What to Expect When You Access Assessment Services

At Alliance Counselling and Assessment, we recognize that families often seek assessments during periods of stress, urgency, and advocacy. Our goal is to provide ethical, high‑quality, and clinically sound assessments, while being transparent about timelines, responsibilities, and professional standards.

Clear expectations help ensure a smoother process for everyone involved.

The Assessment Process

Psychological and psychoeducational assessments are multi‑step clinical processes, not a single appointment or document.

An assessment may include:

• Intake and informed consent
• Background and developmental history
• Standardized testing and clinical observation
• Review of records and collateral information (e.g., school, medical, or therapy records)
• Clinical interpretation and formulation
• Report writing
• Feedback (debriefing) appointment

Each step is essential to ensure the final report is accurate, ethical, and useful for planning and support.

Report Timelines

In accordance with College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) standards, assessment reports are typically completed within 30–60 days from the last point of clinical contact (for example, the final testing session, interview, or record review).

Please note:

• This timeline assumes all required forms and questionnaires have been completed and returned.
• Delays in receiving parent, teacher, or collateral documents may extend report timelines.
• Report writing involves careful clinical analysis and professional accountability and cannot be rushed without compromising quality.

We understand that waiting for a report can be difficult, especially when services, funding, or educational planning depend on it. Ethical practice requires adequate time to complete this work responsibly.

Caregiver Responsibilities in the Assessment Process

Assessments are most effective when they are collaborative.

Caregivers are expected to:

• Complete intake forms, questionnaires, and consent documents promptly
• Provide relevant background information and records when requested
• Attend scheduled appointments and feedback sessions

Incomplete or missing documentation may pause the assessment process or delay report completion.

Feedback Appointments and Report Release

Assessment reports are not released without a feedback (debriefing) appointment.

This is not an administrative preference — it is ethical best practice.

The feedback appointment allows us to:

• Explain findings in clear, accessible language
• Review strengths and areas of need
• Clarify recommendations and next steps
• Answer questions and address misunderstandings
• Ensure the report is interpreted accurately and safely

Providing a report without discussion increases the risk of confusion, misinterpretation, or harm. Reports are released after feedback has occurred.

Scope and Limitations of Assessment Reports

Assessment reports are clinical documents, not advocacy letters.

This means:

• Findings are based on standardized tools, professional observation, records, and reported history
• Language must meet professional and regulatory standards
• Clinicians cannot include diagnoses, severity claims, percentages, or statements that are not ethically supported by the assessment data

While we value caregiver input and advocacy, clinicians are required to ensure all reports remain accurate, defensible, and aligned with professional standards.

Communication and Collaboration

We strive to work respectfully and collaboratively with families, recognizing the real challenges of navigating complex systems, often with limited support.

To support productive collaboration:

• Questions and concerns are best addressed during scheduled appointments
• Repeated report revisions based on advocacy language cannot be accommodated
• Respectful communication supports better outcomes for everyone

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Ethical, evidence‑based assessment
• Clear and transparent communication
• Trauma‑informed and culturally respectful care
• Professional documentation that supports meaningful planning

Thank you for trusting Alliance Counselling and Assessment with this important work.