Services

A mental health assessment can be requested on its own but is often completed during the first few sessions of individual therapy and in an ongoing way throughout therapy. Turnstone Psychology offers therapy services to individuals across the lifespan and who present with a variety of mental health problems including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, trauma disorders, behavioral disorders, impulse-control disorders, elimination disorders, personality disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and substance-related/addictive disorders.

Dr. Jennifer Gould offers couple therapy and practices from the framework of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT). EFCT is an evidence-based therapy rooted in attachment theory. With this therapy, clients develop an understanding of the negative interaction cycle that reinforces emotional distress and attachment insecurity in their relationship; they are guided through the shaping of new interactions, allowing for the emergence of vulnerable and safe core emotional experiences with one another; and they learn ways to continue navigating daily life with a secure attachment bond.

Including, but not limited to, assessment of mental health and personality.

A psychological assessment is a systematic evaluation of a person’s behavior, mental health, and functioning. Assessment can lead to diagnosis of mental health conditions; help identify other issues that may be impacting an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; inform treatment options; and measure progress. Methods of assessment include clinical interviewing, behavioral observation, administration of standardized tests, gathering of collateral information when authorized by the client (interviewing individuals close to the client and reviewing records, such as medical, educational, occupational, and/or legal records). Results can help an individual better understand the nature of their struggles and the options available to address them.

For international adoptions, some countries require a psychological assessment in addition to a home study. Dr. MacLeod offers this type of assessment and might be able to travel if needed. The assessment typically involves an interview with each potential adoptive parent, completion of questionnaires, and a brief phone interview with a collateral (reference) for each parent. Also, it is quite helpful to have the home study completed and available for Dr. MacLeod to review before the assessment. Often, adoptive agencies and countries require the assessment to occur in person. These assessments are billed hourly and typically require 4-6 hours per parent, including the report.

Assessments of Veterans and RCMP members for disability benefits are prioritized, and we aim to complete them within 4 to 8 weeks of the initial request. These assessments are completed at no cost to the client and are billed directly to VAC. Many members choose to continue with psychotherapy services following their assessment; many have coverage for 2 years of treatment regardless of the outcome of their application for disability benefits. As part of the application for disability benefits, a thorough report summarizing the results of the psychological assessment is produced, in addition to completing the VAC Psychological/Psychiatric Medical Questionnaire. We aim to make the best case possible to support the client’s application for disability benefits, accurately describing the client’s mental health history and linking their symptoms to their service.

Dr. MacLeod offers comprehensive psychological assessments of adolescents that assess the risk of general and sexual criminal recidivism. These assessments consider a variety of domains (e.g., mental health, family functioning, educational functioning, criminal history and attitudes) and use evidence-based risk assessment tools to guide estimates of risk and recommendations for intervention. These assessments can be requested by youth courts or third parties such as child welfare services, legal aid, or private lawyers.