The Cost of an assessment is $2950
There is no tax on top of that because this is a health service. The invoice will not go over $2950 without clear communication and without you specifically asking for additional services.
Psychologists’ fees are not covered under MSP.
If your child is under 6 years of age, you will also need to ensure you have a Speech Pathologist’s assessment, which may be an additional cost if you have not seen a speech pathologist through Island Health.
Extended Health
You may have extended health coverage. You can speak with your insurance provider about what is covered. Typically they tell you your yearly coverage, but you may have to ask about daily maximums and other rules they might have. Usually, these plans are designed to cover weekly therapy sessions. You will typically have to submit your receipt to them after the assessment to be reimbursed; your receipt will be available through our billing system. Click here for a letter you can share with your insurer to determine coverage.
Variety Club
Variety Club funds autism assessments for children who are 4 years of age or younger. Click here to learn more about their grant applications. If you are applying for their grant, they will ask for proof of an appointment (which we cannot provide, but CAN provide evidence of being on the waitlist - you will receive a confirmation of that fact from Google Forms but note that it might be in your trash folder) and a confirmation of costs, which you can satisfy with this letter. Variety does not reimburse for past assessments. Please allow them 3 months minimum between the time of application to them and your appointment with us. We cannot bill Variety if it is not approved prior to your assessment. If your child is seen by us at age 5, that is not a problem, as long as you apply to Variety before their 5th birthday.
Jordan’s Principle
If your child is Indigenous, you may be able to apply to Jordan’s Principle for coverage. We are pleased to work with Jordan’s Principle to support that. Please contact Jordan’s Principle well in advance. They will send you an approval letter than you can forward on to us (we need codes that they refer to as ISC and ITM codes).
Métis Nation BC Miyoopimatishihk (Wellbeing) Program
This program is available to children from birth to 8 years of age who are enrolled in the Métis Family Connections Program. Through the Miyoopimatishihk (Wellbeing) Program, families can apply for financial support to assist with the cost of a wide range of services, including assessments.
Taxes
Psychological services can be counted as a medical expense on your income tax. Click here for more information.