Psychological Assessments at WBHS

Understanding your child's behaviour, development, and individual needs can help you make informed decisions about their care and support. At Wirth Behavioural Health Services (WBHS), our assessment process is designed to build a comprehensive understanding of your child, address your concerns, and identify the support that may benefit them.

What Does the Assessment Process Involve?

Step 1: Initial Meeting with Parents or Caregivers

The process begins with an intake meeting with the child's or teen’s parent or caregiver. This meeting allows us to learn about your child's developmental history, understand your concerns, and discuss any differences, difficulties, or behaviours you have noticed in everyday life. During this meeting, we will discuss the proposed assessment process and provide an estimate of the associated costs.

Step 2: Observation and Gathering Information

Behavioural observation is an important part of our assessment process. Observing your child in their everyday environment helps us better understand their behaviour, interactions, and development in familiar settings. We get consent from you and your child's school, preschool, or daycare to arrange a behavioural observation. If an in person observation is not possible, we may request a video sample of your child interacting with others instead. We may also contact your child's teacher or other service providers to ask questions about their behaviour, learning, social interactions, and development. An additional follow up meeting with parents may be required to help us build a more complete understanding of the child's needs.

Step 3: Direct Assessment Sessions

Your child will attend assessment appointments where a clinician conducts activities and testing for their age, development, and individual needs. This stage typically involves two direct assessment appointments, although the number and structure of sessions may vary depending on the child and the information gathered during the initial meeting. The aim is to understand your child's strengths and areas where they may need extra support.

Step 4: Reviewing the Findings

Once we have all the information, we review the findings from the assessment sessions, developmental history, parent input, and relevant observations or reports from other settings. This comprehensive review helps us whether your child's behaviours meet the diagnostic criteria for autism, ADHD, or another developmental condition, where applicable.

Step 5: Results Meeting and Comprehensive Report

After the assessment and review are complete, we arrange a meeting with the parents or caregivers to discuss the findings. During this meeting, we explain the results, answer questions, and discuss any diagnosis or recommendations. You will also receive a comprehensive report outlining the assessment process, relevant findings, conclusions, and recommendations tailored to your child's needs. This information can help guide decisions about support at home, at school, or through other services.

Assessment FAQ’s

What Should I Bring to My Child's Assessment?

Preparing a few familiar items can help your child feel more comfortable during their appointment. A snack and a drink is recommended for younger children who may become hungry during an appointment.

What Age Can a Child Be Assessed?

Some children are referred for assessment around age two, while certain developmental assessments may be considered as early as 15 months. Identifying developmental differences early can help families better understand their child's needs and explore related therapies. If you have concerns about your child's development, you do not need to wait until they reach school age to seek professional guidance.

How Much Does an Assessment Cost?

The cost of an assessment depends on your child's individual needs, the services required, and the scope of the evaluation. During the initial intake meeting, we will discuss the recommended assessment process and provide an estimated cost breakdown so you can understand the services involved. Some assessment services may be eligible for reimbursement through health insurance, depending on your insurance provider and individual plan. The cost of the assessment is based on our time, and hourly rates are set in accordance with the Manitoba Psychological Society (www.mps.ca).

Cancellation and Missed Appointment Policy

We ask families to provide at least 24 hours notice if they need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Charges apply to missed appointments or cancellations made without sufficient notice.

How long are the current wait times?

Wait times may vary depending on demand and scheduling availability. Typically we can get children in within a few months.

How long does the assessment process take?

The assessment process involves approximately 10–15 hours of professional work, sometimes more. The overall timeline can range from one to two months to several months, depending on appointment availability, scheduling, and the individual needs of your child. Sometimes assessments can stall in time if we’re waiting for meetings or information. For example, it can take time to set up observations or meetings with other service providers, or families and others take time to get forms filled out and returned to us, and that can cause some wait times to restart assessment.

How Can WBHS Help?

Unlike a general medical appointment, a comprehensive psychological assessment at WBHS offers an in depth look at your child's learning, attention, behaviour, emotions, and development. Through testing, behavioural observations, and information gathered from parents and school, we build a clear and comprehensive picture of your child's strengths and challenges. We provide school recommendations, therapy suggestions, and practical support strategies to help you support your child at home and at school.