Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be referred to you by my doctor?
No, a referral from a physician is not necessary to receive my services.
What is included in an assessment?
Every assessment includes a detailed clinical interview, file review, standardized questionnaires, verbal feedback, and a comprehensive report.
How do I pay for the assessment?
E-Transfers and credit cards are accepted for payments.
Do you direct bill insurance?
Unfortunately, assessment services cannot be direct billed through most extended providers (only treatment/therapy can be direct billed).
After the invoice is paid in full, I can provide you with an itemized receipt for claiming assessment services with your extended provider. Please speak with your benefits provider to know your coverage.
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia does not cover psychological services.
Are there other funding sources for an assessment?
In Alberta, I can direct bill the Physician's and Family Support Program (PFSP) when services are pre-approved through the program (contact your benefit program before starting an assessment with me).
In British Columbia, I encourage families to look into eligibility for funding support through Variety BC. I am a registered provider with Variety BC.
Other organizations, such as AISH and CLBC may have funding available.
Do you offer a free consultation before doing an assessment?
Absolutely! I would be happy to speak with you for 10-20 minutes to understand your needs.
There is no cost for this consultation and there is no obligation to book an assessment.
Virtual, in-person, or hybrid?
Interviews and feedback are done using a virtual platform.
All questionnaires are completed using digital links and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
All testing is completed in person, in our office, and one-on-one with a trained and supervised psychometrist.
Some assessments are 100% virtual (e.g., ADHD, mental health) and can be offered to anyone in AB and BC with an internet connection.
How long is an assessment?
Assessments are hybrid and are broken into 4 components: interview (virtually), questionnaires (digitally), testing (in office), and feedback (virtually). Interviews, feedback, and questionnaires are done online to minimize time in the office. The in-office testing for a typical psychoeducational assessment is about 3.5-4.0 hours with breaks. A typical neuropsychological assessment is typically about 5-6 hours (includes breaks).
Every person is different, so these times are provided as rough estimates.
What if someone cannot complete the in-office testing in one appointment?
We start by booking one date because it is rare for someone to not be able to complete the testing in one appointment. The in-office testing is engaging and we offer lots of breaks. Of course, we can adjust and test over multiple days if necessary.
How long does it take to get the results?
Help has already waited long enough, so a psychologist should not add any further delays because of slow turn-around times. Once I have all data gathered, I can provide verbal feedback a few days after the appointment and then the full report will be ready within another few days.
Who do you share the information with?
I will send you a copy of my report as soon as it is done. I encourage all clients to share the report with anyone that they wish (e.g., medical doctor, school). If you want me to share the information directly with anyone other than you, I will need to obtain signed permission before doing so.
Do you provide consultation with a school after an assessment?
I would be happy to speak with a school about the results of the assessment. Meetings with the school are billed at $250/hour (minimum one hour is billed, with more than one hour billed in 30-minute increments; this service is in addition to the assessment costs).
Do you help with the Disability Tax Credit application?
Yes, I can help with the Disability Tax Credit application for clients I have worked with already (i.e., provided an assessment). This is not included in the cost of the assessment and costs $250.
What is a psychologist who specializes in neuropsychology?
This is a psychologist with extra training in the field of neuropsychology. This means specialized and additional training (e.g., practicum, residency, fellowship) in brain development, brain-behaviour relationships, psychological diagnoses, assessment, and what happens to the brain when there is an acquired or developmental injury.
How is AI used in assessments?
Technology is part of our world, with AI being an example of one tool that is used to make our jobs more efficient. Although we cannot escape technology, we can be careful how it is used and try to mitigate as many risks that come with technology. AI programs used at Brooks Assessment are "human-in-the-loop" systems, meaning that they are controlled by human input, they function like an assistant, and they do not feed data back into the model for training. This helps to protect personal information, plus any details entered into AI will be de-identified. It is important to know that AI will never be used to provide a clinical diagnosis -- only a psychologist can do this. AI is like a skilled assistant who can help but not replace the expertise, time, and knowledge of your psychologist. Dr, Brooks always remains responsible and is the author, not AI.
Still have questions?
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please email me at brooksassessment (at) gmail.com or by clicking the button below:
No, a referral from a physician is not necessary to receive my services.
What is included in an assessment?
Every assessment includes a detailed clinical interview, file review, standardized questionnaires, verbal feedback, and a comprehensive report.
How do I pay for the assessment?
E-Transfers and credit cards are accepted for payments.
Do you direct bill insurance?
Unfortunately, assessment services cannot be direct billed through most extended providers (only treatment/therapy can be direct billed).
After the invoice is paid in full, I can provide you with an itemized receipt for claiming assessment services with your extended provider. Please speak with your benefits provider to know your coverage.
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia does not cover psychological services.
Are there other funding sources for an assessment?
In Alberta, I can direct bill the Physician's and Family Support Program (PFSP) when services are pre-approved through the program (contact your benefit program before starting an assessment with me).
In British Columbia, I encourage families to look into eligibility for funding support through Variety BC. I am a registered provider with Variety BC.
Other organizations, such as AISH and CLBC may have funding available.
Do you offer a free consultation before doing an assessment?
Absolutely! I would be happy to speak with you for 10-20 minutes to understand your needs.
There is no cost for this consultation and there is no obligation to book an assessment.
Virtual, in-person, or hybrid?
Interviews and feedback are done using a virtual platform.
All questionnaires are completed using digital links and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
All testing is completed in person, in our office, and one-on-one with a trained and supervised psychometrist.
Some assessments are 100% virtual (e.g., ADHD, mental health) and can be offered to anyone in AB and BC with an internet connection.
How long is an assessment?
Assessments are hybrid and are broken into 4 components: interview (virtually), questionnaires (digitally), testing (in office), and feedback (virtually). Interviews, feedback, and questionnaires are done online to minimize time in the office. The in-office testing for a typical psychoeducational assessment is about 3.5-4.0 hours with breaks. A typical neuropsychological assessment is typically about 5-6 hours (includes breaks).
Every person is different, so these times are provided as rough estimates.
What if someone cannot complete the in-office testing in one appointment?
We start by booking one date because it is rare for someone to not be able to complete the testing in one appointment. The in-office testing is engaging and we offer lots of breaks. Of course, we can adjust and test over multiple days if necessary.
How long does it take to get the results?
Help has already waited long enough, so a psychologist should not add any further delays because of slow turn-around times. Once I have all data gathered, I can provide verbal feedback a few days after the appointment and then the full report will be ready within another few days.
Who do you share the information with?
I will send you a copy of my report as soon as it is done. I encourage all clients to share the report with anyone that they wish (e.g., medical doctor, school). If you want me to share the information directly with anyone other than you, I will need to obtain signed permission before doing so.
Do you provide consultation with a school after an assessment?
I would be happy to speak with a school about the results of the assessment. Meetings with the school are billed at $250/hour (minimum one hour is billed, with more than one hour billed in 30-minute increments; this service is in addition to the assessment costs).
Do you help with the Disability Tax Credit application?
Yes, I can help with the Disability Tax Credit application for clients I have worked with already (i.e., provided an assessment). This is not included in the cost of the assessment and costs $250.
What is a psychologist who specializes in neuropsychology?
This is a psychologist with extra training in the field of neuropsychology. This means specialized and additional training (e.g., practicum, residency, fellowship) in brain development, brain-behaviour relationships, psychological diagnoses, assessment, and what happens to the brain when there is an acquired or developmental injury.
How is AI used in assessments?
Technology is part of our world, with AI being an example of one tool that is used to make our jobs more efficient. Although we cannot escape technology, we can be careful how it is used and try to mitigate as many risks that come with technology. AI programs used at Brooks Assessment are "human-in-the-loop" systems, meaning that they are controlled by human input, they function like an assistant, and they do not feed data back into the model for training. This helps to protect personal information, plus any details entered into AI will be de-identified. It is important to know that AI will never be used to provide a clinical diagnosis -- only a psychologist can do this. AI is like a skilled assistant who can help but not replace the expertise, time, and knowledge of your psychologist. Dr, Brooks always remains responsible and is the author, not AI.
Still have questions?
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please email me at brooksassessment (at) gmail.com or by clicking the button below:
