These assessments are typically completed to identify a specific mental health issue for the purposes of:

• self-discovery
• developing appropriate treatment planning for psychotherapy/counselling services
• identifying the correct diagnosis to help physicians/nurse practitioners determine the correct medication is being prescribed for treatment 
• creating a clearer clinical picture when there appears to be multiple mental health issues causing difficulty
• fulfilling the request of an insurance provider (i.e., Motor Vehicle Accident insurance, WSIB, LTD, etc.)

Psychoeducational assessments are often completed when there appears to be cognitive or learning difficulties that are negatively impacting performance in College or University, or in some cases, the workplace.

These assessments can be helpful by:

• identifying where learning difficulties are occurring
• outlining appropriate recommendations and accommodations to assist with learning at home, in school or in the workplace
• recommending the use of assistive technology to improve learning and academic performance
• discovering academic strengths and providing important information for students who may be considering switching to a different academic major

An assessment for attentional difficulties can be helpful by identifying issues with inattention, impulsivity and other executive functioning difficulties (i.e., organization and regulation). An ADHD assessment can help to:

• create recommendations for treatment planning for psychotherapy/counselling
• develop a plan to improve academic or work performance if these are areas of difficulty
• provide suggestions to improve organization and other executive functioning difficulties that negatively impact daily life
• Provide a definitive diagnosis if medication is being considered as a treatment option

Autism assessments for adults often involves assessing for a mild severity of Autism (previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome). Autism Spectrum Disorders that are moderate or severe are typically diagnosed in childhood due to the significant challenges in many areas of functioning. An assessment for Autism can be helpful by:

• providing an explanation for social behaviour or interests that may be different from most people 
• offering an explanation for why there is limited interest in socializing
• providing appropriate treatment recommendations for psychotherapy/counselling
• offering an explanation for peculiar behaviour such as maintaining a primary area of interest that seems peculiar or engaging in restricted or repetitive behaviours
• creating a treatment plan to help improve social skills

A neuropsychological assessment can be helpful with identifying difficulties in brain function such as cognition, learning, executive functioning, language, etc. This assessment can help to:

• determine if there are deficits in learning and functioning related to a neurological or birth conditions such as a seizure disorder, epilepsy, premature birth, alcohol or substance use during pregnancy, brain tumour, acquired or congenital hydrocephalus, etc.
• examine brain functioning after an impact to the head resulting in a concussion (e.g., motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, sports injury, etc.)
• determine if there are cognitive difficulties in all areas of learning
• identify learning difficulties in specific areas (e.g., math, spelling, reading, writing, etc.)
• create recommendations for home and school functioning when there is difficulty in an identified area of brain functioning
• provide recommendations for assistive technology (e.g., use of a laptop, etc.) to assist with learning at school
• offer important information when considering what area to pursue in post-secondary education or in a future occupation