Seeking support often begins with questions. Whether you’re considering a psychoeducational assessment for your child, exploring ADHD testing, looking for counselling services, or simply trying to understand your options, we’re here to help. Browse our frequently asked questions below to learn more about our services, the assessment process, fees, insurance coverage, and what to expect when working with Impact Psychological Services.
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation by a registered psychologist that examines cognitive abilities, academic achievement, memory, attention, and processing skills. The goal is to identify learning disabilities, giftedness, ADHD, cognitive delays, or other barriers to learning. It results in a detailed report with personalized recommendations.
A psychoeducational assessment focuses specifically on learning — how a person processes, retains, and applies information in academic settings. A broader psychological assessment may address mental health, personality, or clinical diagnosis. At Impact Psychological Services, assessments are tailored to the individual’s presenting concerns and may incorporate elements of both.
Anyone who is struggling academically, needs unusually high levels of support to meet grade-level expectations, has difficulty with reading, writing, or math, struggles with focus and attention, or shows signs of exceptional intellectual ability. Adults returning to post-secondary education also benefit significantly.
Assessments can be conducted at various ages depending on the type. Cognitive and achievement testing typically begins around age 4-5 for giftedness screening and is most commonly conducted during school years. Adults can be assessed at any age. Lesley Sugden can advise on appropriate timing during an initial consultation.
Absolutely. Adults are assessed at Impact Psychological Services for learning disabilities, ADHD, and cognitive concerns. Many adults who struggled in school without a diagnosis find significant relief and access to strategies through a formal adult psychoeducational assessment.
A standard assessment at Impact Psychological Services takes approximately 10 hours in total, spread across multiple sessions. This includes intake, testing, scoring, report writing, and a detailed feedback session.
The process begins with an initial meeting to gather background information. Testing sessions then follow, using standardized, evidence-based tools to measure cognitive ability, academic achievement, memory, attention, and processing. Results are scored, interpreted, and compiled into a comprehensive written report. A final feedback meeting is held to review findings and recommendations in detail.
The report includes a profile of cognitive strengths and challenges, academic achievement data, diagnostic conclusions (where applicable), and specific recommendations for school-based accommodations, support strategies, learning techniques, and any recommended next steps. It is written to be shared with teachers, schools, and other professionals.
Giftedness may present differently in each child — some show many of the common characteristics, others only a few. Signs can include rapid learning, exceptional memory, strong reasoning ability, intense curiosity, or advanced vocabulary. A professional assessment by a registered psychologist is the most reliable way to confirm giftedness.
A gifted assessment evaluates a child’s intellectual and academic abilities to determine if they meet the criteria for giftedness in Alberta. Impact Psychological Services offers gifted assessments that include cognitive and achievement testing. The full assessment is $2,500; cognitive-only testing is $1,250.
Westmount Charter School is a publicly funded school in Calgary for gifted learners. As part of the application process, families must provide an IQ test administered by a registered psychologist. Impact Psychological Services offers this cognitive-only assessment for $1,250. It is administered and interpreted by Lesley Sugden, M.A., Registered Psychologist.
Yes. This is often referred to as being ‘twice-exceptional.’ A child may demonstrate high cognitive ability while also having a learning disorder, which can manifest as frustration, behavioural issues, or inconsistent performance in school. A full psychoeducational assessment can identify both giftedness and co-existing learning challenges.
ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment process that examines attention, concentration, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and their impact across settings (school, home, work). At Impact Psychological Services, ADHD/ADD assessments are conducted by Registered Psychologist Lesley Sugden and cost up to $1,750.
An ADHD/ADD assessment is targeted — it focuses specifically on attention and its impact on daily functioning. A full psychoeducational assessment is broader, also including cognitive ability and academic achievement testing. If ADHD is suspected alongside learning difficulties, a full assessment is usually recommended.
Yes. Attention difficulties can be caused by anxiety, depression, sleep issues, stress, and other factors — not just ADHD. A thorough assessment by a registered psychologist helps differentiate between these causes so that the right intervention is recommended.
At Impact Psychological Services, a full psychoeducational assessment is $2,500 CAD. Gifted assessments are $2,500 (full) or $1,250 (cognitive only). ADHD/ADD assessments are up to $1,750. Counselling is $250/hour. Fees follow the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) recommended fee guide.
Assessments are not covered under Alberta Health Services. However, most extended health benefit plans and Health Spending Accounts provide partial or full coverage. Contact your benefits provider to confirm. Post-secondary students may also be eligible for the Canada Student Grants program.
Many Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) through employer benefit plans do cover registered psychologist services. Check with your HR department or benefits carrier. A detailed receipt for insurance purposes is provided upon payment.
No. Self-referrals are welcome at Impact Psychological Services. You can book directly by calling (403) 829-0818 or completing the online appointment request form. Physician and third-party insurance referrals are also accepted.
Lesley Sugden offers counselling for children, adolescents, and adults in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, anger, stress, behaviour issues, parenting challenges, and separation/divorce. Both in-person and virtual sessions are available at $250/hour.
Yes. Impact Psychological Services provides a safe, non-judgmental environment specifically designed to support children and teenagers. Sessions help young people develop coping skills and work through difficulties like school transitions, bullying, family changes, and emotional challenges.
Lesley uses evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Practice, Therapeutic Play, Psychoeducation, Biofeedback, and other targeted interventions depending on the individual’s needs.
Yes. Virtual counselling sessions are available for clients across Alberta. Contact Impact Psychological Services at (403) 829-0818 or via the website to arrange a virtual appointment.
Lesley Sugden is a Registered Psychologist and the director of Impact Psychological Services Inc. She holds a Master of Arts degree and has over 20 years of experience working in Alberta education settings.
Yes. Lesley Sugden is a registered member of the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA). All services are provided in accordance with professional and ethical standards.
Impact Psychological Services is located at #320, 1716 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta T2M 0L7 — across from North Hill Mall. Free parking is available at the back of the building. Call (403) 829-0818 to book.
Call (403) 829-0818 or complete the online appointment request form at impactpsychologicalservices.ca. No referral is required. Self-referrals, physician referrals, and third-party insurance referrals are all welcome.
Yes. A formal assessment report from a registered psychologist is typically required by schools and post-secondary institutions to provide accommodations such as extended time on tests, reduced distraction settings, and modified learning supports. The report from Impact Psychological Services is written to be shared directly with educational teams.
Parents have the right to request professional testing regardless of a teacher’s opinion. Teachers do not receive formal training in identifying giftedness or learning disabilities. If you have concerns, a registered psychologist can provide the independent professional assessment that schools are required to respect.
Absolutely. Many post-secondary students discover undiagnosed learning disabilities or ADHD for the first time as adults. A psychoeducational assessment can provide a diagnosis that qualifies students for academic accommodations, and post-secondary students may be eligible for Canada Student Grants to offset the cost.
Call (403) 829-0818 or complete the online appointment request form at impactpsychologicalservices.ca. No referral is required. Self-referrals, physician referrals, and third-party insurance referrals are all welcome.