Child Assessments in Calgary
Comprehensive child assessments to address emotional, behavioural, academic, and developmental needs.
What Are Child Assessments?
Child assessments are a set of specialized evaluations designed to gain a deeper understanding of a child’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural functioning.
Whether addressing concerns related to learning, mental health, or social development, our assessments help create a clear picture of your child’s needs. Common types of child assessments include:
Psychoeducational Assessments
Evaluating learning abilities, academic skills, and cognitive functioning to identify conditions such as ADHD or other learning disabilities.
Developmental Assessments
Focusing on developmental milestones and identifying potential delays or disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Giftedness Assessments
Giftedness assessments are designed to identify children with exceptional intellectual, academic, or creative abilities, often exceeding those of their peers.
These evaluations typically include standardized testing, cognitive ability measures, and observations to assess skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, abstract reasoning, and creativity. Giftedness is not limited to academic areas and can extend to artistic, musical, or leadership talents.
Recognizing giftedness early helps parents and educators provide the necessary support, such as enrichment programs, curriculum acceleration, or tailored learning opportunities. These assessments can also highlight potential social or emotional needs, as gifted children may face challenges like perfectionism, asynchronous development, or heightened sensitivities.
What Does a Child Assessment Entail?
At Solasta, we follow a structured and compassionate approach to child assessments. Each assessment includes:
Initial Consultation
Meeting with parents or guardians to understand the child’s history, concerns, and goals.
Assessment Sessions
Conducting one-on-one sessions with the child, utilizing standardized tools, interviews, and observations.
Comprehensive Analysis
Reviewing all collected data to identify patterns and concerns.
Detailed Report
Providing a thorough written report that outlines findings, diagnoses (if applicable), and personalized recommendations.
Feedback Session
Meeting with the family to discuss results and next steps, including strategies or referrals for additional support.
Who Can Benefit From Child Assessments?
Child assessments are beneficial for families seeking clarity and guidance about their child’s needs. They can be particularly helpful if you notice:
Difficulty With Academic Performance
Emotional Difficulties Such as Anxiety, Sadness, or Anger
Behavioural Challenges at Home or School
Struggles With Attention, Focus, or Hyperactivity
Concerns About Social Interactions
Assessing Your Child Early On
Early identification through assessment can pave the way for effective interventions and long-term success.
How Child Assessments Can Help
Understanding your child’s unique strengths and challenges is the first step toward meaningful support.
Identify Underlying Issues
Pinpoint the root causes of struggles, such as learning disabilities or emotional concerns.
Guide Intervention Strategies
Provide clear, actionable recommendations for academic accommodations, therapeutic interventions, or other supports.
Empower Families
Equip parents with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their child’s needs.
Why Choose Solasta for Child Assessments in Calgary?
At Solasta, we are committed to excellence and personalized care. Here’s what sets us apart:
Experienced Psychologists
Our team brings years of expertise in child psychology and assessments.
Tailored Approach
Every child is unique, and our assessments reflect a customized approach to meet individual needs.
Evidence-Based Methods
We use reliable, research-backed tools and techniques to ensure accurate results.
Compassionate Care
We create a supportive environment where children feel safe and valued throughout the assessment process.
Comprehensive Support
Beyond assessments, we provide guidance and resources to help families implement recommendations effectively.
Understanding the Assessment Process
We aim to make the assessment process as clear and supportive as possible for families.
From identifying the appropriate age range for assessments to understanding the time commitment, we provide a comprehensive, tailored approach to meet the unique needs of every child and adolescent.
Whether you’re wondering about the necessity of a diagnosis, the possibility of online assessments, or how best to prepare your child, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Below, we address some of the most common questions to help you feel confident and informed about the journey ahead.
What Age Groups Do We Assess?
We provide assessments for children and adolescents, typically between the ages of 4 and 18. Our approach is tailored to meet the developmental and individual needs of each age group, ensuring that the process is effective and supportive for children and teens alike.
How Long Does the Assessment Process Take?
The length of the assessment process depends on the type of evaluation needed but typically spans 3 to 6 weeks. This includes initial consultations, assessment sessions, thorough data analysis, and a feedback meeting to discuss results and recommendations.
Will Your Child Need a Diagnosis?
Not every child assessment results in a formal diagnosis. The primary aim of the assessment is to understand your child’s specific needs and challenges and provide tailored recommendations.
Whether or not a diagnosis is identified, the insights gained will guide effective interventions and support.
Can Assessments Be Conducted Online?
Certain aspects of the assessment process, such as parent consultations, can be done virtually for convenience.
However, most components, particularly standardized testing and observational sessions, are best conducted in-person to ensure the highest accuracy and reliability of results.
How to Prepare Your Child for the Assessment
Preparing your child for an assessment involves open and positive communication. Explain the process in simple, reassuring terms, emphasizing that the goal is to understand and support them better.
Encourage them to view the experience as an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
Take the First Step Toward Clarity and Support
Our Calgary psychologists are dedicated to providing high-quality child assessments that empower families and foster positive change.
Calgary Counselling and Psychology Services
Our Calgary psychologists have a wide range of experience and expertise in understanding the unique needs of our clients and helping you reach your therapy goals.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologist.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychology Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Therapists Specializing in Child Assessments
We’re Located in Calgary, Alberta
We provide counselling and psychological services in-person in Calgary and online counselling throughout Alberta.
Suite 200, 1716 16 Ave NW, Calgary AB
*free parking behind the building
Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
Get Started With Solasta in Three Easy Steps
Find Your Therapist
Book Online
Choose a date and time that fits your schedule and receive instant confirmation of your appointment.
In-person or Online
Visit our welcoming Calgary office or meet with your therapist online from the comfort of your home.
FAQs
What types of therapy do you offer at Solasta Counselling?
At Solasta Counselling, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your individual needs.
These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR for trauma, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Each approach is designed to help address specific challenges, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or other concerns.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful if you’re experiencing emotional or psychological challenges that affect your daily life, relationships, or well-being.
Common signs include persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, difficulty coping with stress, or a desire for personal growth and self-discovery.
If you’re unsure, an initial consultation can help you explore your concerns and determine if therapy is a good fit for you.
What can I expect during my first session?
Your first session at Solasta Counselling will focus on understanding your unique situation and goals.
You’ll discuss your current challenges, personal history, and what you hope to achieve in therapy.
This session allows your therapist to tailor a treatment plan that suits your needs, while also giving you an opportunity to ask questions and build a comfortable, trusting relationship.
Do you offer virtual or in-person counselling sessions?
Yes, Solasta Counselling offers both virtual and in-person sessions to accommodate your preferences and needs.
Virtual therapy allows you to access support from the comfort of your home, while in-person sessions provide a private, welcoming environment at our Calgary location and throughout Alberta.
Both options ensure the same level of care and confidentiality.
How long does therapy usually take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and the complexity of your concerns.
Some clients see improvement in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Your therapist will work with you to set realistic expectations and adjust your treatment plan as you progress.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, all sessions at Solasta Counselling are confidential.
We follow strict professional and legal guidelines to protect your privacy.
The only exceptions involve safety concerns, such as risks of harm to yourself or others, which your therapist will explain during your initial session.