Question 1

Where can I get my teenager assessed for anxiety in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Possible starting points include a psychologist, family physician or pediatrician, publicly funded child and youth mental health services, and in some cases psychiatry or a specialized hospital program. Which option makes the most sense depends on the nature and complexity of the symptoms, whether diagnostic clarification is needed, and the services available in your community.

Question 2

Where can my teenager get assessed for OCD in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

A psychologist with competence in adolescent OCD can be one option, and physicians or specialized mental health services may also be involved depending on the presentation. Because OCD can be difficult to identify when symptoms involve mental rituals, reassurance seeking or hidden intrusive thoughts, it can be helpful to seek a clinician with specific experience assessing OCD rather than assuming that any general mental health assessment will address it adequately.

Question 3

Can a psychologist diagnose anxiety or OCD in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Qualified psychologists and psychological associates registered to practise psychology in Ontario can formulate and communicate psychological diagnoses within their authorized areas of practice and competence. When choosing a psychologist for a teenager, parents should also confirm that the clinician works with adolescents and has appropriate competence with the presenting concern.

Question 4

Does my teen need a psychological assessment before starting therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not always. When the presenting concern is reasonably clear, an appropriate clinical assessment may occur as part of beginning treatment. A more comprehensive psychological assessment may be useful when the diagnosis is uncertain, multiple conditions may be contributing, the presentation is complex, or broader diagnostic clarification would affect treatment or recommendations.

Question 5

Can anxiety or OCD assessments for teenagers be done virtually?

Accepted Answer

Some aspects of assessment can be provided virtually when clinically appropriate. Whether a particular assessment is suitable for virtual delivery depends on the referral question, methods being used, the teenager's circumstances and the clinician's professional judgment. Families should ask the provider whether the proposed virtual assessment is appropriate for the questions they are trying to answer.

Question 6

What if I don't know whether my teen has anxiety, OCD or something else?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to know before contacting a professional. In fact, uncertainty about the diagnosis is often one of the reasons to seek assessment. A clinician can consider the teenager's symptoms, developmental and mental health history, functioning and broader context to help determine what may be contributing and what next steps are appropriate.

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Anxiety Assessments

Where Can a Teenager Get an Anxiety or OCD Assessment in Ontario? A Parent’s Guide