Resources
Practical information for preparing and finding support.
This page provides practical guidance for people considering an assessment or psychotherapy, along with general information about referrals, insurance, privacy, and urgent support.
Preparing for a neuropsychological assessment
- Review the appointment date, time, location, and expected duration.
- Take prescribed medications as usual unless your healthcare provider or the assessment team gives different instructions.
- Bring glasses, hearing aids, mobility supports, or other items you normally use.
- Try to obtain adequate sleep and eat before the appointment.
- Bring a list of current medications and relevant medical information.
- Bring previous assessment reports, school records, report cards, individualized education plans, or medical records when requested.
- Let the practice know in advance about language, accessibility, sensory, mobility, or communication needs.
- Avoid alcohol or non-prescribed substances before testing.
Testing is intended to understand how you function. You do not need to study, and you are not expected to perform perfectly.
Preparing a child or adolescent
- Use simple and reassuring language. Explain that the appointment will involve different activities that help the clinician understand how the child learns and solves problems.
- Avoid describing the assessment as an examination that must be passed.
- Tell the child that some activities may feel easy and others may feel difficult.
- Encourage effort without creating pressure about results.
- Bring glasses, hearing devices, medications, comfort items, snacks, and relevant school information.
- Share information about sensory needs, anxiety, communication preferences, or behavioural supports before the appointment.
Documents that may be helpful
- Referral letter, if applicable
- Previous psychological, neuropsychological, psychiatric, speech-language, occupational therapy, or educational assessments
- Medical or neurological reports
- Medication list
- School report cards and individualized education plans
- Workplace or disability documentation relevant to the referral
- Completed questionnaires provided by the practice
Preparing for psychotherapy
You do not need to prepare a detailed account of your life before the first session. It may be helpful to think about what is currently most difficult, what you hope will change, and any questions you have about the therapist's approach.
- Choose a private and reasonably quiet space for virtual sessions.
- Check your internet connection and device before the appointment.
- Have emergency contact information and your current location available for virtual care when required.
- Consider writing down medications, relevant diagnoses, and major current stressors.
- Tell the therapist about accessibility, communication, cultural, spiritual, or identity-related considerations that matter to you.
Referrals
A physician's referral may not always be required to contact the practice. Referral requirements can depend on the service, the referral question, the payer, or the organization requesting an assessment.
Third-party referrals may involve different consent, reporting, and confidentiality arrangements. These will be explained before the service begins.
Fees and insurance
Fees depend on the type and complexity of the service. Expected fees, payment arrangements, cancellation terms, and the estimated scope of work will be discussed before services begin.
Some extended health-benefit plans cover psychological or psychotherapy services. Coverage varies. Before booking, consider asking your insurer:
- Does my plan cover psychological assessment or psychotherapy?
- Which professional designations are eligible?
- Is a physician's referral required?
- What is my annual or per-session maximum?
- Do I need pre-authorization?
- How do I submit receipts for reimbursement?
The practice cannot guarantee reimbursement. Clients remain responsible for understanding their benefits and for payment of fees.
Privacy and electronic communication
Personal health information is handled in accordance with applicable privacy legislation, professional standards, and practice policies.
Email and text messaging are convenient but may not be fully secure. Please use them primarily for scheduling and administrative communication, and avoid sending detailed clinical or health information.
Urgent and crisis support
This practice website and consultation request form are not monitored as emergency services.
If you are in immediate danger or require urgent medical or psychiatric assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
For current crisis-line and community support information, consult official provincial, federal, or local health resources. Crisis contact details should be reviewed regularly before being posted because services and availability can change.
Frequently asked practical questions
Can I book directly?
Prospective clients may request a complimentary consultation. The practice will confirm whether the requested service is available and appropriate.
What should I include in a consultation request?
Provide your name, preferred contact information, the general service you are seeking, and a brief non-sensitive description of the concern. Avoid detailed personal health information in the initial web form or email.
What happens after I submit a request?
The practice will contact you to discuss the service, fit, availability, fees, and next steps. Submitting a request does not establish a clinician-client relationship.
Can records be sent to another professional?
Records or reports may be shared with your written consent, subject to professional, legal, and practice requirements.
Can assessment results be used for accommodations?
Recommendations may support an accommodation request when clinically justified. The receiving school, employer, licensing body, insurer, or government program decides whether accommodations are approved.
Recommended resource categories
Category titles are reserved for now. Approved external links will be added once the practice confirms them.
Only reputable, current organizations should be linked. External links should be reviewed periodically to ensure that they remain accurate and active.
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Please avoid including sensitive personal or health information in email, text messages, or the initial consultation request.
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