What is the difference between a Psychologist and other mental health professionals?

Psychologists (R. Psych.) are doctoral-level professionals (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) regulated by the College of Psychologists of BC (CPBC). They are licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, conduct psychological assessments, and provide specialized therapy. They are the only professional licensed to administer Level C Psychological Testing, which include: Personality Assessments, Neuropsychological Assessments, and Forensic Assessments. Level C psychological testing refers to assessments that require advanced training in psychology, including a doctoral degree in psychology and specialized coursework and extensive supervision in psychological assessments.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) specializing in mental health. They can diagnose mental disorders, prescribe medication, and oversee medical treatments. While some provide therapy, their primary role is medical management and pharmacological treatment.

Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) hold a master’s degree in counselling and are regulated by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). They provide therapy for emotional and relational concerns, but do not conduct Level C Psychological assessments or provide formal diagnoses.

Counsellors and therapists offer general support and talk therapy, but they are not regulated, meaning qualifications vary, and they cannot diagnose or treat mental disorders. The term therapist is broad and may refer to both licensed and unlicensed practitioners.

Understanding these distinctions ensures you choose the right professional to support your needs.

I don’t have a mental health disorder. Why would I need a psychological assessment?

Psychological assessments are not just for diagnosing mental health conditions—they provide valuable self-knowledge that helps individuals make informed decisions about personal growth, relationships, and professional development. The Vault Method is ideal for individuals who want to better understand themselves, break unhelpful patterns, and develop a roadmap for personal success.

This seems expensive. Why would I pay for an assessment instead of just going to therapy?

Traditional therapy is a valuable tool, but it often requires multiple sessions before identifying deep-rooted patterns and core beliefs. The Vault Method accelerates this process by delivering scientifically validated insights in a structured, one-time assessment. Many clients find that starting therapy with a comprehensive psychological report leads to faster, more focused, and cost-effective therapy sessions.

I’ve taken personality quizzes online. How is this different?

Online quizzes are informal self-assessments and lack the scientific rigor, validity, and clinical interpretation of professional psychological assessments. The Vault Method uses research-backed tools aligned with the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5) administered by a licensed psychologist, providing a highly accurate, professional evaluation rather than a generalized online test. Psychologists (R. Psych.), like Dr. Sandhu, are trained in their doctoral PhD programs and licensed to conduct in-depth psychological evaluations, offering clarity on core beliefs, cognitive patterns, and emotional tendencies.

Is this like executive coaching or life coaching?

No. Coaching is goal-oriented guidance, while The Vault Method provides a clinical, research-backed evaluation of your personality, cognitive patterns, and emotional processing. However, this assessment can be a valuable tool for coaches, helping them tailor their work based on a client’s psychological profile.

Can I Use My Vault Method Report to Guide My Therapy or Coaching?

Yes. The Vault Method is designed to empower clients to take control of their psychological treatment by providing them with a high-quality, research-backed assessment that can be shared with trusted therapists, professional coaches, executive coaches, or healthcare providers. This process ensures that your therapy or coaching is targeted, strategic, and aligned with your specific needs, rather than relying solely on exploratory discussions over multiple sessions. Whether you’re working with a trusted therapist to navigate personal challenges or an executive coach to enhance professional performance, your Vault Method report provides a precise psychological framework to support your self development.

If I take this assessment, does that mean something is wrong with me?

Absolutely not. A psychological personality assessment is not about identifying problems—it is about gaining a deeper understanding of your current patterns, strengths, and areas for growth at this specific point in time. Your personality, thought processes, and emotional responses evolve over time, influenced by significant life events, new experiences, and personal development. The Vault Method captures a snapshot of your psychological landscape as it stands today, providing insights that can guide you in making confident, informed decisions about your personal and professional journey. Much like a medical check-up, psychological assessments can be revisited at different ages and phases of life, unlocking new insights as your circumstances, goals, and self-perception evolve. What you discover today may serve as a foundation for growth, while future assessments may reveal how you’ve changed and where new opportunities for transformation exist.

Can I take multiple assessments over time?

Yes. Dr. Sandhu offers follow-up Psychological Personality Assessments at a rate of $2,100 CAD. To ensure meaningful changes are captured, these follow-up assessments are available no sooner than two years after your previous assessment.

Psychological assessments are typically used for clinical diagnosis, not for self-improvement. Isn’t this outside the traditional use case?

While psychological assessments are often used in clinical settings to diagnose disorders, they also provide valuable insights into personality structure, cognitive patterns, and emotional tendencies—which can be instrumental for personal growth. The Vault Method applies scientifically validated assessments to help individuals gain a structured understanding of their mental frameworks, allowing them to make informed decisions about therapy, coaching, and personal development.

Is a psychological assessment without follow-up therapy enough to create lasting change?

The Vault Method is not meant to replace therapy but to enhance it. A psychological assessment provides deep insights into your cognitive patterns, emotional tendencies, and core beliefs, but meaningful change comes from how you apply that knowledge moving forward. By starting therapy or coaching with a structured, research-backed roadmap, you and your chosen practitioner can focus on targeted strategies rather than spending multiple sessions uncovering foundational patterns—making your time in therapy more effective and results-driven.