Mental Health Screeners & Assessments

The decision to pursue a mental health diagnosis can be a complex and overwhelming process for youth and their caregivers. At PMHC we want you to know that you have options and pursuing a mental health diagnosis may not always be the best starting point. We work collaboratively with youth and their caregivers to explore the best way to advance our understanding of a child or teens’ mental health challenges.

A comprehensive mental health screener is not intended to be conclusive or diagnostic. Instead, it may be an effective way to start the process of understanding the nature of a child or teens’ underlying mental health profile. Results from a screener can help determine the best “next steps” for youth in need of supports. For some, the results of a comprehensive screener help to delineate specific targets for mental health treatment. For others, results from a screener can be used to identify mental health conditions that warrant further assessment.

Some youth and their families prefer to take a “response to intervention approach” when it comes to a mental health diagnosis. More specifically, results from a comprehensive screener are initially used to develop a specific intervention plan. If the youth responds optimally to the intervention and we observe a significant reduction in the frequency, intensity, and duration of mental health challenges, a full assessment is no longer warranted. However, if a child or teen continues to experience significant impairment despite receiving intervention and supports (i.e., they have failed to respond to the intervention), this may suggest that a more comprehensive mental health assessment is warranted.

Fees

Comprehensive mental health screeners are billed at 225/hr and typically require 4-5 hours.

Mental health assessments are billed at 225/hr and typically require between 6-8 hours depending on complexity.

Psychological services are not covered by OHIP. However, many families may have coverage for a registered psychologist through EAP or extended health insurance. The annual amount of coverage varies across providers. Please contact your provider and ask about your specific plan. A detailed receipt will be provided for all services rendered and can be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement. We do not directly bill to extended health insurance providers.