Assessment Services

Dr. Swan conducts psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments in Kelowna, BC. Psychological assessments are available via telehealth.

Need help deciding? Book a 15-minute consultation call.

The Assessment Process

Assessment is how psychologists better understand people and their behaviour. It is a professional problem-solving process. We seek to understand the core components of a person’s cognitive skills, achievement, aptitude, personality, interests, and strengths.

An assessment has different parts:

• The psychologist will conduct an interview to understand the question we want to answer along with the history and symptoms. 
• Standardized Psychological Tests help objectively measure the client’s traits, symptoms, behaviours, thoughts, and feelings. They also help to identify possible diagnoses concretely, often using a strengths-and-weaknesses approach.
• Observations are useful to see the behaviour of concern or evaluate how an individual interacts with others and behaves in different environments. 
• The psychologist may include surveys or interviews to gather information from other sources such as teachers, parents or managers (never without the client’s written permission). 

You would seek an assessment if:

• you haven’t felt you are moving forward in therapy as you’d hoped. 
• you want to make a career switch but aren’t sure to what. 
• if you just don’t feel right and it has been persevering for a while.
• you suspect you might be struggling with a particular concern such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or
• there’s been an event that has changed how you are functioning in the world. 

Psychological assessment doesn’t just focus on what’s wrong. It also identifies strengths and positive attributes. It can be empowering to learn more about yourself and understand why you are facing specific challenges, how you are coping and what unique strengths you possess to help you achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to get the final report?
• Does Dr. Swan bill my insurance directly for an assessment?
• If we start with a psychological assessment or a cognitive screening assessment, can we change to a comprehensive assessment later?
• Will Dr. Swan provide treatment after the assessment?
• Who gets to see the final report?
• Is there an additional cost to fill out paperwork for work, school or disability?
• What if something changes in the future, can I update my results?

How long does it take to get the final report?

Dr. Swan strives to deliver the results and final report within two to three weeks of the date of testing. If records must be requested from a third party, this can increase the time to complete the report. Please remember that organizations have thirty days to respond to requests for information; sometimes, this will take the entire period. Dr. Swan will identify the needed records with you when booking, but if there are relevant medical records that you are aware of, you can begin the process early. Please feel free to submit the request to the appropriate agency to send the information to Dr. Swan. Fax is her preferred method, and the fax number is 778-699-2008. 

Does Dr. Swan bill my insurance directly for an assessment?

Dr. Swan only offers direct billing for RCMP or Veteran’s Affairs assessments. Insurance companies have different requirements, so please contact yours beforehand to understand your coverage and reimbursement requirements. Dr. Swan is happy to provide more detailed invoicing where required. 

If we start with a psychological assessment or a cognitive screening assessment, can we change to a comprehensive assessment later?

Of course, if a more comprehensive assessment is required, we can easily pivot before the testing day.

You will be charged an additional fee if you decide after the testing day but before the final report is delivered. Sometimes, Dr. Swan needs further testing to answer the question entirely. In this case, she will contact you with a proposed plan before writing the report so you can make the right decision for yourself. 

Will Dr. Swan provide treatment after the assessment?

Generally, a psychologist strives to fill only one role with each client so they would not receive treatment after the assessment. Dr. Swan will provide recommendations for other psychologists or treatment providers, where appropriate. 

Who gets to see the final report?

In a private assessment, you receive the final report after reviewing the results with Dr. Swan. After you have had a chance to read the report and digest its contents, Dr. Swan is happy to send the report to any healthcare providers you identify as needing a copy. You might elect to send the report to your GP for inclusion in your health record or to your treating psychologist to inform your care, but it is your choice.

A third party, such as an insurance company, sends you for an assessment in independent medical examinations. The insurance company then is the client while you are the participant. Dr. Swan delivers the report directly to the client. After the assessment, you should contact the insurance company to discuss the results. They may elect to send the report to your GP, who will review it with you and can answer any questions you have. If you have more questions, send them to Dr. Swan through the client agency, and she will be happy to help.

Is there an additional cost to fill out paperwork for work, school or disability?

While the report usually satisfies most needs, Dr. Swan is happy to fill out additional paperwork, if needed. Often such requests are quick and require little above the report.

If your specific paperwork request is more extensive, Dr. Swan bills at the hourly rate of $250, prorated to 15-minute increments. Because every request is unique, please provide Dr. Swan with a copy of the paperwork as early as possible so she can advise you more precisely. 

What if something changes in the future, can I update my results?

Sometimes, it makes sense to retest certain functions after a period or after intervention to ascertain change. Dr. Swan is happy to update her assessment results, where needed, at a nominal cost. 

Need help deciding? Book a 15-minute consultation call.

Dr. Swan conducts assessments for Veteran’s Affairs, for independent psychological evaluation and privately for individuals. Please check with your insurer regarding coverage for psychological assessment.