Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Assessments
Supporting Your Mental Health After a Car Accident
What Is an MVA Psychological Assessment?
An MVA assessment is a psychological evaluation completed after a motor vehicle accident, designed to understand the emotional and cognitive impact the accident may have had on your well-being.
At McDowall, our experienced psychologists provide evidence-based evaluations that are compliant with Ontario insurance guidelines.
Diagnose & provide recommendations accident-related psychological conditions
Support applications for insurance coverage or disability benefits
When Do You Need an MVA Assessment?
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and are experiencing ongoing physical, emotional, or cognitive difficulties, an MVA psychological assessment can help determine how the accident has affected your mental health and daily functioning.
Referred by your lawyer, insurance company, or healthcare provider for a formal evaluation
What Does the MVA Assessment Process Include?
Our MVA psychological assessment typically involves:
Clinical
Interview
A licensed psychologist will explore your mental health history, the circumstances of the accident, and the emotional and cognitive impact it has had on your daily life.
Standardized Psychological Testing
We use validated tools to assess symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, cognitive disruption, and other trauma-related conditions.
Functional Impact Evaluation
We examine how your psychological symptoms are affecting your relationships, work, academic performance, or daily responsibilities.
Comprehensive
Report
You’ll receive a detailed report suitable for insurance, legal, and rehabilitation purposes, outlining your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.
Interdisciplinary Care Team
Our team of psychologists and healthcare professionals work together to provide coordinated, evidence-based care that supports your recovery after a motor vehicle accident.
Understanding the Full Picture of Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Assessments
Our Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Assessments examines multiple layers of psychological functioning
Understanding the Impact of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Our MVA assessments explore how psychological, emotional, and cognitive functioning may be affected after a car accident. This helps guide treatment and support your recovery.
Emotional & Psychological Roots
We explore emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms that may emerge after the accident, helping to understand your emotional response and needs for care.
Cognitive & Neurological Patterns
We assess attention, memory, executive functioning, and processing speed to evaluate how the accident may have affected brain function or daily thinking patterns.
Social & Behavioural Functioning
We assess how your ability to work, connect with others, and manage stress may have changed since the accident. This helps guide return-to-work and social reintegration plans.
How MVA Assessments Support Recovery
At McDowall, your assessment is customized to your unique concerns and goals.
Identify the emotional and psychological impact of the accident.
Provide recommendations to support your recovery.
Offer documentation for insurance and legal purposes
Why Choose McDowall?
Our goal is not just to assess but to help you understand yourself and take action toward better mental health.
- Clarifies complex or overlapping symptoms to understand what’s really going on
- Uses evidence-based methods and DSM-5 criteria to ensure accurate diagnosis
- Considers the whole person, including emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and life context
- Provides clear, practical recommendations to guide treatment, supports, or accommodations
- Offers careful, ethical diagnosis only when criteria are clearly met
Getting started with Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Assessments
We take comprehensive approach to evaluating your
physical and psychological concerns.
Book Assessment Consultation
Contact us to book an appointment that works for you.
Complete Assessment Intake Process
Complete consent form and intake assessment before your appointment.
Attend Your Assessment Appointment
Attend in-person or virtually to begin your private, assessment session.
Who can request an MVA assessment?
You, your lawyer, or your insurance company can request the assessment. Many people are referred by a healthcare provider or legal representative after reporting ongoing difficulties post-accident.
How long does the process take?
Most assessments are completed over 2-4 hours depending on complexity. The final report is usually ready within 1-2 weeks.
Is the cost covered by insurance?
Yes. If your claim has been approved, the cost of the assessment is usually covered by your auto insurance provider under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).
Will my personal information be shared?
Your information is handled confidentially and shared only with authorized parties, such as your insurer or legal representative, in accordance with PHIPA privacy standards.
Can I begin therapy right after the assessment?
Yes. The results often guide next steps for therapy or rehabilitation, and your psychologist can help connect you with appropriate treatment providers.
Do you offer virtual MVA assessments?
Yes. We offer secure virtual assessments for clients across Ontario when clinically appropriate.
Virtual MVA Assessments across Ontario
A MVA Assessments can be conducted virtually when clinically appropriate.
Contact our office to book an assessment consultation.