Services for Children and Teens

Psychological Assessment
Diagnosis
Psychotherapy
Custody Assessment

Psychological Assessment

A psychological assessment for children and teens is usually requested for learning problems in school. Using structured tests, academic skills are measured and compared with expectations based on intelligence.

For more information, see What is a Psychological Assessment.

Diagnosis

In addition to learning disorders, there are other mental disorders which children and teens may display. Some of the most common are depression, anxiety, autism, Asperger’s Disorder, eating disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorders, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Most Psychological Associates are qualified to communicate a diagnosis of this nature.

A diagnosis is carefully formulated based on interviews with child or adolescent and their parents, and on observation of the child or teen. Often, rating scales or self-report scales are used. Sometimes, a type of measure called a projective test is used. Here, the person is considered to “project” his or her attitudes, beliefs and feelings onto an ambiguous stimulus such as a picture or an incomplete sentence.

The purpose of a diagnosis is to recommend modes of treatment for the child or teen, possibly with adaptations of their environment which will make life easier for them.

For a variety of information on mental health in children and teens, try www.nasponline.org.

Psychotherapy

Children and teens can benefit from talking to a professional trained in methods of psychotherapy.

Here are some of the most common methods:

Play therapy engages younger children with toys, games, puppets, dress-up clothes, and similar materials. Children express their feelings and resolve them through play.

Cognitive behaviour therapy aims to change thoughts and emotions through examining a person’s basic assumptions. It is helpful for teens and for older children.

Family therapy involves the whole family and how the family as a system creates and maintains behaviour and attitudes.

Custody Assessment

Some Psychological Associates do custody and access assessments, which contribute to a court’s decision about the custody of a divorcing couple’s children and visiting rights of the non-custodial parent.

Looking for psychological assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy or a custody assessment? Try the Referral Service of the Ontario Association of Psychological Associates.