Frequently Asked Questions

Please call the office at (403) 640-7667 during the office hours: Monday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM. Please note that Acorn Psychology does not offer free consultations prior to the initial meeting as it does not allow for an adequate assessment of a client's needs. As such we prefer to reserve their time for sessions that permit a more comprehensive approach to care.

The first 50 minute appointment is a discussion between the parents and the psychologist regarding the reasons for seeking our assistance and exploring potentially relevant background information. It is preferred that the child does not attend this first session to ensure that we can have a confidential discussion without the child present.

During your initial appointment our psychologist will collect potentially relevant information about your situation and offer a recommended assessment process and an estimated number of sessions.

The following is a general guideline of how many hours are needed to complete an assessment (Note: length of testing varies from individual to individual).

The hourly rate for psychological services is $240 per hour.

We do not currently perform direct billing to insurance companies for psychological services. If you have a benefits plan, you will need to submit your receipts for reimbursement.

During the initial appointment the necessity of a school visit can be discussed and our psychologist will make a determination if this is required. These visits can be necessary as it allows the psychologist to observe the child’s behaviour in their natural environment. If an observation is not feasible, we can alternatively look to gather necessary information through phone consultation(s) with the child’s teachers or other caretakers.

Once testing is completed, several key steps are taken to analyze, interpret, and communicate the findings: Scoring and Analysis: The psychologist scores the tests administered during the assessment. This may involve quantitative scoring for standardized tests, as well as qualitative analysis of responses and behaviors observed during the assessment. Integration of Information: The professional integrates the test scores with other collected information, such as background history, interviews, observations, and any previous assessments. This comprehensive approach helps to understand the individual's learning profile, cognitive strengths, and weaknesses. Report Writing: The psychologist compiles the findings into a detailed psychoeducational report. This report includes an introduction to the individual's background, a summary of the test results, interpretations of the findings, and specific recommendations. The recommendations may address educational accommodations, interventions, therapy, and strategies to support the individual's learning and development. Feedback Session: A feedback session is typically scheduled to discuss the assessment results with the individual (if appropriate) and/or their parents or guardians. During this session, the psychologist explains the findings in understandable terms, discusses the implications for learning or behavior, and suggests next steps. This is also an opportunity for the individual or their family to ask questions and discuss concerns. Implementation of Recommendations: Following the assessment, the individual, their family, and educational team can use the report's recommendations to implement specific interventions, accommodations, or seek further support. This might involve adjusting teaching strategies, pursuing specialized tutoring, seeking therapy, or applying for accommodations in school or standardized testing situations. The goal of a psychoeducational assessment is to provide a clear understanding of the individual's educational and psychological needs, guiding targeted support to enhance their learning and overall well-being.