student Therapists. All psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Certified Canadian Counsellors (CCCs) are regulated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychological Association (CCPA). Provisional psychologists practise under the supervision of a senior registered psychologist and meet the same ethical and professional standards.

Many clinicians at the practice have training and experience in child and youth assessment, developmental concerns, and related areas. Visit Our Therapists to review individual profiles, or use the Match with a Therapist tool for guided recommendations. You can also call 780-904-4880 to speak with the admin team about which clinician may be the best fit for your child's age and referral question.

Children, Adolescents, and Young People

Wholesome Psychology offers assessment and counselling services for children, adolescents, and young people across a range of developmental stages. Clinicians working with younger clients use age-appropriate approaches, adapting the pace, format, and communication style to suit the individual child.

In child and youth work, clinicians collaborate with caregivers to support the young person's environment outside of sessions. This might include discussing observations with parents, offering guidance on how to support the child at home or school, or coordinating with other professionals involved in the child's care.

For related support, you may also find these pages helpful:

• Child and Youth Mental Health
• Child and Youth Counselling
• Preparing Children for Therapy
• Child Psychologist Edmonton

Getting Started

If you are considering whether assessment might be a helpful next step for your child, you can start by exploring the options below. The admin team is available to answer questions and help you find the right clinician and service.

• Book a session online
• Match with a therapist
• Call: 780-904-4880
• Email: info@wholesomepsychology.ca
• Getting Started with Therapy

New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Starting the conversation is enough.

References

• Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Child and youth mental health. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/child-and-youth-mental-health/
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2011). Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: Recognition, referral and diagnosis (NICE Clinical Guideline CG128). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128
• Public Health Agency of Canada. (2022). Autism spectrum disorder: Highlights from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder-canadian-health-survey-children-youth-2019.html
• Randall, M., Egberts, K. J., Samtani, A., Scholten, R. J. P. M., Hooft, L., Livingstone, N., Sterling-Levis, K., Woolfenden, S., & Williams, K. (2018). Diagnostic tests for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in preschool children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7), CD009044. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009044.pub2