ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Today, Lara sits down with Sarah Melville, a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Director at Onyx Assessments in Sherwood Park, Alberta, to unpack a topic that many families hear about—but don’t always fully understand: psychoeducational (“psych-ed”) assessments. Sarah holds a Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary and specializes in comprehensive assessments for children, youth, and adults, supporting individuals with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.
In today’s episode, Sarah walks us through what a psych-ed assessment actually is, what the process looks like from start to finish, and what it can feel like for kids to go through it. We talk about how psychologists make sense of many different pieces of information—without reducing a child to a label—and how a strong assessment is meant to lead to real support: clearer next steps, better accommodations, and a plan that helps a child feel understood, capable, and confident.
Sarah also helps parents navigate the emotional side of it all: the fear of labels, the worry it’s “too late,” and the uncertainty of whether an assessment is the right move. If you’ve been considering an assessment for your child (or even yourself), felt nervous about what it involves, or wondered what happens after the report arrives, this conversation will bring clarity, reassurance, and practical direction.
In today’s episode, we cover:
What a psychoeducational assessment is (and what it isn’t)
What the assessment process typically looks like, step by step
How to understand results without letting a diagnosis become a “definition”
What it’s like for kids during testing—and how to support them through it
What happens after the report: recommendations, school supports, and follow-through
Whether it’s ever “too late” to pursue answers and support
Meet our guest:
Sarah Melville is a Registered Psychologist, Clinical Director at Onyx Assessments, and a specialist in psychological testing and assessments for children, youth, and adults. She brings a collaborative, strength-based lens to helping families understand learning, attention, development, and mental health—so the outcome is not just information, but a path forward.
Find more of Sarah’s work:
Sarah Melville (Onyx Assessments profile): https://www.onyxassessments.ca/team/sarah-melville
Onyx Assessments (Sherwood Park): https://www.onyxassessments.ca/
Onyx Assessments — Children’s Assessments: https://www.onyxassessments.ca/children-assessments
Book / Initial Consult info (Onyx Assessments): https://onyxassessments.janeapp.com/locations/onyx-assessments/book
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