Frequently Asked Questions

At Lightwell, psychological assessment is not just a service – it’s our specialty and our passion. With a national network of skilled psychologists, we combine clinical expertise with a culturally sensitive approach that prioritizes dignity, safety, and respect. Our virtual model makes trauma-informed  assessments accessible for all individuals, including those in rural or remote areas or living with health conditions that make travel difficult.

What sets us apart is our commitment to doing assessments humanely and with defensibility in mind: we don’t just deliver results, we provide insights and recommendations that support sound clinical and legal decision-making, helping legal professionals, and other referral agencies, to move forward with confidence.

A psychological assessment is a structured, clinically rigorous evaluation conducted by a psychologist to clarify a person’s mental health, functioning, and needs. Beyond informing treatment and readiness to return to work or school, our assessments are defensible, trauma-informed, and provide essential insights for legal, insurance, and organizational decision-making.

Being trauma-informed means we approach each individual with sensitivity, respect, and care for their lived experiences. We recognize that trauma can shape how people think, feel, and respond, and we prioritize psychological safety throughout the assessment process. This involves actively reducing harm, being transparent about what to expect, and fostering trust. Just as importantly, we promote agency by encouraging choice and collaboration wherever possible. Our role is to create a safe, supportive environment, and ensure that each assessment is empowering and humane.

Yes. Research shows that when completed by qualified professionals, virtual assessments are just as valid and accurate as in-person evaluations. In fact, they offer added benefits – participating from home can enhance feelings of safety and control, making it easier for individuals to engage openly, and provide richer detail. They also offer greater convenience, reduced travel, and increased accessibility, which is particularly helpful for examinees residing in rural or remote communities.

know in advance if it would be helpful to have them ready. Please have photo identification handy, as well. You may also be asked to review a consent form, and to complete online mental health questionnaires, prior to your virtual meeting.

It can also be helpful to prepare emotionally for your assessment. Talking about personal experiences can sometimes bring up difficult feelings, so we encourage you to think ahead about how you will take care of yourself afterward. This might include scheduling some downtime, reaching out to a trusted support person, or planning an activity that helps you feel grounded. Having a plan for support can make the process feel safer and more manageable.

The length of an assessment depends on the type and purpose. Some can be completed in a few hours, while more comprehensive evaluations may take place over several sessions. We’ll let you know what to expect before we begin. We realize how tiring these assessments can be. Please be assured that you can take a break, or even stop the assessment, at any time.

You’ll need a stable internet connection, a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, and a quiet, private space where you can focus without interruption. We’ll provide clear instructions in advance and do a quick tech check at the start to make sure everything runs smoothly. If you ever run into difficulties, our team is here to help troubleshoot.

Lightwell has thoughtfully selected technology, including encryption, to ensure that you and your data are kept safe and confidential. Our video platform is HIPAA/PHIPA/PIPEDA-compliant.

Regulated healthcare professionals in Canada are required to maintain strict confidentiality. As such, Lightwell’s services are completely confidential, and information about you will not be released to any third party, without your explicit consent.

However, there are certain exceptions to confidentiality in which your personal information may be shared. These situations include: If you report harm to be done to yourself or someone else, if you report abuse of a child, if you disclose abuse by another regulated health practitioner (i.e., physician, surgeon, chiropractor, massage therapist, dentist, etc.), if your file is ordered by a court, if the College of Psychologists or another regulatory body requests access to your file for the purposes of assuring quality of care, or if you report unlawful conduct that resulted in harm or risk of harm to a resident of a long term care facility or ret

At Lightwell, we pride ourselves on having effective therapists, who are passionate about helping their clients achieve their goals. All our therapists have completed either a Masters or Doctoral degree from an accredited university. They’re registered as Psychologists, Psychological Associates, or Social Workers in their respective Canadian provinces. In order to be registered, they were required to complete the necessary education, examinations, training, and practice. While their backgrounds vary, they all possess several years hands-on experience in addressing the specific concerns you’ve identified to us.

This is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, or require immediate support, please contact 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency room.