We Are About

Inspiring potential - for all

We provide psychological assessment and counselling services to children, adolescents, and adults throughout the province of Alberta.

About Us

Tailored assessments that help set people up for success

Established in 2000 by Dr. Wade Randall and Dr. Brent Symes, Randall Symes Psychological Services provide psychological assessments to children, adolescents and adults along with caring and compassionate counselling for children and adolescents.

Our assessment team is comprised of psychologists specifically qualified to administer individual psychological tests and conduct thorough evaluations in an ethical, efficient, and insightful manner. We provide clear and concise diagnoses where appropriate and develop detailed and relevant recommendations as well as intervention strategies tailored specifically to each client.
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We have considerable experience in the field of assessment and diagnosis and utilize a variety of assessment instruments and techniques to address behavioural, psychological, mental health, psychoeducational, employability, vocational, and personality concerns.

When needed, we make referrals to other professionals including speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and pediatricians/physicians. We are also able to refer directly to child psychiatrists.

Skilled Psychologists

Assessments Tailored To You

Specific Recommendations

Tailored Action Plans

What We Believe

Our core values

Our assessment and counseling services working with children, adolescents, and adults are governed by the highest standards of our profession.

We strive to provide up-to-date evidence-based treatment that will lead to better outcomes for our clients and their families.

Our clients’ needs are met through a team of diverse professionals collaborating on comprehensive assessments and treatments.

FAQ

Together we can make real progress

Here for
you

What is Randall Symes Psychological Services?

Randall Symes Psychological Services was established in 2000 by Dr. Wade Randall and Dr. Brent Symes and includes 9 psychologists in addition to office staff. The primary focus of our services involves testing, assessments and psychoeducational evaluations for school-aged children and adolescents.

 

We also offer caring and compassionate counseling services for children and adolescents to help improve their happiness, health and wellbeing, both at home and at school.

 

The majority of our work is conducted directly for various school divisions; however, we also complete a high volume of private assessments at our office in Edmonton.

What kinds of assessments does Randall Symes Psychological Services provide?

We specialize in psychoeducational assessments with school-aged children, adolescents and adults. We provide services to numerous school divisions, first nations, FASD clinics, as well as private assessments in our office. We also offer caring and compassionate counseling and therapy for children and adolescents.

What is a psychoeducational assessment?

A psychoeducational assessment examines how children and adolescents learn. It primarily involves intellectual (IQ) and academic testing. In addition, a variety of emotional and behavioral rating scales are often utilized to gather information regarding the child’s behavior and mental health. The goal of a psychoeducational assessment is to identify a child’s pattern of learning strengths and weaknesses and provide recommendations for educational programming. This type of assessment also helps to identify emotional and behavioral difficulties that may be interfering with the child’s progress at school.

What is the assessment process for office based evaluations?

Upon arrival at our office, the psychologist will spend time with the parent(s) or caregiver to discuss the nature of the evaluation, to garner further information, and to obtain informed consent. At that point in time, the child participates with the psychologist one on one to complete the evaluation. Testing time generally takes between two and three hours. Once the testing is completed, a debriefing is conducted with the parent(s) or caregiver to discuss the results of the evaluation as well as gather more detailed information about the ongoing challenges. Recommendations and suggestions are covered during the debriefing. Shortly thereafter, the psychologist prepares a written report that is sent to the parent(s) or caregiver. The report contains all of the test results, diagnoses where applicable, as well as specific recommendations to address the child’s learning and/or emotional and behavioral difficulties. The psychologist is always available for follow-up questions upon the completion of the evaluation and written report.

Does my insurance provider cover the cost of the assessment?

It really depends on the form of insurance coverage. It is best to contact your insurance provider and ask specifically if there is coverage for psychoeducational testing and assessment services. These services differ from counseling and therapeutic intervention.

How long does the assessment take?

For a typical psychoeducational assessment at our office, you should plan to be available for approximately three to four hours. A significant component of the assessment process is the written report which is prepared after the assessment is completed and can take several additional hours.

What documents should I bring with me to the assessment?

It is very helpful if copies of previous psychoeducational assessments are provided to the psychologist. Furthermore, if your child has had any neurodevelopmental assessments, speech and language, or occupational therapy assessments, those documents are very helpful. Any formal documentation pertaining to your child’s learning, behavior, physical, and mental health is very important to send to our office prior to the assessment date or bring to the assessment.

How should I explain testing to my child?

It is best to avoid using terms such as “testing” and “assessment”. It often works well to tell your child that he or she will be completing some learning activities to identify their strengths as well as any challenges. The activities involved in the assessment typically include looking at pictures, answering questions, and using manipulatives.

Do both parents need to attend the assessment with the child?

No, it is not necessary for both parents to attend. However, it is ideal if both parents are available for the debriefing on the day of the evaluation. A telephone consultation can also take place for parents that are unable to attend the formal assessment on the date of the evaluation.

Do I need a referral?

No, you do not need a referral. The best way to make an appointment is to phone our office at (780) 434-6466. E-mail inquiries are also encouraged.

Will I receive a report after the testing is completed?

Yes, a formal written report will be sent to you shortly after the completion of the evaluation. The report will contain the test results, formal conclusions including applicable diagnoses, as well as recommendations to address any learning, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges. It is often beneficial to share a copy of this report with any other professionals involved in your child’s care including school staff and pediatricians/physicians.

What kind of payment do you accept?

We accept personal cheques, money orders, certified cheques, Debit, Visa and Mastercard. We also accept cash payment.

When is the payment due?

Payment for the assessment is due on the date of the formal evaluation.

What can one expect from an assessment?

The information provided from the completion of a psychoeducational assessment can be very important in addressing the difficulties that your child is experiencing with learning, emotions, and/or behaviour. It can provide a sense of relief for parents and the child regarding ongoing struggles and possible frustrations. Furthermore, the results of the assessment will certainly provide direction for parents, in consultation with school staff, regarding the child’s educational programing for the near and distant future. Schools have a variety of resources that can be more easily accessed when there are current psychoeducational test results. Often, based on the results of the evaluation, specific referrals to other services and/or agencies are initiated to support the child and family.

Should my child take their medication on the morning of the assessment?

Yes, on the day of the assessment, your child should take any prescribed medication as directed by their attending physician.

What is a typical age range for a psychoeducational assessment?

At our office, we routinely complete tailored psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents and adults that help set them up for success.

Does Randall Symes Psychological Services complete assessments with adults?

Yes, Randall Symes psychologists routinely complete assessments with young adults to facilitate their transition to adulthood. This includes assessments for community supports such as the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) programs, as well as to provide information regarding possible guardianship and trusteeship decisions. Randall Symes Psychological Services also works with young adults who are enrolled in post-secondary learning institutions in an effort to document learning strengths and weaknesses and provide support for accommodations.

FAQ

Together we can make real progress

What is Randall Symes Psychological Services?

Randall Symes Psychological Services was established in 2000 by Dr. Wade Randall and Dr. Brent Symes and includes 9 psychologists in addition to office staff. The primary focus of our services involves testing, assessments and psychoeducational evaluations for school-aged children and adolescents.

 

We also offer caring and compassionate counseling services for children and adolescents to help improve their happiness, health and wellbeing, both at home and at school.

The majority of our work is conducted directly for various school divisions; however, we also complete a high volume of private assessments at our office in Edmonton.

What kinds of assessments does Randall Symes Psychological Services provide?

We specialize in psychoeducational assessments with school-aged children, adolescents and adults. We provide services to numerous school divisions, first nations, FASD clinics, as well as private assessments in our office. We also offer caring and compassionate counseling and therapy for children and teens.

What is a psychoeducational assessment?

A psychoeducational assessment examines how children and adolescents learn. It primarily involves intellectual (IQ) and academic testing. In addition, a variety of emotional and behavioral rating scales are often utilized to gather information regarding the child’s behavior and mental health. The goal of a psychoeducational assessment is to identify a child’s pattern of learning strengths and weaknesses and provide recommendations for educational programming. This type of assessment also helps to identify emotional and behavioral difficulties that may be interfering with the child’s progress at school.

What is the assessment process for office based evaluations?

Upon arrival at our office, the psychologist will spend time with the parent(s) or caregiver to discuss the nature of the evaluation, to garner further information, and to obtain informed consent. At that point in time, the child participates with the psychologist one on one to complete the evaluation. Testing time generally takes between two and three hours. Once the testing is completed, a debriefing is conducted with the parent(s) or caregiver to discuss the results of the evaluation as well as gather more detailed information about the ongoing challenges. Recommendations and suggestions are covered during the debriefing. Shortly thereafter, the psychologist prepares a written report that is sent to the parent(s) or caregiver. The report contains all of the test results, diagnoses where applicable, as well as specific recommendations to address the child’s learning and/or emotional and behavioral difficulties. The psychologist is always available for follow-up questions upon the completion of the evaluation and written report.

Does my insurance provider cover the cost of the assessment?

It really depends on the form of insurance coverage. It is best to contact your insurance provider and ask specifically if there is coverage for psychoeducational testing and assessment services. These services differ from counseling and therapeutic intervention.

How long does the assessment take?

For a typical psychoeducational assessment at our office, you should plan to be available for approximately three to four hours. A significant component of the assessment process is the written report which is prepared after the assessment is completed and can take several additional hours.

What documents should I bring with me to the assessment?

It is very helpful if copies of previous psychoeducational assessments are provided to the psychologist. Furthermore, if your child has had any neurodevelopmental assessments, speech and language, or occupational therapy assessments, those documents are very helpful. Any formal documentation pertaining to your child’s learning, behavior, physical, and mental health is very important to send to our office prior to the assessment date or bring to the assessment.

How should I explain testing to my child?

It is best to avoid using terms such as “testing” and “assessment”. It often works well to tell your child that he or she will be completing some learning activities to identify their strengths as well as any challenges. The activities involved in the assessment typically include looking at pictures, answering questions, and using manipulatives.

Do both parents need to attend the assessment with the child?

No, it is not necessary for both parents to attend. However, it is ideal if both parents are available for the debriefing on the day of the evaluation. A telephone consultation can also take place for parents that are unable to attend the formal assessment on the date of the evaluation.

Do I need a referral?

No, you do not need a referral. The best way to make an appointment is to phone our office at (780) 434-6466. E-mail inquiries are also encouraged.

Will I receive a report after the testing is completed?

Yes, a formal written report will be sent to you shortly after the completion of the evaluation. The report will contain the test results, formal conclusions including applicable diagnoses, as well as recommendations to address any learning, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges. It is often beneficial to share a copy of this report with any other professionals involved in your child’s care including school staff and pediatricians/physicians.

What kind of payment do you accept?

We accept personal cheques, money orders, certified cheques, Debit, Visa and Mastercard. We also accept cash payment.

When is the payment due?

Payment for the assessment is due on the date of the formal evaluation.

What can one expect from an assessment?

The information provided from the completion of a psychoeducational assessment can be very important in addressing the difficulties that your child is experiencing with learning, emotions, and/or behaviour. It can provide a sense of relief for parents and the child regarding ongoing struggles and possible frustrations. Furthermore, the results of the assessment will certainly provide direction for parents, in consultation with school staff, regarding the child’s educational programing for the near and distant future. Schools have a variety of resources that can be more easily accessed when there are current psychoeducational test results. Often, based on the results of the evaluation, specific referrals to other services and/or agencies are initiated to support the child and family.

Should my child take their medication on the morning of the assessment?

Yes, on the day of the assessment, your child should take any prescribed medication as directed by their attending physician.

What is a typical age range for a psycho-educational assessment?

At our office, we routinely complete tailored psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents and adults that help set them up for success.

Does Randall Symes Psychological Services complete assessments with adults?

Yes, Randall Symes psychologists routinely complete assessments with young adults to facilitate their transition to adulthood. This includes assessments for community supports such as the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) programs, as well as to provide information regarding possible guardianship and trusteeship decisions. Randall Symes Psychological Services also works with young adults who are enrolled in post-secondary learning institutions in an effort to document learning strengths and weaknesses and provide support for accommodations.

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Let’s work together to find a solution that works for you

OUR SERVICES

Develop a plan for you or your child's development

Assessments for children and adolescents identify a child’s pattern of learning strengths and weaknesses and provide recommendations for educational programming.

Our learning assessments help post-secondary students identify why they may have difficulty learning, remembering, and/or retaining information.

These comprehensive assessments help determine the reasons why an adult may be struggling with learning, retaining information, focusing, and social interactions.
Counselling is often helpful when the challenges faced in our daily lives become too difficult to manage alone. We provide therapeutic intervention to children and adolescents.

Schedule an Assessment

Contact us to make an appointment

Uncover the reasons behind your child’s struggles and develop a treatment plan. We work with all ages: children, adolescents, and adults in Alberta. Contact us today to get started.

Parents and caregivers do not need a referral from a physician to make an appointment. Please contact us now to get started.

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