AUTHORIZATION FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
THE PURPOSE AND NATURE OF A PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT
The goal of a psycho-educational assessment is to gather specific information to better understand and improve an individual's current functioning or learning. An assessment is the systematic investigation of an individual's strengths and challenges in various domains (e.g., cognitive ability, achievement, psychological processing, language, and behavior). The assessment may take the form of a clinical interview, observation and/or individual test administration. As well, information may be collected from the parent, child and school personnel in the form of interviews, checklists or rating scales. The information obtained from the assessment will be used to describe and understand the individual's present functioning as it affects learning. The results also aid in identifying individuals who exhibit special needs. The psychologist will review the results of the assessment with the parent and child. There will be a formal written report interpreting assessment results and providing suggestions, and a copy of the report will be given to the parent.
BENEFITS & RISKS
The assessment may help develop insight into new strategies, accommodations and adaptations that may be necessary to improve the individual's learning. The assessment may help school personnel to gain a better understanding of a student’s learning strengths and challenges. However, an assessment may lead to the diagnosis of learning or language disabilities, developmental disorders and/or behavioral/emotional disorders that may require treatment or interventions. These diagnoses may be upsetting.
CONFIDENTIALITY
To maintain a level of professional integrity, Psychologists are required to consult with other Psychologists on an ongoing basis. At Marsh-Knickle & Associates, all independent practitioners meet regularly to discuss individual cases to maintain a best care practice. We understand that information you share in therapy or during an assessment is of a personal nature, and that you would want it to remain private. Confidentiality will be maintained unless you give us specific, written permission to share information with another person or agency. However, we are required by law to disclose confidential information if there is reason to believe that a child or elderly person is being, or is at risk of being, abused or neglected, or that you may be in danger of harming yourself or others. However, if you have been sent for an assessment and/or counselling by a third party (for example, the courts, Workers Compensation), we may be required to release information to that third party. On rare occasions, the courts may order us to release therapy records or psychological assessment reports. Also, under rare circumstances the NSBEP has the right to audit a psychologist’s files if they perceive a need to protect the public.
LEGAL
If your case involves a legal matter you may be referred outside of Marsh-Knickle Psychological Services Inc.
Your Rights under the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA)1. You have the right to access and request a copy of your personal health information from the DHW. There are limited exceptions to your right of access. For example, you may not be given access to information that was collected during an investigation or that includes personal health information about another individual.
2. You have the right to request a record of who accessed your personal health information on our electronic information systems.
3. You have the right to request that we correct your personal health information if you feel it is not accurate, complete, or up to date. Some exceptions apply. For example, we cannot change the professional opinion of a health practitioner.
4. You have the right to request a limitation on the way we collect, use, or disclose your personal health information. The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) has the responsibility to take reasonable steps to comply with your request. When you make such a request, we will discuss with you the risks associated with such a limitation, which we call "masking." If you ask us to mask your personal health information, we have the obligation to notify any custodian that the information is incomplete if a disclosure if necessary.
5. You have the right to make a complaint to the DHW concerning how your information was collected, used, maintained, disclosed, or disposed of by the department in accordance to our obligations under PHIA.
PAYMENT FOR SERVICES
The total cost for a psycho-educational assessment varies depending upon the complexity of the assessment and the amount of time required. A thorough assessment typically involves one-hour parent and/or child interviews and a review of previous reports; five to six hours of direct assessment; three hours for analysis and scoring and 5 hours for report writing; and a one to two-hour feedback meeting. Unless otherwise stated, our fee for assessment services ranges from $225-$250 per 50-minute session, and you, the client, are responsible to make payment to your psychologist at the end of each session.
Breakdown of an assessment: Minimum 15 billing hours (Minimum $3375.00).
1-hour initial parent interview
5-6 hours testing
3 hours scoring and interpretation
1-hour feedback meeting
The remaining hours are for report writing 3-5 hours
Credit, Debit, ETransfer, or cash are accepted. A receipt and invoice will be issued to you. Our fees qualify as medical expenses for income tax purposes. Some extended health care insurance plans may reimburse you for part of all of our fees. It is your responsibility to determine what your coverage is.
CANCELLATION OF APPOINTMENTS
As a courtesy to your psychologist, please notify us 24 hours before your appointment if you cannot keep it. (Please call by noon on Friday to cancel Monday appointments). Except in emergencies, we will bill you at the rate shown below for sessions missed without 24 hours’ notice.
Payment Authorization:
I agree that fees will be charged to my Credit Card for appointments attended, missed, or cancelled without sufficient notice, as described above, and I hereby authorize any such charges. This authorization guarantees that my future appointments will be reserved for me.*
PLEASE NOTE: All outstanding fees exceeding 30 days from scheduled service date will be forwarded to a collection agency. Also, note that all returned NSF cheques will be billed an additional $25.00
PROBLEMS DURING THE ASSESSMENT
You have the right to rescind consent at any time, and you have the right to be treated with respect and dignity in a safe environment. If you have any concerns about the services you receive, or if you feel at any time that the services you are receiving are not helpful, please talk with your psychologist about your concerns. Referrals to other psychologists can be provided.
OTHER AREAS OF DISCUSSION
We encourage you to ask questions at any time about any aspect of our services; for example:
What is the background of your psychologist, and what does he/she feel most qualified to examine or treat?
I, (1. name) have read the above information and understand that I am encouraged to ask questions and give input regarding the assessment process at any time. If there is anything in this form that I do not understand, it is my responsibility to ask for clarification. I have received a copy of this form.
I understand that payment arrangements are as follows:
Fee per 50-minute session: $ 225-$250
I consent to obtaining information pertaining to the assessment from my child's school.
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment involves a standardized assessment of a child’s intellectual and academic abilities. It is administered by a psychologist and combined with clinical interviews, observations, and historical records to help understand how your child learns, and identify if and how they’re struggling. It measures overall aptitude and academic achievement around core skills such as reading, writing and math. It involves a number of techniques, including pencil and paper activities, verbal responses, and the evaluation of motor skills (e.g., drawing, playing with blocks). The assessment varies based on a child’s age and the reason for referral.
The results can help the psychologist understand your child’s potential (i.e., if they are gifted, have a learning disability or a cognitive delay) and provide strategies to support them. During these assessments, other concerns are also evaluated such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or anxiety, and recommendations for your child are based on a combination of standardized test results and the evaluation of psychosocial and/or mental health issues.
What assessment measures will be used?
The assessment measures used will depend on the referral question and what the goals of the assessment are. However, typical assessments include:
What is the process of a psychoeducational assessment?
What are the fees?
The total cost for a psycho-educational assessment varies depending upon the complexity of the assessment and the amount of time required. A thorough assessment typically involves a minimum of 15 hours. Fees range from $225-$250 per hour (Minimum total $3375.00)
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