A Mental Health Assessment (MHA) is a comprehensive evaluation designed to help you understand your emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being.
Whether you feel overwhelmed, struggle to focus, or seek answers about your mental health, an assessment can provide clarity, a precise diagnosis, and personalized recommendations for treatment and wellness.
Whether you’re self-referred or referred by a healthcare provider, our assessments include a thorough review of documents, a clinical interview, and formal psychological testing.
Together, these tools provide a comprehensive picture of your mental health, personality, cognitive strengths, and areas that require improvement. Each mental health assessment is tailored to your unique needs.
At a minimum, a mental health assessment includes:
- A clinical interview to explore your mental health history, current challenges, and symptoms
- At least one formal, standardized psychological measure to assess cognitive, emotional, or behavioural functioning
When a more detailed evaluation is needed, we may also include:
- Several psychological assessments are utilized to investigate specific concerns.
- A biophysical stress profile helps understand how stress affects your body.
- Cognitive screening tools assess attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
Benefits of a Mental Health Assessment
A mental health assessment offers many advantages, including:
- Clarity regarding your mental health and symptoms.
- Accurate diagnoses to guide treatment decisions.
- Personalized recommendations for therapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications.
- Improved communication with healthcare providers, schools, or employers.
- Empowerment to take proactive steps toward emotional and mental well-being.
Examples of how an assessment can help
A mental health assessment can be beneficial in many situations:
ADHD Evaluation: If you struggle to focus, stay organized, or complete tasks, an assessment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can clarify whether ADHD is impacting your daily life. It can lead to targeted strategies such as time management tools, coaching, or treatment options.
Anxiety management: Frequent worry, panic attacks, or physical symptoms of anxiety can be assessed to determine the type and severity of an anxiety disorder. Recommendations may include cognitive-behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques.
Wellness and lifestyle guidance: If you feel stuck, unmotivated, or stressed, an assessment can help uncover the emotional or behavioural patterns affecting your well-being. We can suggest stress management techniques, supportive routines, and therapy to help you achieve your goals.
What to Expect During a Mental Health Assessment
A mental health assessment typically takes between 2 and 7 hours, depending on your individual needs and the depth of testing required. We’ll discuss the expected time frame with you during an initial consultation, so you know what to expect.
After your assessment is complete, we’ll schedule a follow-up session to:
- Review your results in clear, simple language
- Explain what the findings mean for your mental health and daily life
- Provide actionable recommendations and next steps for care
Our mental health assessments can investigate:
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Personality Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
- Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
- Bipolar and Related Disorders
- Feeding and Eating Disorders
Preparing for the assessment.
To ensure the best assessment experience, please:
- Complete all intake forms before the initial interview
- Make sure your child/adolescent is well-rested and has eaten breakfast
- Bring a drink and a snack to maintain energy, and breaks are provided as needed
If you’re looking for answers, clarity, or guidance toward improved mental health, we’re here to assist you in taking the next step. Contact us to discover how a Mental Health Assessment can aid your path to wellness.