Psychological Assessments
When difficulties with attention, mood or everyday functioning are hard to explain, a psychological assessment can help clarify the questions you are facing. You may be seeking a better understanding of your own experiences, looking for guidance about support or responding to a request for information from another professional or organisation.
At Maria Schmid & Partners, we offer psychological assessments in Calgary. Assessment enquiries may relate to ADHD, autism, post-traumatic symptoms, complex mood concerns, the psychological effects of motor vehicle accidents, workplace concerns or immigration requirements. Contact Shantelle Szuch, Registered Clinical Psychologist, to discuss your particular needs and whether the available assessment service is suitable.
The purpose of an assessment guides its scope. From the outset, it is important to understand what you hope to learn and how the findings may be used.
When a psychological assessment may help
An assessment may be useful when ongoing difficulties are affecting your work, relationships or ability to manage daily responsibilities, and you want a more detailed understanding of what is happening. You may have noticed longstanding patterns, experienced changes following an event or received a recommendation to explore a particular concern.
Some people seek an assessment for personal understanding; others need information for a specific external purpose. If an employer, insurer, legal representative or immigration professional has requested a report, share the requirements before booking. Your psychologist can discuss whether the requested work falls within the service offered and what information would be needed.
How the assessment process works
The assessment begins with a clear question and an agreed plan. Depending on the purpose, it may involve clinical interviews, questionnaires, standardised measures and a review of relevant records. Your psychologist selects the methods appropriate to the concern and considers the findings alongside your history and circumstances.
An assessment can explore strengths as well as difficulties. The aim is to develop an explanation that is useful for understanding your experiences and considering appropriate next steps. Findings may include diagnostic conclusions where appropriate, recommendations or guidance about further support.
Before work begins, your psychologist will discuss the assessment scope, consent, fees and how information will be shared. Where a report is involved, clarify who will receive it and any requirements set by the organisation requesting it.
What to expect from your initial consultation
Your initial consultation is an opportunity to explain your concerns and why you are considering an assessment. You may be asked about your history, current functioning, previous assessments and any professional recommendations you have received. Bringing a referral letter or the wording of a report request can help clarify the work being proposed.
You can ask about the likely steps, expected timeline, estimated costs and how findings would be discussed with you. The scope and arrangements can then be confirmed before proceeding. To enquire about an assessment, contact Shantelle at shantelle@mariaschmid.ca.
Meet the practitioner who specializes in Psychological Assessments
Shantelle Szuch
Registered Clinical Psychologist
Shantelle is an esteemed Clinical Psychologist in Alberta and Saskatchewan having over ten years of clinical assessment experience with diverse populations including adults, public safety personnel and veterans, front line workers and health care professionals, athletes, adolescents and children.