-
What comes out of the process
At the end of the assessment, a precise cognitive profile explains the difficulties observed and puts them in perspective alongside existing strengths. When the observations warrant it, a clinical diagnosis is made or ruled out with clear reasoning. Recommendations are then formulated to address concrete needs such as school accommodations, workplace adaptations, referral to a complementary professional, or strategies to adopt day to day. The report then becomes a lasting reference tool, usable with the school team, an employer, a physician, or another professional.
Neuropsychological assessment in Montréal
A clear cognitive profile to guide next steps.
The neuropsychological assessment measures cognitive functioning through standardized tests, an in-depth clinical interview, and integrated analysis. It results in a clear cognitive profile that identifies your strengths and weaknesses, clarifies the source of your difficulties, and guides next steps with concrete recommendations.
Understanding the process
What a neuropsychological assessment clarifies
The neuropsychological assessment systematically examines the major cognitive functions. Attention and concentration, short and long term memory, expressive and receptive language, executive functions such as planning and regulation, visuospatial abilities, praxis, processing speed, and social cognition are each tested in turn. Each function is measured using recognized standardized tests, selected based on the reason for consultation. The results are interpreted in light of the medical, developmental, academic, and professional history gathered during the initial clinical interview. It is the integration of these two sources of information that gives the process its diagnostic value.
Clinical pathway
The four stages of an assessment
The process takes place over several appointments spread out over time. Each phase has a specific clinical objective and builds on the one before it.
01
01. Initial clinical interview
A meeting of about 45 minutes to gather history, clarify the reasons for consultation, and agree on the questions to be answered. This first step guides the choice of tests administered afterward.
02
02. Testing sessions in office
The process usually takes place over one or two days depending on the reason for consultation, and can also be spread across half days. The number and length of sessions are adjusted to the clinical profile and the diagnostic questions raised during the interview.
03
03. Analysis and report writing
Detailed scoring of the tests, integrated interpretation of the results together with the clinical history, then writing of the report that documents the cognitive profile observed, the diagnosis when applicable, and individualized recommendations.
04
04. Results delivered by videoconference
A meeting dedicated to presenting the report, discussing the observations, and answering questions. It takes place by Zoom to simplify travel and allow shared availability between two parents when a child is being assessed.
The deliverable
What the clinical report includes at the end of the process
The final report is the reference document given to the patient or parents. It brings together all the observations and concretely opens the way to the interventions that follow.
Your results and your cognitive profile
A detailed description of the strengths and difficulties identified within each cognitive function assessed. Each observation is put in context using the applicable age and education norms.
The identified source of the difficulties
The neuropsychologist clarifies what explains your difficulties, whether they stem from a neurodevelopmental condition, another clinical condition, or a combination of factors. When the observations warrant it, a diagnosis is made and supported with reference to recognized clinical criteria. When the criteria are not met, the diagnosis is explicitly ruled out. In every case, you leave with clear and precise answers about the nature of your difficulties.
Individualized recommendations
Concrete recommendations tailored to the person assessed and their environment. They may include school accommodations, workplace adaptations, daily strategies, or referral to another professional.
Terminology
Neuropsychological assessment or neuropsychological evaluation
In Quebec clinical practice, the two terms refer to the same process. Both describe an in-depth diagnostic exercise that combines a clinical interview, administration of standardized tests, integrated analysis, and the writing of a clinical report. The choice of term reflects a professional preference rather than a real difference in content or rigor.
-
What is not a neuropsychological assessment
A quick cognitive screening, an online questionnaire, or a one-time consultation do not constitute a neuropsychological assessment. The complete clinical process involves an in-depth clinical interview, several hours of standardized testing, completion of full questionnaires, qualitative and quantitative scoring and analysis of the results, their integrated interpretation, and finally the writing of the clinical report. Taken as a whole, this is what makes for a rigorous diagnostic process, consistent with the standards of practice expected of a psychologist qualified to practice neuropsychology.
Practical considerations
What to know before starting the process
A few logistical and financial details to know before scheduling a first meeting.
- In-office sessions take place in Montréal, at 10351 boulevard Saint-Laurent
- The results meeting takes place by videoconference
- No medical referral is required to consult in private practice
- Most private insurance plans cover part or all of assessments carried out by a psychologist who is a member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec
- Fees are eligible for the medical expense tax credit, both federal and provincial
- An official invoice and receipt are provided for your dealings with insurers and tax authorities
Choosing the right starting point
Two paths depending on the age of the person being assessed
The tools and clinical approach differ depending on whether a developing child or an adult seeking to better understand their functioning is being assessed. The two dedicated pages detail the specifics of each path.
Youth Assessment
For children and teens whose parents notice attention difficulties, learning delays, relational differences, or an atypical cognitive pace. Parents are closely involved at every step of the process.
Adult Assessment
For adults seeking to clarify persistent difficulties, confirm a long-suspected diagnosis, or document a recent cognitive change. The clinical relationship is direct, with no intermediary.
Before you consult
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Assessment
If your question isn’t on this list, reach out directly to discuss it.
The total duration varies based on the complexity of the case, the reason for consultation, and the age of the person being assessed. The process always includes an initial clinical interview, one or more standardized testing sessions, an analysis phase, and a results meeting. The number of sessions and total duration are communicated at the time of scheduling.
In Quebec clinical practice, both terms refer to the same process. They describe the same diagnostic exercise: an interview, standardized tests, an integrated analysis, and a final clinical report. The choice of term reflects a professional preference rather than a difference in content.
You receive a complete clinical report that presents the cognitive profile observed, confirms or rules out a diagnosis with clear supporting reasoning, and provides individualized recommendations. The report can include sections that can be shared with a school team, an employer, or a physician as needed. It is delivered and explained during a dedicated meeting held by videoconference.
Most private insurance plans offered in Canada cover part or all of the cost of assessments carried out by a psychologist who is a member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec. The cost is also eligible for the medical expense tax credit in Quebec. Exact terms vary from one plan to another and should be confirmed with your insurer before the first meeting.
No medical referral is required to consult in private practice. Some insurers may nonetheless require one as a condition of reimbursement. It is recommended that you check with your plan before scheduling the first meeting.