Testing/Assessment
We conduct various types of assessments. You may be involved in an independent evaluation. In this case, a third party refers you to our office in order to provide opinion on your psychological status. The assessment may involve collection of information regarding your personal background and history, your current symptom status, education, family history, work history, and medical and mental health history. You will take part in a clinical interview with the clinician, and would likely be asked to complete some form of psychological and/or psychovocational testing. A report is then generated based on assessment findings and is provided to the referring party. A feedback session may or may not be part of the assessment protocol. With these assessments, there is typically no follow up with the client with respect to further consultations or treatment.

Other types of assessments are specifically to determine the need for treatment. In these cases, this may lead to follow up by the clinician in terms of regular treatment. If you are referred by a third party such as a motor vehicle accident insurer or long-term disability insurer, we then follow the guidelines and legislation set out under these systems.

Please note that some types of testing/assessment may take up to six hours. When coming in for testing or assessment, ensure you bring reading glasses, if required and any medications you may take during the day. If undertaking biofeedback assessment or other relaxation skills training, ensure that you wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Treatment
If you participate in treatment at our office, you have the right to terminate this treatment at any time if you feel that it is not beneficial to you, although it is usually advisable to discuss the reasons for considering discontinuation with your clinician prior to acting on a decision. Your clinician also has the right to discuss termination of sessions with you if he/she feels that they are not of benefit to you.

While psychological treatment is meant to be a helpful experience, this cannot be guaranteed with regard to either the process involved or the eventual outcome. It is not uncommon for clients to experience an increase in symptoms or emotional discomfort prior to any potential improvements. In the process of exploring one area of concern, other issues may be identified which may add to the client’s difficulties. Interpersonal relationships may be adversely affected in the course of treatment, as the client begins to understand his/her situation from a new perspective. However, the potential benefits of treatment can include:

• reduction of symptoms
• changes in problematic behaviors
• improvements in self-esteem and overall mood
• problem-resolution
• changes in personal relationships
• return to productive activity

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the information provided above, or any other aspects of the treatment or assessment process, feel free to discuss them with your clinician at any time.

Confidentiality
Services at Reesor Pigeon are conducted either by registered psychologists or under the supervision of registered psychologists.

Information obtained or provided is confidential and is only released to third parties with your informed written consent. This consent allows our office to release reports/information to, or consult with, the individuals you have indicated can examine your chart. You can withdraw your consent, in writing, at any time. Exceptions to this would be:

• if the clinician suspects that you may do harm to yourself or others;
• if child abuse is suspected
• if you advise the clinician of sexual abuse by another registered health care provider.

If you are being treated at Reesor Pigeon, you have a right to photocopies of anything in your chart (unless that information would be deemed harmful in some way). If you are being seen for an independent evaluation or insurer’s examination, and not for the purposes of treatment, any copies of reports should be obtained from your insurer, or other third parties requesting the assessment.

Appointments/Cancellations
A charge may be applied if appointments are missed or cancelled without notifying the office 24 hours in advance. Insurance companies do not cover this charge.

Emergencies
Please note that we cannot always immediately respond to clinical emergencies. If there is an emergency and you are unable to access a clinician, go to the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital for immediate assistance.

Questions
Please direct any questions you may have to our clinicians or administrative staff, who will be happy to assist you.