Do I need a doctor’s referral for an assessment?
No, a formal physician’s referral is not required to access our services. You can reach out to us directly to discuss your concerns. However, some private insurance providers may require a referral to process your reimbursement claims, so we recommend checking with your specific policy.
How long does the assessment process take?
A comprehensive evaluation is a deep dive. Typically, the process spans multiplee weeks from the initial intake to the final feedback session. This includes:
Initial Consultation: 50–80 minutes.
Testing Sessions: Usually 3 to 6 sessions (ranging from 1–2 hours, to a maximum of 6 hours total).
Analysis & Reporting
Feedback Session: 50 minutes to review the final report and recommendations.
Is this covered by OHIP or private insurance?
Psychological services are not currently covered by OHIP. However, most extended health benefit plans provide coverage for registered psychological services. We provide detailed receipts with all the necessary licensing information for you to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.
What is the difference between a school-based assessment and a private one?
School boards provide excellent services, but waitlists can often be several years long. A private assessment at Foundations Psychology allows for a faster timeline. Our reports are specifically designed to meet the requirements for Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and provincial accessibility standards.
I’m an adult—is it "too late" for a neurodiversity assessment?
It is never too late for clarity. Many adults seek assessments for ADHD or Autism later in life to better understand their history, improve their workplace environment, or simply find peace with how their brain works. We provide a neuro-affirming environment specifically tailored for the adult experience.
Do I need a referral?
No. It is not necessary for you to have a referral to access services at Foundations Psychology. Some insurance policies, however, require a physician referral so that you can access your benefits. You may wish to check with your insurance provider to see what is required for your benefits.
How do I book an appointment?
To book an appointment please either email the office at kelly@kellyruefferpsychology.com or call 226-779-3353.
How much does an assessment cost?
Assessment costs vary depending on the type of assessment that you are seeking and are determined by the number of hours spent completing the assessment. You are billed the same hourly rate for direct contact. as well as time spent scoring and interpreting results, and preparing a written report should you require one.
What to do when you arrive?
Foundations Psychology is located at 488 Erie Street, Unit A in Stratford. Parking is at the side and rear of the building. Please enter the front building entrance. The door faces Erie Street. You are welcome to sit in the waiting area until the person you are meeting with comes to greet you at your appointment time. **Please note, there is no in-person reception.
Do I need to bring anything along to my first therapy appointment?
No. The first session is an interview that allows us to present to you an overview of services and office policies. It also allows us to gain an understanding of your current concerns and relevant background information. We will then provide you with a treatment plan and you can discuss goals for treatment.
Do I need to bring anything along for my first assessment appointment?
Not necessarily, however, if you have any previous assessment reports, those might be helpful for our current assessment. Additionally, any reports from other relevant professionals including but not limited to speech and language pathologists, audiologists, optometrists, occupational therapists or physicians might also be helpful. It can also be beneficial to access report cards or an individual education plan if one exists. If you do not remember this information on the first day, not to worry, we can collect the information throughout the assessment.