top of page

Psychologist-Led Functional Capacity Assessment | NDIS Reports

NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment Melbourne

A Functional Capacity Assessment helps describe how a person manages everyday life at home, in the community, at work, at school or in relationships.

Meyer Institute provides psychologist-led functional capacity assessments and reports for people whose mental health, cognitive, developmental, emotional or psychosocial difficulties affect independence, participation and support needs.

What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?

​

A Functional Capacity Assessment is a structured assessment of how disability affects everyday functioning. It looks beyond diagnosis alone and describes what the person can do independently, where support is needed, what barriers are present and what supports may assist participation and independence.

NDIS functional domains commonly include communication, learning, mobility, self-care, self-management and social interaction.

When an FCA may be useful

  • Applying to the NDIS and needing evidence of functional impact

  • Preparing for a plan review or reassessment

  • Clarifying support needs after a change in functioning

  • Supporting requests for therapy, support coordination, psychosocial supports or daily living supports

  • Describing psychosocial disability, autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, cognitive difficulties or complex mental health impacts

  • Helping support coordinators and families understand the participant profile and recommendations

What Meyer Institute assesses

  • Self-care and daily living routines

  • Communication and social interaction

  • Learning, memory, attention and executive functioning

  • Emotional regulation, distress tolerance and self-management

  • Community access and participation

  • Study, work or structured activity

  • Decision-making, safety and planning

  • Impact of informal, formal and environmental supports

What the report may include

  • Background and referral purpose

  • Clinical interview findings

  • Review of NDIS plan, medical and allied health documents where available

  • Functional profile across key domains

  • Strengths, support needs and barriers

  • Standardised measures where clinically appropriate

  • Psychological formulation or diagnostic considerations where relevant

  • Recommendations linked to functional needs, NDIS goals and support planning

  • Plain-English explanation suitable for participants, families, support coordinators and decision-makers

Process

1. Referral and document review

Submit the referral form and upload the NDIS plan, prior reports, school/work documents, GP/psychiatrist letters and allied health reports if available.

​

2. Intake and assessment planning

We clarify the purpose of the report, participant age, disability profile, plan review timing, support needs and whether collateral input is required.

​

3. Clinical and functional assessment

Assessment may include clinical interview, structured questions, functional measures, cognitive/adaptive measures and input from family or supports with consent.

​

4. Report writing

The psychologist writes a report that explains everyday functional impact, support needs and recommendations in NDIS-aligned language.

​

5. Feedback and next steps

A feedback session may be offered to explain findings and help the participant or referrer understand the report.

FAQs

Can psychologists complete Functional Capacity Assessments?

Yes. Functional capacity assessments can be completed by suitably qualified treating health professionals, including psychologists, where the assessment is within their scope and relevant to the person needs.

​

Is an FCA required for every NDIS application?

No. Not every person needs the same assessment. An FCA can be helpful where evidence is needed about how permanent impairment affects everyday functioning.

​

Can the assessment be completed by telehealth?

Some components may be completed by telehealth where clinically appropriate. The psychologist will advise whether telehealth, in-person assessment or a mixed approach is suitable.​

​

Will this guarantee NDIS access or funding?

No. The report can provide clinical and functional evidence, but access and funding decisions are made by the NDIA and relevant decision-makers.

bottom of page