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Complex Psycho-Educational Assessment

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Expert Assessments for Complex Psychological Concerns

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS), we provide comprehensive psycho-educational assessments for students whose learning or daily functioning may be impacted by multiple, overlapping factors. These in-depth evaluations explore cognitive skills, academic performance, emotional well-being, adaptive functioning, and the combined effects of any diagnoses or life experiences. Our goal is to give individuals and their families and support systems (educators, physicians, and other professionals) a clear, detailed understanding of a student’s profile, helping them develop effective, coordinated support strategies.

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Who This Assessment Is For

A thorough psycho-educational assessment like this is especially helpful when a child or youth is facing multiple challenges, making it hard to understand how each part contributes to the person’s whole presentation. Parents or guardians often seek this understanding when they want to understand how different issues might be connected and figure out the best ways to support a child or youth.

You might consider this assessment if:

  • Your child seems to be struggling with multiple challenges that are difficult to make sense of.

  • Your child experienced a complicated birth, or has complicated developmental, genetic, familial or educational history

  • A previous psycho-educational assessment may have helped but there are still unanswered questions

  • Your child is continuing to struggle despite attempts to support them

  • The child or youth is struggling in multiple aspects of school and/or daily life

  • The child or youth has been suspended, asked to leave school, or is not currently attending school

In this specialized assessment we look beyond the test scores. For this in-depth assessment, the psychologist will look at how things like ADHD, learning differences, mental health, or trauma might work together to impact your child’s learning and daily life. The goal is to help create a practical plan that supports your child at school, home, and in the community.

Why a Complex Assessment Matters

When a student’s challenges are shaped by more than one factor, a standard evaluation may not capture the full picture. A complex psycho-educational assessment goes deeper, combining additional testing, interviews, and observations to understand how academic, emotional, behavioral, and developmental influences interact. With this insight, families and schools can make informed decisions that address all areas of need.

For some, that may mean developing an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) that incorporates both learning and emotional supports. For others, it may involve building on a student’s strengths while providing targeted support for specific challenges. The goal is always the same: greater clarity, coordinated strategies, and better opportunities for success at school and beyond. Whether accessed in person at our Calgary office or through our online services across Alberta, these assessments provide a thorough, compassionate pathway to understanding and supporting students.

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Areas We Explore Together

In a complex psycho-educational assessment, we take a deeper look at cognitive, learning, and psycho-social factors and how they may be collectively working together to result in a child or youth’s challenges. We look at:

  • Thinking and problem-solving abilities: how the student reasons through tasks, remembers information, and processes information. These skills can influence learning speed, comprehension, and problem-solving in everyday life.

  • Learning and academic skills: strengths and gaps in reading, writing, mathematics, and oral language. We may look at whether the child or youth has the foundations needed to succeed in these subject areas and if there are underlying difficulties that are resulting in their academic struggles.

  • Emotional, social, and behavioural factors: these factors can impact a child or adolescent’s success at home, school, and in other parts of their life. A complex psycho-educational assessment allows for time to further investigate these factors such as multiple mental health challenges, looking more deeply into a person’s history of trauma and its impact on their current functioning, or lifestyle and other factors that seem to be impacting current functioning.

  • Daily living and adaptive skills: how well the student manages routines, responsibilities, and age-appropriate independence. These insights are particularly valuable when planning for school transitions (e.g., elementary to Junior High or daily transitions like the transition from school to home), or transitioning to adulthood.

What the Process Looks Like

We keep the process simple and supportive so families know what is happening at every stage, and clients feel at ease from start to finish.

Starting with a Conversation

We start by sitting down with you to talk about the child’s story so far. This includes their developmental history, health and family background, school experiences, and any past assessments. These details help us shape a plan that fits the student’s needs and sets the tone for a thorough assessment.

One-on-One Sessions

Most complex assessments involve between three and six sessions with a clinician. These sessions are typically individual sessions with the child/youth and include questions, puzzles, timed tasks, and school-types of activities (e.g., reading, writing, math). The tasks are generally 1–10 minutes each and the clinician will determine the pacing and whether breaks are needed based on how the child/youth is progressing through the tasks. We proceed at a pace that feels comfortable, allowing the student to stay engaged and relaxed.

Input from Key People

We also talk with people who know the client well — parents, teachers, and sometimes the student too, depending on their age. This can be achieved through a conversation, or questionnaires, providing a clearer picture of how the person performs in different settings.

Reviewing Results Together

Once everything is complete, we take the time to review what we’ve found. You will receive a detailed report, but we will also walk you through it in plain language. This is an opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity, and leave with practical ideas for next steps.

Checking Back In

Around six weeks later, we reconnect to see how things are going. We clarify any questions or concerns from the results or report and then support parents/guardians with developing and implementing a treatment plan including next steps.

Why Families Choose RMPS

Families across Alberta turn to us when they need assessments that go beyond the basics, providing depth, accuracy, and practical solutions.

Specialized Expertise

We have psychologists with extensive experience conducting psycho-educational assessments particularly for students with layered or complex needs. Every evaluation is carefully planned to capture the complete picture.

Collaborative Approach

We work closely with parents, educators, and other professionals involved in the student’s life. This ensures that our recommendations are realistic, well-coordinated, and easy to implement in both school and home settings.

Evidence-Based Process

Our approach to assessment and interpretation of the results is based on research. We work hard to stay up-to-date with the latest research to ensure we do the best job possible for our clients.

Experience

While some RMPS clinicians are newer to the field and some have been around for many years, what sets us apart is a cohesive and collaborative team, headed up by Senior Psychologist, Cassandra Hillman White, who has been doing assessments for over 25 years and teaches assessment courses to Masters-level students, interns, and early career psychologists.

Frequently Asked Question

How is a complex assessment different from a standard one?

A complex evaluation involves additional testing, interviews or questionnaires to help to get to the bottom of complex issues such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, trauma, etc.

How long does the process take?

The process typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on scheduling and the speed at which we receive the questionnaires.

Can you work with schools outside Calgary?

Yes. We work with families across Alberta. Some or possibly all of the assessment may be able to be completed virtually (discuss with your assessment psychologist whether this option is a fit for your child and situation). Our reports are recognized by schools and universities throughout the province, nationally, and internationally.

Will the results help with school accommodations?

Yes. They can support Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) and other accommodations, especially for students with multiple areas of need.

Do you also assess adults?

Yes. We work with post-secondary students and adults who seek a deeper understanding of learning differences, attention concerns, or other challenges that may be impacting their performance. Our reports can be used to access accommodations for college and university programs as well as for professional exams (e.g., accounting).

What if I need a psycho-educational assessment but cannot travel to Calgary?

If traveling to our Calgary office is not possible, we may be able to offer secure online assessment options to ensure you can still access high-quality support. In some cases, we may also collaborate with local professionals to coordinate parts of the process, making assessments accessible to families across Alberta.

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Cassandra White

Cassandra has been the owner and Director of RMPS since 2013. She brings more than 20 years of experience in working with children and families to the practice. Her background and expertise in the areas of assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD as well as her knowledge of neurofeedback therapy and play therapy give her the broad base of knowledge to direct this multi-faceted private psychology practice. In addition to her experience in assessment and treatment of learning disabilities and giftedness, Cassandra has training and expertise in Child Psychotherapy and Play Therapy. She has worked extensively with children and their families regarding treatment of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues and emotion regulation using play-based and expressive interventions. Cassandra is also a clinical supervisor who provides supervision and consultation to other practitioners specializing in working with children. Cassandra’s experience and knowledge is not only academic; she is the mother of four children. Her experience of being a parent of four children makes her a very practical and realistic therapist. She understands the demands of parenting and does not rely on “book knowledge” or recommendations that appear unattainable for parents. She prides herself in understanding both the needs of the parents and the child. She looks for ways to enhance family functioning so that parents can feel competent and successful in their difficult jobs of raising children with a variety of complex needs.
Rocky Mountain psychological services Calgary

MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle. MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary. Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta. Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions. John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge. Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.