Psychoeducational Assessment Support for Students in Nova Scotia

Get the support you need to succeed

Many students in Nova Scotia experience learning, attentional, and social-emotional challenges that can impact their ability to learn. Sometimes these learning-related challenges co-exist with other mental health problems, which can affect their well-being and make it more difficult to succeed in school.

What is the Psychoeducational Assessment Pathway Initiative?

This province-wide initiative helps reduce financial barriers and makes it easier for students to access psychoeducational assessments. Through this program you will receive guidance from a HealthyMindsNS Wellness Navigator who will assist you in identifying available financial resources and connecting with a community psychologist.

The Psychoeducational Assessment Pathway Initiative helps students access assessments for:

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Learning disabilities

These assessments can help students better understand their learning needs and access supports and accommodations.

Who is this for?

You may benefit if you:

Are studying at a college or university in Nova Scotia
Experience ongoing learning challenges
Have never had a psychoeducational assessment (or need an updated one)

How it works

Step 1: Contact Accessibility Services

Reach out to Accessibility Services at your school.

Step 2: Complete a screening

An Accessibility Advisor will talk with you about your experiences and conduct a screening to see if a psychoeducational assessment would be helpful.

Step 3: Meet with a Wellness Navigator

Your Advisor will put you in touch with a Wellness Navigator to learn about funding options and find a psychologist who can complete your assessment.

Step 4: Complete your assessment with a psychologist

You can share your results with your Wellness Navigator (with your consent), who will liaise with Accessibility Services at your campus to coordinate supports.

Step 5: Receive support and follow-up

Meet with the Wellness Navigator who will support the connection back to Accessibility Services and to health/counselling (if relevant) for follow-up.

Understanding Learner Profiles

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD can affect focus, organization, and time management. You may find it hard to:

Stay focused
Plan and prioritize
Manage time

Learn more:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Every person with ASD is different, and supports are tailored to the individual’s needs.

Learn more:

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities affect how you process and understand information. You may have challenges with:

Reading, writing, or math
Memory and comprehension
Expressing ideas
At the same time, you may have strong abilities in other areas.

Learn more:

Need help or want to get started?

Email Wellness Navigators

FAQs

How do I know if this is right for me?: You may benefit if you are a student in Nova Scotia experiencing ongoing learning challenges including, but not limited to, sustained attention, social-emotional, information processing, comprehension, retention, and expression, and haven’t had (or need an updated) psychoeducational assessment.

How do I get started?: Contact your school’s Accessibility Services. They’ll set up a screening and guide you through the next steps, including connecting with an HMNS Wellness Navigator.

Do I have to continue after the first step?: No – you can meet with Accessibility Services and then decide not to proceed with an assessment.

I’m not from Nova Scotia—can I still apply?: Yes – as long as you are studying at a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College. Funding options will vary depending on your home province or country.

Do I need student insurance?: No – but insurance (student, family, or private) can help cover costs.

What financial support is available?

You may qualify for:

HMNS funding
Grants for students with disabilities
Insurance coverage
Funding for Indigenous students from Indigenous Services Canada

What supports could I receive?

Supports will be dependent on the findings of your psychoeducational assessment and will be coordinated by Accessibility Services at your school. You may be able to access:

tutors
note-taking support
assistive technology
exam accommodations

Will my professors know?: Only if accommodations are needed – and only with your consent.

How does this project differ between universities and colleges across the province?: The pathway is the same for students at all institutions; however, the amount of financial support offered by the student health insurance will depend on the school’s specific insurance plan.

Who can I contact if I have questions or need help during the process?: Please reach out to the Healthy Minds Nova Scotia Wellness Navigation Team at wellnav@dal.ca.