A Guide to Psychological Assessment & Treatment for the Post-Secondary Student

WHAT DO PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES INCLUDE?

• ASSESSMENT
• TREATMENT
• CONSULTATION
• EDUCATION
• BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

WHEN SHOULD I CALL FOR HELP?

It can be difficult to know when help is needed.

Ask yourself:

• Have you been struggling at school?
• Have others (family, teachers, doctors) expressed concerns?
• Has the struggle seemed to last for a long time? Is it getting worse?
• Did you have a problem learning to read, write or do math as a younger child? Did you have a formally identified learning difficulty?
• Did you or others think you had’ “grown out of it” and now wonder?

Current Learning:

• Are you intelligent, but have trouble studying, completing assignments, and getting consistent success at school?
• Do you struggle to remember things?
• Do you get distracted easily?
• Do you struggle to stay focussed, to start and/or finish activities?
• Are you getting overwhelmed with the volume or complexity of reading materials?
• Do you have trouble getting ideas down on paper? Is note taking in class difficult?
• Do you avoid homework and assignments until the last minute?
• Do you get anxious about learning, assignments or exams?
• Are your struggles creating stress for you and other family members?

WHAT DOES A PSYCHOLOGICAL OR PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT INVOLVE?

• The clinician will meet with you to discuss your concerns. You are welcome to invite along a concerned parent.
• A review of old school records or reports may occur to assist the clinician.
• You and/or your parents or teachers may be asked to fill in questionnaires to describe your behaviour and learning.
• You will then attend a number of individual sessions to identify both strengths and difficulties.
• An assessment includes: interviews, observing behaviour and interactions as well as completing a series of tests which compare you to aged based expectations.

Next Steps:

• All this information is reviewed with you and a plan is designed, aimed at helping you.
• You should expect information on strengths and weakness; details on the nature and degree of difficulties; ideas to help you cope better; ideas for school programming; ideas for future career plans and a plan to manage your concerns.
• Next, with your permission information can be shared with your school. Other referrals and resources could also be contacted with your informed consent.
• Finally, a written report will be completed for you.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Identification of difficulties even at the college/university level can lead to accommodations. Colleges/Universities have an Office of Disability or Special Needs Office which can arrange resources/supports after assessment.
• Access to certain community resources requires diagnosis and delay in evaluation limits success.
• Even very bright individuals may have specific ‘learning difficulties/disabilities and you can be educated about how you learn best.
• Most parents are pleased see their adult children pursuing an assessment to help
  understand themselves and to improve success.
• Most students are covered under their parents workplace health benefits plans as long as they are a full time student.
• It is never too early or too late to get help.

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT?

Our team provides a number of different treatment approaches including:

• Educational/Behavioural Consultation to develop and implement direct strategies for managing difficulties,
• Individual Treatment which may be most helpful for addressing internalizing problems
  and need to develop coping strategies.
• Parent Counseling to assist families in understanding and supporting you.
• Family Therapy may be most beneficial in situations where communication patterns or stresses in the family contribute to the problem.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?

• Typically we can see you fairly soon after the first call avoiding lengthy wait lists and worry,
• We will involve you directly in the process and together decide the best approach for you and your family.
• Together we can decide who should have access to information on you. You can hold/release details as needed.
•  We will advocate for you for resources in the school/community.
• We provide a comprehensive approach to assessment/treatment so you receive the most information with long term value.

• Our practice is multi-disciplinary with qualified professional in psychology,
  speech/language pathology, behaviour consultation and education.
• You may access one or more members of the team and we can consult with each
  other to best meet your needs.
• Many extended health insurance plans through your or your parent’s workplace will cover the services offered. Fees may also be tax deductible.