Gaining Altitude With Each Step Forward

Assessment

My philosophy as a psychologist and a parent is that a greater understanding of the reasons behind a child’s behaviour helps parents, teachers, and other important adults in their life to respond in different, more empathic, and more effective ways, which can make all the difference. That’s why accurate psychoeducational assessment using the most up to date assessment tools and methods is key. Through my extensive training and clinic work in assessment, with a particular passion and focus on assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I have helped countless families to understand their neurodiverse children’s superpowers as well as areas of need and find the possibilities of a way forward.

I assess children and adolescents from ages 4 to 17 years. An assessment typically involves between one and three appointments, depending on the diagnostic questions being investigated, as well as parent and teacher questionnaires and interviews to get a full and rich perspective on your child. At the end of the assessment, you will receive a full report including recommendations that will help point the way forward for your family.

Assessment Cost: Due to the variable nature of assessments and the wide range of possible diagnostic questions, an assessment can range in cost from $1500 to $3500. Sliding scale available for equity-seeking groups. Feel free to contact me in order to discuss what you are looking for and how I can help.

Treatment

Once a child and family feels understood, therapeutic treatment can provide a youth with the strategies to better identify, express, and regulate their emotions as well as to minimize their anxiety and live a more fulfilling life. My primary goal (and strength) is developing a strong relationship with a child or teenager, and ensuring that they get what they need out of the therapeutic process as a whole. I use research-based, gold-standard therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy (for those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based methods that have been designed specifically for youth between the ages of 7 and 17 years. A child’s history is as important as their development, and that is why I use a trauma-informed lens while working with youth. Finally, I strongly believe that parents and caregivers are essential as part of the treatment process, and I always involve them in at least part of every session to make sure the positive changes that a child is making can be supported and enhanced at home.

Treatment Cost: $230/hour, as recommended by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta fee schedule. Sliding scale available for equity-seeking groups.