What a functional capacity assessment looks at
The focus is on day-to-day life rather than a diagnosis. A psychological functional capacity assessment usually covers:
- Daily living: personal care, meals, household tasks, money and managing appointments
- Communication: understanding others, expressing needs and using the phone or technology
- Social participation: relationships, community activities and coping in groups
- Self-direction and safety: planning, making decisions, managing emotions and keeping safe
- Learning and work: study, employment and following routines
The ABAS-3 (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, third edition) is one standardised measure we use. It compares everyday skills with others of the same age across conceptual, social and practical areas.
When a report like this is used
People ask for a functional capacity assessment when they need a clear, independent description of their support needs, for example to support an NDIS application or plan review, to plan support at home, school or work, or to understand how a condition affects daily life. Tell us at the start what the report is for, so the assessment answers the right questions.
Psychology and occupational therapy assessments: the difference
Psychologists focus on thinking, emotions, behaviour and adaptive skills: how a condition such as an intellectual disability, autism, a mental health condition or a brain injury affects daily functioning. Occupational therapists look more at physical tasks, the home environment and equipment. Sometimes both are useful. Read about occupational therapy at Psych Connect.
Who gives information
A good picture of everyday life usually needs more than one view. As well as time with the person being assessed, your psychologist may ask family members, carers, support workers or teachers to complete rating forms, with consent. Existing reports, such as earlier diagnoses or therapy reports, are also helpful.
What happens, step by step
- Get in touch. Call us or send the form on this page. Tell us what the report is for, and we explain the process and the fee.
- Initial consultation. Your psychologist meets the person being assessed and, where helpful, family or carers, often by video.
- Assessment. Standardised measures, for example the ABAS-3, are completed by the person and those who know them well, with interviews and observation.
- Report. Your psychologist writes a report describing current functioning and support needs, with recommendations. They give you a timeline at intake.
- Feedback. You go through the report together before it is shared with anyone else.
Your psychologist confirms the estimated cost with you before testing begins.
Fee guide and MediPay payment plans
Assessments are charged at $230 per hour (as of July 2026). The guide fee below is an estimate; the actual cost depends on what is needed, and your psychologist confirms it with you before starting.
| Assessment | Usually includes | Guide fee |
|---|---|---|
| Functional capacity assessment | Initial consultation, assessment (for example ABAS-3), report, feedback | $1,600 |
Medicare doesn't cover assessments at Psych Connect. The NDIS doesn't pay for assessments to diagnose conditions such as ADHD or autism. If you're already an NDIS participant, your plan may cover a functional capacity assessment; check with your plan manager.
Flexible payment plans are available through MediPay (eligibility applies).
Payment plans are provided by MediPay Holdings Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence 474336), not Psych Connect. Applications are subject to MediPay's credit assessment criteria. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply.
All our fees are on the fees page.
Who does the assessment
Functional capacity assessments are done by one of our two assessing psychologists.
Dr Sirous Momenzadeh (Clinical Psychologist)
Director and Principal Clinical Psychologist
PhD, MPsych (Clin)
More than 19 years of practice across public and private settings. His clinical focus includes trauma and PTSD, and the assessment of ADHD and autism in adolescents and adults.
Psychologist with an endorsement in clinical psychology (Psychology Board of Australia). AHPRA registration number PSY0000965905.
Farah Sobhanian (Psychologist)
Registered Psychologist
BA Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology
More than 18 years in mental health with individuals, couples and families. She completes ADHD assessments and works with anxiety, trauma, grief and loss.
Psychologist with general registration (Psychology Board of Australia). AHPRA registration number PSY0001260612.
Read their full profiles on our team page.
Where: Springfield Central, The Gap or telehealth
- Springfield Central: inside Springfield Doctors, in the Ipswich region.
- The Gap: inside The Gap Village Doctors, in Brisbane's north-west.
- Telehealth: the initial consultation, interviews and feedback can often be done by secure video; some parts may be done in person.
Not every practitioner works at every clinic on every day, so when you call we'll let you know who is available where. Both clinics are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; for Saturdays, please call to check.
Prefer to talk it through first? Call 0410 029 886, or see all our assessments.