DR. HOWARD A. BERNSTEIN & ASSOCIATES
Educational and Counselling Psychology

Parents worry about their children and our psychology department provides support through testing and counselling. We work with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing educational or personal concerns.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessments (psycho-educational) provide information on intellectual functioning, learning style and academic achievement. Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder or other problems affecting learning can be diagnosed.

Vocational Assessments provide additional information regarding educational options and career choices based on interests, temperament and abilities.

Intellectual Assessments are performed for the purpose of determining eligibility for gifted and other specialized programs.

Counselling may take the form of coaching parents or working directly with the child. Our approach is generally a supportive and directive one.

Comprehensive educational or vocational assessments require one full day or two half days of testing. Intellectual assessments can be completed in one morning or one afternoon session. Preliminary feedback can often be provided on the day of the assessment. After our psychologists have thoroughly reviewed the assessment, a full written report containing specific recommendations is provided. The report is sent directly to the client and to other professionals, at the client’s request. Verbal feedback can also be provided shortly after the assessment to another professional at the request of the client.

At the beginning of the testing session, background information is collected from the client including a discussion of academic history and present academic functioning. Input from other professionals is helpful and most welcome. Every attempt is made to provide the testing in a relaxed environment.

Although the services of a psychologist are not covered by OHIP, most employers have major medical insurance plans covering the services of a registered psychologist and, therefore, all or part of the assessment cost may be covered. Insurance forms are completed to assist clients in securing reimbursement from their employer. The services of a psychologist may also be claimed as an income tax deduction. Students receiving OSAP loans should also inquire about the availability of a bursary to cover the cost of the assessment.