There is often confusion about why some children receive assessments through schools or hospitals, while others have assessments completed through private practices.
Let’s talk about it.
When it comes to psychological services in Saskatchewan, there are generally two pathways families can take: public or private.
Public services are provided through organizations such as school divisions, community clinics, and hospitals. These institutions are publicly funded and typically offer services at little or no direct cost to families.
Private practices, such as Astoria, operate independently of the public system. The costs associated with services are generally not covered by the government and are instead paid through extended health insurance plans or out of pocket.
It is important to note that registered psychologists in both the public and private sectors are licensed and regulated by the same governing body, the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists. Psychologists with Authorized Practice Endorsement (APE) status, regardless of where they work, are qualified to diagnose a wide range of mental health conditions.
Why Choose a Private Assessment?
One of the primary reasons families choose private assessments is access.
In Saskatchewan, public services often have lengthy waitlists, and eligibility for assessment may depend on the severity of a child’s symptoms or level of need. In some settings, particularly within the school system, assessments may also be more focused in scope and designed to answer specific educational questions rather than provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Private assessments, on the other hand, are available to families without the same eligibility restrictions. They can provide a more comprehensive examination of a child’s cognitive, academic, behavioural, emotional, and psychological functioning, depending on the reason for seeking an assessment.
Why Not Just See a Medical Doctor for a Diagnosis? This is another common question.
Family physicians and psychiatrists are also qualified to diagnose mental health conditions. In addition, medical doctors can prescribe medication, which psychologists cannot.
However, the diagnostic process is often different.
Diagnoses made by family physicians are typically based on clinical interviews, symptom history, observations, and questionnaires.
Psychiatrists generally conduct more specialized and in-depth mental health assessments than family physicians. However, accessing psychiatric services in Canada can be challenging due to referral requirements, eligibility criteria, and lengthy waitlists in many regions.
Psychologists also use clinical interviews, symptom history, observations, and questionnaires. In addition, they administer standardized psychological, cognitive, academic, and behavioural assessments to gather detailed information about a child’s strengths, challenges, and overall functioning.
Assessment results from psychologists and psychiatrists can provide valuable insights that help guide diagnosis, treatment planning, educational programming, and recommendations for support.
Working Together
It is important to remember that psychologists, physicians, psychiatrists, educators, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other professionals often work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. Each professional brings a unique perspective and area of expertise, helping ensure that children and families receive the support they need.
