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Standard Psychoeducational Assessment

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Expert Psychoeducational Support for Students and Families

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS), we provide psychoeducational assessments to help students, parents, and educators gain a clear understanding of academic or learning challenges. These assessments highlight each learner’s strengths, identify areas for growth, and provide recommendations that support success at school and beyond.

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Why a Psychoeducational Assessment Matters

If you want extra help or supports for your child at school in Alberta, you’ll often be asked for clear documentation from a qualified professional. That’s where a standard educational psychology assessment can make a difference. It gives you and the school a shared understanding of how your child learns — what comes easily, what takes more effort, and sometimes, results that surprise everyone.

With that picture in hand, we can work alongside you and the school to put meaningful changes in place. For some families, that might mean an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) with specific classroom strategies. For others, it’s simply recognizing a child’s strengths and making sure those are supported in daily learning. Whatever the path, the goal remains the same: less stress for your child, more confidence, and a better overall school experience.

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Who This Assessment Is For

Families often consider a psychoeducational assessment when they want clear answers and practical next steps.

Some examples include:

  • A student who works hard but still struggles to keep pace with assignments or needs more one-on-one help than most classmates.
  • Ongoing difficulties in one or more subjects — such as reading, writing, math, or oral language — despite extra effort or tutoring.
  • A child performing above grade level whose unique learning profile hasn’t been fully understood.
  • Concerns about a learning disability, ADHD, anxiety, or depression, and how these might be affecting school performance.


This type of psychological educational assessment is often the first step toward uncovering a learner’s cognitive profile and shaping recommendations for school-based support. It can also be a valuable tool for recognizing gifted learners or those who would benefit from enrichment programs.

Areas We Explore Together

During a standard psychoeducational assessment, we look at much more than grades or test scores. Our goal is to understand the whole learner, and we do that by exploring:

  • Cognitive abilities — abilities like reasoning, memory, and processing speed. These influence how easily someone can take in new ideas, make connections, and apply what they’ve learned.

  • Academic skills — including reading, writing, spelling, and math. We assess these using standardized tools so we can see where the student is meeting expectations and where targeted support could make a difference.
  • Social, emotional, and behavioural factors — the things that sometimes make learning harder, even for capable students. For instance, a child who feels anxious about speaking in front of the class may know the material but still struggle to convey it effectively.

 

What the Process Looks Like

We keep the process straightforward so families know exactly what to expect — and so students feel comfortable every step of the way.

Starting with a Conversation

Before any testing begins, we sit down with you to learn more about your child. We’ll ask about their developmental history, health, family background, and school experiences. This conversation provides us with context and helps us plan the most effective approach.

One-on-One Sessions

Most students complete their assessment in two to four sessions. These are one-on-one sessions with the psychologist and will involve problem-solving activities, memory tasks, timed tasks, reading, writing, and math activities among others. We adjust the pace as we go so ensure your child is engaged and relaxed as possible. 

Hearing from Others Who Know Your Child

We also gather information from parents, teachers, or the student themselves (depending on their age) with questionnaires. These additional perspectives help us understand how your child learns and behaves in various settings, not just in the testing room.

Reviewing Results Together

Once everything is complete, we take time to look closely at the findings and prepare a detailed report. In our feedback meeting, we’ll go through the results together, answer your questions, and discuss strategies or supports that can help right away.

Checking Back In

About six weeks later, we have a follow-up session with you. We check in on how it went with getting the report, any questions that have come up since we reviewed the results, and we start working with you on the plan for the next steps. This is a chance to see what’s working, make adjustments, and keep th

The Difference It Can Make

A  psychology education assessment (or psychoeducational assessment) is more than a set of scores. It is a tool for meaningful change in a student’s learning journey.Though a psychoeducational assessment doesn’t measure every part of who your child is, it does help to capture a snapshot of information that is useful to understand about their learning. 

Highlighting Strengths 

We identify the areas where a student thrives and provide suggestions on how these strengths can be encouraged in everyday learning, helping the person feel capable and motivated both at school and at home.

Addressing Challenges

The assessment pinpoints the specific academic, social, or attention-related obstacles a student may be facing, giving parents and teachers the clarity they need to respond with targeted support.

Guiding Effective Support

Our findings form the basis for a practical plan that schools and families can use together, from arranging accommodations under Alberta guidelines to introducing strategies that build confidence and long-term success.

Why Families Choose RMPS

Families across Alberta trust us to provide assessments that are both thorough and practical.

A Collaborative Approach

We work closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure that the recommendations align with the student’s real learning environment and daily needs.

Research-Backed Methods

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 long does the whole process take?

 Most assessments are completed within three to six weeks. The exact timeline depends on scheduling and the speed at which questionnaires are returned by parents, teachers, or other contributors.

Can you work with my child’s school if we’re not in Calgary?

Yes. We work with families across Alberta, and our reports are recognized by schools throughout the province.

Will the results help with school accommodations?

 Absolutely. Our recommendations often form the foundation for an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) or other classroom adjustments that make learning more accessible and effective.

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.

What if I need a psychoeducational assessment near me but cannot travel to Calgary?

 In some cases, we may be able to coordinate with local professionals to ensure your psychoeducational assessment needs are met online (tele-assessment), even if you are outside the city.

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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.