Frequently asked questions
what are your fees?
Fees for services are in line with the recommended fee schedule outlined by the Psychologists' Association of Alberta, which is currently $200 an hour. Reports are not released until payment is received following electronic invoicing, and the fee for an assessment is typically collected at the end of the assessment period based on hours used. Appointments that are cancelled without 24 hours notice may be subject to a fee of 50% of the appointment time. However, when a child is not feeling well, parents are strongly encouraged to reschedule assessment appointments to a later date.
how much will an autism diagnostic assessment cost?
It typically takes 4 hours for the diagnostic assessment, but it does vary according to the age of the child: young children (toddlers and children with few language skills) take less time and the interview takes longer for school age children, as there is more developmental history to explore. An ASD diagnostic report will be invoiced once it has been completed, often at around 5 hours of time. Payments for the assessment and the report are typically made separately.
what form of payment do you accept?
Payment may be made by cheque, cash or through Interac E-transfer through online banking (the latter usually for a report). Unfortunately, credit cards are not accepted at this time due to the extra fees associated with their use.
do you direct bill third party insurance?
Payment needs to be made to me directly then it is parents' responsibility to apply for reimbursement through any extended health care insurance. An invoice for services as well as a receipt is provided for this purpose. I will work as best I can to ensure that parents are reimbursed as much as possible through any employee health plans. Please contact your insurance plan provider to get information about any psychology coverage limits then feel free to call me to discuss how this coverage may be utilised for an assessment.
Receipts can also be claimed as a Medical Expense for Revenue Canada purposes on tax returns when parents do not have any insurance coverage.
Do you complete the Disability tax credit certificate?
Yes, I complete Part B of the Disability Tax Credit Certificate (form T2201) for parents, free of charge, where applicable after a diagnostic assessment and a report has been written. Parents are responsible for completing Part A once I have completed Part B, and it is suggested that parents make a photocopy of the form before they send it to be processed. Forms can be sent to the relevant tax office at any time of the year, and there is typically several months delay before they are processed.
i'm not sure if my child has an asd as they also look like they could have adhd. what do you do if a child does not end up being diagnosed with asd?
I frequently assess children who have symptoms of ADHD or who have already been given a diagnosis of ADHD in the past, often with sensory difficulties. Children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder very frequently also have behavioural difficulties related to ADHD as well. Sometimes, the ADHD difficulties are picked up first and the ASD difficulties become more obvious over time as social expectations increase. As part of my assessment, I will cover any other behavioural difficulties related to anxiety as well as ADHD as they typically occur together in a child with an ASD, and therefore need to be addressed through intervention strategies as well. A school-aged child with ASD may also be provided with an ADHD diagnosis if applicable as part of my assessment, particularly when intervention strategies are required to be implemented in the classroom setting. Further assessment questionnaires are completed by parents and teachers when there is an additional significant concerns related to ADHD types of difficulties.
Occasionally, I do see a child referred for an ASD assessment that does not have sufficient difficulties to meet the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, the assessment process is thorough and will pinpoint any areas of difficulties or concerns that are present, and recommendations as to how to assist in addressing those areas of concern will be made.
do you release any information about my child to others?
Information obtained during the assessment process is strictly confidential. I adhere to the Code of Ethics for Psychologists set forth by the College of Alberta Psychologists. Information is never released to others unless there are exceptional circumstances of suspected child abuse or intent to harm self or others, under subpeona by a Court of Law, or in an emergency situation. Noncustodial parents may also have the right to access their child's information: when parents are sharing custody of a child, or parents are separated but there is no formal custody agreement in place, proof must be provided that both parents agree to the assessment process (i.e., written consent has to be obtained from both parents). Information pertaining to the assessment is also not revealed to a third party insurer: only dates and times of appointments are provided, along with the name of the person seen (such as the parents or child).
Parents are provided with multiple copies of a report so that they can give copies to others where needed, such as the child's school in order to get services in place, or to take to the Paediatrician on their next appointment. Alternatively, some parents choose to have a copy of the report faxed directly to the Doctor's office, which can be completed after a Consent to Release Information form has been signed by a parent.
Do you provide services under fscd contracts?
At this time, I only provide assessment services and follow up consultation to families on a limited and individual basis. I do not provide psychology services related to Family Support for Children with Disability (FSCD) contracts. However, parents may be able to get services reimbursed through counselling hours under an FSCD contract. More information regarding possible service providers for FSCD contracts may be found here: