Five Routes to get a Diagnosis, and Professional Contacts

The School System

Present your concerns to your child’s school administration. In elementary school, meet with the teacher and principal. In junior or senior high, your first contact should be with the school guidance counsellor.  Request a psychoeducational (cognitive and academic) and ADHD assessment. In some districts, a psychologist will assess your child at no cost to the parents.  Always ask for a meeting with the school staff to review the results and recommendations.

Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health Services will pay for most of the assessment costs by a general practitioner, a pediatrician, or a child/adolescent psychiatrist through the medical system. Some doctors charge a small fee to process behaviour checklists (less than $100). Wait times for an appointment will vary but often will take months. Advantages include low cost, the doctor’s ability to prescribe medication if desired, and follow-up care. 

If your child is experiencing significant struggles due to ADHD symptoms at home or school, ask your family doctor or pediatrician to request an appointment with the ADHD Clinic at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. The Glenrose is a “tertiary” program — only children with a referral can access these services. The clinic deals with children under 17 years of age who have ADHD and other mental health difficulties.  Some children with complex needs may be referred by the school or the family doctor to the School-Age Neurodevelopmental Clinic at the Glenrose for assessment and support. Unfortunately, there is a wait time for space in the clinic. 
 

Private Psychologist

An assessment by a psychologist can cost approximately $2000 for a comprehensive evaluation. Some benefits programs help pay the costs, while some programs restrict who you can see or only pay the fees if they have been preapproved or authorized.  Check your plan before visiting a psychologist.  A private psychologist can assess, diagnose and provide counselling.  Advantages can include quicker access, comprehensive testing and reporting, and follow-up counselling. If that is your preference, you will need a medical doctor or psychiatrist on your team to receive prescriptions for medication.

U of A Clinical Services

The Clinical Services of the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta is committed to the community by providing low-cost services to the general public. In addition, they offer more affordable services by providing graduate students with quality training and supervised experience in counselling, psychological assessment, and literacy remediation. Clinical Services currently offer an assessment ($750) and counselling ($50/session). Costs are current as of January 2023 but are subject to change.

NOTE: The Clinical Services of the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta is not accepting new assessment referrals for children and adults at this time. The self-referral form will be posted on this page when they are able to take new referrals. The Counselling Centre waitlist is currently full – names will be added to the Winter 2023 waitlist.

Child and Adolescent Services Association

Child and Adolescent and Family Mental Health (CASA) is a non-profit organization providing community-based mental health assessment and clinic treatment to children, youth, and families. The School Age Services (SAS) clinic offers family-centred, trauma-informed care that involves a child’s parents or other caregivers as active participants in the treatment. Services include evidence-based individual, group, and family therapy. Common concerns are ADHD, depression, anxiety, behavioural issues, sleep issues, and school avoidance. For children 5-18, a health professional or family physician can make a referral through centralized intake at AHS (825-402-6799).

Professional Contact Information

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