Summit Counselling Services
Psychoeducational & ADHD Assessment in Edmonton
Registered & Provisional Psychologists · Children & Adults · Edmonton · St. Albert · Windermere · Virtual Across Alberta
A psychological assessment is a structured, multi-method evaluation conducted by a registered or provisional psychologist. It uses standardized testing, clinical interviews, and information from multiple sources to build a complete picture of how someone processes information, learns, and functions — and why difficulties are occurring.
ADHD Assessment
Psychoeducational Assessment
Children & Adults
Edmonton · St. Albert · Windermere
Registered & Provisional Psychologists
All assessments conducted and interpreted by registered and provisional psychologists (CAP) — no technicians, no delegation.
Multi-Method Evaluation
Assessment combines standardized testing, clinical interview, and rating scales from multiple informants — never a single questionnaire.
Feedback Session Included
Results explained in plain language — not just handed over in a report. Every assessment includes a debrief.
Children & Adults
We assess across the lifespan — school-age children, adolescents, post-secondary students, and adults of any age.
What Is a Psychological Assessment?
More than a test. A structured clinical process.
A psychological assessment is not a single appointment or a questionnaire you fill out online. It is a structured, multi-session evaluation in which a registered or provisional psychologist uses standardized measures, clinical interviews, and information from multiple informants to build a complete picture of how a person thinks, learns, and functions.
The process typically begins before the first testing session — with intake forms covering developmental history, medical background, academic or occupational history, and presenting concerns. Testing itself may take place across one to three sessions depending on the referral question and the individual's age and stamina.
During testing, a person might complete timed reasoning tasks, answer questions verbally, work through reading and writing exercises, complete computerized attention tasks, or respond to structured questionnaires about symptoms and daily functioning. The psychologist also gathers information from parents, teachers, or partners through standardized rating scales — because how someone functions in one setting rarely tells the whole story.
Once all data is collected, the psychologist scores and interprets every measure, integrates the results with clinical interview findings and collateral history, and produces a written report. The report explains what was found, what it means, and what to do about it. A feedback session follows, where findings are discussed in plain language.
What standardized testing actually means
Standardized tests are administered in a consistent, controlled way so that an individual's scores can be compared meaningfully to a large, representative normative sample of the same age. This is what makes it possible to say whether a given score is typical, above average, or below average — and by how much. It is also what distinguishes a proper psychological assessment from a clinical impression or a screening.
Why multiple informants matter
ADHD, learning disabilities, and related concerns often present differently across settings. A child who manages well at home may struggle significantly at school, or vice versa. An adult may have developed compensatory strategies that mask difficulties in one context. Gathering information from parents, teachers, partners, or supervisors through validated rating scales is a core part of a thorough evaluation — not optional.
Psychoeducational vs. ADHD Assessment
Understanding the difference — and when you might need both
Summit offers two types of assessment. They are related but distinct, and the right one depends on your referral question.
Psychoeducational Assessment
The question: how does this person learn?
A psychoeducational assessment examines the relationship between cognitive ability and academic achievement. By measuring both — using standardized intelligence and achievement tests — the psychologist can determine whether a significant, meaningful gap exists between a person's intellectual potential and their actual performance in reading, writing, or math.
When that gap exists and meets diagnostic criteria, it indicates a specific learning disability such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (written expression), or dyscalculia (math). The assessment also maps cognitive strengths and weaknesses — processing speed, working memory, phonological processing, and others — that explain how and why difficulties occur.
- Primary measures: cognitive ability (WISC-V, WAIS-IV) and academic achievement (WIAT-4)
- Typical length: 6–10 hours across multiple sessions
- Identifies: learning disabilities, cognitive profile, processing strengths and weaknesses
- Used for: Alberta Education LD designation, post-secondary disability services, professional exam accommodations
ADHD Assessment
The question: is attention clinically impaired?
An ADHD assessment examines whether a person's difficulties with attention, impulse control, or executive function are clinically significant — meaning they occur across multiple settings, are inconsistent with developmental level, and cause meaningful impairment. Because many conditions produce symptoms that look like ADHD, a proper evaluation rules out anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities as alternative or contributing explanations.
ADHD cannot be diagnosed from a single rating scale or a brief clinical impression. The assessment draws on information from multiple sources across multiple contexts — the individual, parents or partners, and teachers or supervisors — and integrates that with cognitive testing and clinical interview.
- Primary measures: Conners 4 or CAARS, BRIEF-2/BRIEF-A, BASC-3, cognitive attention testing
- Typical length: 3–5 hours across one to two sessions
- Identifies: ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentation); differential diagnosis
- Used for: diagnosis, medication referral, workplace and academic accommodations
When both assessments are needed
ADHD and learning disabilities co-occur at high rates — research suggests that roughly 30–50% of individuals with ADHD also have at least one learning disability. The two conditions produce overlapping symptoms (inattention, slow processing, academic underperformance) but have different causes and require different interventions. Your psychologist will discuss which assessment — or combination — is appropriate during the consultation.
ADHD Assessment Edmonton
ADHD assessment for children and adults
ADHD is one of the most commonly referred — and commonly misunderstood — presentations we assess. A proper ADHD assessment is never a single checklist or questionnaire. It's a multi-method evaluation that rules out other explanations, accounts for context, and builds a complete picture.
Children & Adolescents
ADHD Assessment for Children
What it involves
A comprehensive childhood ADHD assessment includes a clinical interview with the child and parent, standardized cognitive and attention measures, behaviour rating scales completed by both parents and teachers, and psychologist observation. Results distinguish ADHD from anxiety, learning disabilities, and other conditions that produce similar symptoms.
Common reasons families seek assessment:
- Difficulty sustaining attention at school despite effort
- Impulsivity, hyperactivity, or emotional dysregulation in class or at home
- Underperformance that doesn't match the child's perceived ability
- Teacher or school concerns about focus or behaviour
- Needing formal documentation for school accommodations or IEP support
- Previous ADHD concerns that were never formally evaluated
- Paediatric referral for assessment prior to medication consideration
Adults
ADHD Assessment for Adults
What it involves
Adult ADHD assessment includes a comprehensive clinical interview covering developmental, academic, occupational, and relationship history, standardized self-report and observer-rated measures, cognitive testing of attention and executive function, and differential diagnosis review.
Common reasons adults seek assessment:
- Lifelong struggles with organization, time management, or follow-through
- Wondering if ADHD explains their experience at work, in relationships, or in daily life
- Seeking documentation for workplace accommodations under the Alberta Human Rights Act
- Post-secondary disability services eligibility (U of A, MacEwan, NAIT, SAIT, and others)
- Professional licensing bodies requiring formal ADHD documentation
- Adults diagnosed in childhood seeking an updated, comprehensive evaluation
- Late-identified ADHD — often following a child's diagnosis in the family
"ADHD in adults looks different than it did in the classroom. A thorough assessment accounts for that — it doesn't just look for the child we were."
Summit Counselling Services · Registered & Provisional Psychologists
Psychoeducational Assessment Edmonton
Psychoeducational assessment for children and adults
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a registered or provisional psychologist that measures cognitive abilities (IQ, processing speed, working memory, reasoning) alongside academic achievement (reading, writing, math). The assessment identifies whether a significant gap between intellectual potential and academic performance indicates a learning disability — and documents it in a way that meets Alberta Education and post-secondary standards.
Psychoeducational assessments are the required documentation for most formal learning disability designations in Alberta — including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. They are also used to identify twice-exceptional learners (2e), who may be both gifted and have a learning disability.
At Summit, psychoeducational assessments are conducted by registered and provisional psychologists using current, standardized tools. Reports meet the documentation standards of Alberta school divisions, the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, NAIT, SAIT, and most professional licensing bodies.
1 in 5
Canadians has a learning disability — most go unidentified through their school years and into adulthood.
K–Adult
Psychoeducational assessments are appropriate from kindergarten through adulthood. It's never too late to get clarity.
6–10 hrs
Typical direct testing time for a comprehensive psychoeducational assessment, spread across multiple sessions.
Alberta Ed
Reports are written to meet Alberta Education coding requirements for school-based designation and support.
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia & Dysgraphia
Assessment identifies specific profiles in reading decoding, reading fluency, reading comprehension, written expression, and mathematical reasoning. Reports document whether findings meet criteria for a specific learning disability and provide recommendations for intervention, accommodations, and instructional strategies.
- Alberta Education coding for school-based support
- Post-secondary disability services documentation
- Professional exam accommodation letters (MCAT, bar, CPA, etc.)
- Intervention and tutoring recommendations
Who We Assess
Assessment across the lifespan
People arrive at assessment from many different starting points. What they share is a need for clarity that a questionnaire or a 10-minute appointment can't provide.
Children & Adolescents
- Struggling academically despite strong effort or apparent intelligence
- Reading, writing, or math difficulties inconsistent with other abilities
- School or teacher concerns about attention, focus, or behaviour
- Referral for an Alberta Education learning disability designation
- Needing accommodations for provincial achievement tests or diploma exams
- Suspected ADHD — inattentive, hyperactive, or combined presentation
- Underperformance that doesn't match perceived ability or effort
- Paediatric referral prior to medication consideration
Adults
- Lifelong attention, organization, or learning difficulties never formally assessed
- Wondering whether ADHD or a learning disability explains their experience
- Post-secondary students needing disability services documentation
- Workplace accommodation requests under Alberta human rights legislation
- Professional licensing or exam accommodation requirements
- Adults whose childhood assessments are outdated and no longer accepted
- Late-identified ADHD — often following a child's diagnosis in the family
- Seeking clarity independent of any accommodation or documentation goal
The Assessment Process
What to expect, start to finish
Comprehensive assessment unfolds across multiple steps. Here's how it works at Summit so there are no surprises.
01
Free Consultation
We discuss your concerns, history, and goals. Together we confirm which assessment type fits and what the process will involve.
02
Intake & Questionnaires
Background forms, rating scales, and developmental history completed before the first session — by the client, parents, and/or teachers as appropriate.
03
Assessment Sessions
Standardized testing, clinical interviews, and observation across one to three comfortable, paced sessions.
04
Scoring & Report
Your psychologist scores, interprets, and integrates all data into a comprehensive written report with clear findings and specific recommendations.
05
Feedback Session
Results explained in plain language — what the scores mean, what they don't, and concrete next steps tailored to your situation.
What Sets Summit Apart
Assessment done with rigour and care
01
Registered & Provisional Psychologists
Every assessment at Summit is conducted by a registered or provisional psychologist under the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). No component of any assessment is delegated outside of regulated supervision.
02
Reports That Are Actually Readable
Our reports explain what scores mean in plain language, not just in percentiles and standard deviations. You receive specific, actionable recommendations for schools, employers, and treatment providers.
03
Multi-Method, Multi-Source
A valid ADHD or psychoeducational assessment requires more than a rating scale. We integrate standardized test data, clinical interview findings, collateral history, and real-world behavioural information.
04
Connected to Ongoing Support
Assessment at Summit doesn't end with the report. If therapy, coaching, or further support would benefit you, our psychologists can coordinate directly with Summit's treatment team.
Assessment Tools
Standardized measures we use
Summit uses current, normed editions of widely validated assessment batteries. Specific tools depend on referral questions, age, and clinical presentation.
Cognitive Ability
- WISC-VWechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th ed. — ages 6–16
- WAIS-IVWechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th ed. — ages 16+
Academic Achievement
- WIAT-4Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 4th ed. — reading, writing, math, all ages
ADHD & Behaviour
- Conners 4Parent, teacher & self-report rating scales for ADHD — children & adolescents
- BASC-3Behavior Assessment System for Children, 3rd ed.
- BRIEF-2 / BRIEF-ABehavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function — child and adult versions
Mood & Behaviour
- Depression BatteriesStandardized measures of depressive symptomatology across age groups
- Anxiety BatteriesStandardized measures of anxiety across age groups
- CARS-2Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd ed. — used where clinically indicated
Assessment batteries are selected based on the individual referral question, age, and clinical presentation. Not all tools are used in every assessment.
Our Assessors
Psychologists who conduct assessments
The clinicians below offer psychoeducational and ADHD assessments at Summit. Start with a free consultation to discuss your referral question and confirm the right fit before booking.
Loading our assessors…
Assessment Locations
Serving Edmonton, St. Albert, Windermere & beyond
Assessments are available in person at all three Summit locations, and virtually for clients anywhere in Alberta.
Teachers, physicians, and other professionals: referrals welcome.
We accept self-referrals and professional referrals. Contact us to discuss fit and timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about assessment in Edmonton
What is a psychoeducational assessment and what does it test?
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a registered or provisional psychologist that measures two things: cognitive abilities (such as IQ, processing speed, working memory, and reasoning) and academic achievement (reading, writing, and math). By comparing a person's intellectual potential against their actual academic performance, the assessment identifies whether a specific learning disability is present.
How is ADHD diagnosed in Edmonton — what does the assessment involve?
In Alberta, ADHD can be diagnosed by a registered or provisional psychologist, or a physician. A psychological ADHD assessment involves a clinical interview, standardized rating scales completed by the individual and by a parent or partner, cognitive and attention testing, and a review of developmental and academic history. A thorough assessment rules out anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and other conditions that produce similar symptoms.
Can adults be assessed for ADHD and learning disabilities in Edmonton?
Yes. Summit assesses adults for ADHD and learning disabilities at any age. Many adults reach their 30s, 40s, or beyond before receiving a formal evaluation. A diagnosis in adulthood opens access to workplace accommodations, post-secondary disability services, medication assessment, and a new framework for understanding your own history.
How long does a psychoeducational or ADHD assessment take?
A focused ADHD assessment typically involves 3–5 hours of direct testing time, usually spread across one or two sessions. A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment generally involves 6–10 hours of direct contact, scheduled across multiple sessions to avoid fatigue. Your psychologist will give you a realistic estimate during the free consultation.
Is psychological assessment covered by Alberta Health Care or insurance?
Psychological assessment is not covered under Alberta Health Care. However, many extended health benefit plans cover psychological services — including assessment — in whole or in part. Summit provides detailed itemized receipts for reimbursement claims.
Will a Summit assessment report be accepted by Alberta schools and post-secondary institutions?
Yes. Reports from Summit's registered and provisional psychologists meet the documentation standards required by Alberta Education school divisions, Edmonton Catholic Schools, Edmonton Public Schools, the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, NAIT, SAIT, Concordia, and most other post-secondary disability services offices.
What is the difference between a screening and a full psychological assessment?
A screening is a brief tool used to determine whether a more thorough evaluation is warranted. Screenings cannot be used for formal diagnosis, disability designation, or accommodation documentation. Summit provides comprehensive assessments, not screenings.
What if my child is anxious or resistant about being assessed?
This is very common. Summit psychologists are experienced in working with anxious, reluctant, or oppositional children. We pace sessions carefully, build in breaks, and present tasks in age-appropriate ways. Before the first session, we'll help you talk about the assessment with your child in a way that reduces anticipatory anxiety.
Can assessment be done virtually or does it need to be in person?
Some components — including clinical interviews and certain measures — can be administered virtually to Albertans anywhere in the province. However, most comprehensive assessments require at least some in-person testing. Summit's Edmonton, St. Albert, and Windermere locations mean in-person testing is accessible across the Edmonton region. During your consultation, we'll discuss what makes the most sense for your situation.
Summit Counselling Services operates on Treaty 6 Territory and within the Métis homelands. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Cree, Nakoda, Saulteaux, and Métis peoples, and all who have cared for this land. We are proud to operate within Wîhkwêntôwin ᐄᐧᐦᑫᐧᐣᑑᐃᐧᐣ (Oliver) at our Brewery District location.