What you can expect from this assessment
What it is
A structured psychological assessment that evaluates the functional impact of a psychosocial disability, how a mental health condition affects your daily life, participation, and capacity across key domains.
Who it's for
People with a mental health condition seeking NDIS access or a review of their existing plan. Participants whose support needs have changed. Anyone needing a formal functional capacity report to support their NDIS planning.
How it works
A multi-session process involving a clinical interview, standardised functional assessment tools, and a review of relevant history, exploring how your condition affects daily tasks, relationships, work, and self-care.
What you receive
A written psychological report documenting your functional capacity across NDIS domains, suitable for submission to the NDIA, your plan manager, or Support Coordinator to support funding decisions.
What is an NDIS Psychosocial Assessment?
An NDIS Psychosocial Assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by a registered psychologist or allied health professional to determine how a psychosocial disability, that is, a disability arising from a mental health condition, affects a person’s ability to function across everyday life domains. It is not primarily a diagnostic assessment; its purpose is to document functional impact and articulate the supports a person needs to participate in daily life with greater independence and safety.
Under the NDIS, a person may be eligible for psychosocial disability supports if they have a mental health condition that is permanent, or likely to be permanent, and which substantially reduces their ability to undertake activities of daily living, such as managing self-care, maintaining social connections, sustaining employment, navigating community environments, and making decisions about their own life. The assessment maps these functional domains against current capacity, and the gap between the two informs the support recommendations.
Understanding Your NDIS Psychosocial Assessment
At Integro Health, an NDIS Psychosocial Assessment is conducted as a thorough clinical process, not a form-filling exercise. We take the time to understand how your mental health condition, whether that is anxiety, depression, Complex PTSD, or another condition, shapes the texture of your daily experience. The goal is a report that is honest, specific, and genuinely useful to you and the people supporting you through the NDIS process.
Our assessments are available at our Eaton Clinic and via telehealth for clients across South West WA, including Bunbury, Busselton, Mandurah, and surrounding regions.
Signs you may need this assessment
Many people come to us unsure whether they'll qualify, or uncertain whether their experience is significant enough to warrant support, that uncertainty is normal, and exploring it is exactly what this assessment is for. An NDIS Psychosocial Assessment may be relevant if any of the following apply.
A significant mental health condition
You live with a mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, Complex PTSD, PTSD, or OCD, that significantly affects your day-to-day life.
Difficulty with daily living
You struggle to manage basic self-care, maintain routines, or get through daily tasks without support from others.
Impact on work, study or relationships
Your condition has affected your ability to hold down work, study, or maintain relationships over a sustained period.
Applying for or reviewing NDIS support
You’re applying to the NDIS for the first time and need a functional capacity report, or your existing plan is up for review and your support needs have changed.
Recommended by your support team
Your Support Coordinator, plan manager, GP, psychiatrist, or allied health professional has suggested a psychosocial assessment would help clarify your support needs.
Treatment not fully addressing daily impact
You’re receiving mental health treatment but daily functioning remains significantly impaired, or you need documentation to access community support services, housing, or other funded programmes.
Who refers you
An NDIS Psychosocial Assessment at Integro Health can be accessed through several pathways. The table below outlines the most common referral routes and when each applies.
| Referral Source | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Self-referral | Individuals applying to the NDIS or preparing for a plan review | No referral required to book; you can contact us directly to discuss your situation and whether an assessment is appropriate |
| NDIS Support Coordinator | Participants with an existing plan seeking updated functional capacity evidence | Support Coordinators commonly recommend a psychosocial assessment when supports are being reviewed or when a participant’s needs have changed significantly |
| NDIS Plan Manager | Participants using plan-managed funding | The assessment may be funded under Improved Daily Living (IDL) supports; the plan manager can confirm whether funding is available in the current plan |
| GP or Psychiatrist | Patients with a mental health condition affecting daily functioning | A GP or treating psychiatrist may recommend an NDIS psychosocial assessment as part of a broader support strategy; they may also provide a letter of support for the NDIS access request |
| Local Area Coordinator (LAC) | Individuals in the early stages of NDIS access | LACs may identify the need for functional capacity evidence and recommend a psychosocial assessment to strengthen an access request |
If you’re unsure which pathway applies to you, our team can help you work through the options when you get in touch.
The assessment process, what to expect
Every NDIS Psychosocial Assessment follows a clear, considered path. Here is what you can expect at each stage, from your very first contact through to receiving your written report.
Intake and history gathering
Before the first clinical session, you’ll complete an intake form covering your background, current mental health concerns, and the history of your condition. If a Support Coordinator or GP has provided documentation, we’ll review that too.
Clinical interview
A structured clinical interview explores how your condition has affected daily living, self-care, social participation, finances, community access, and employment or study, a conversation, not a questionnaire.
Functional capacity measures and standardised tools
Validated psychometric instruments assess your functional capacity across NDIS-relevant domains, such as the WHODAS 2.0 and the Life Skills Profile, selected based on your condition and the purpose of the report.
Scoring and clinical formulation
The psychologist integrates all findings, identifying areas of significant functional impairment and formulating recommendations for supports that would meaningfully improve your independence and participation.
Feedback session
A dedicated session where the psychologist walks you through the findings, so you can ask questions and ensure the report accurately reflects your experience before it’s finalised.
Written report
A formal written report documenting methodology, findings, functional capacity ratings, and specific support recommendations, provided to you and, where consented, to the NDIA, plan manager, or Support Coordinator.
Meet the Team
At Integro Health, you don't just book a clinic, you choose a practitioner who is the right fit for where you are right now. Our team of experienced psychotherapists brings clinical depth, genuine warmth, and a broad range of specialisations together under one roof. Take a moment to read about each of our practitioners and find the person who feels right for you.
Dr Paul King
General Practitioner
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery
FRACGP Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Jools Fordyce
Social Worker & Family Therapist
Bachelor (Hons) – Applied Social Science with Diploma in Social Work
Postgraduate Diploma in Family and Relationship Therapy
Brooke Eden
Psychologist
Bachelor of Psychology
Graduate Diploma of Education
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
Nicholas Kerr
Psychologist
Masters of Psychology (Organisational)
Bachelor of Arts
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc.
Carli King
Office Administrator
As Practice Manager, Carli keeps the daily operations of Integro Health running smoothly, ensuring our clients always receive the highest standard of care.
Tools and methods used
A robust NDIS Psychosocial Assessment draws on validated clinical instruments alongside professional judgement. The tools selected at Integro Health are matched to the individual's condition, the complexity of their presentation, and the specific purpose of the report.
WHODAS 2.0
The World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule measures functional capacity across six life domains: cognition, mobility, self-care, relationships, life activities, and community participation. Widely used in NDIS functional capacity reporting.
Life Skills Profile (LSP-16)
A clinician-rated measure assessing independent living skills in people with a psychosocial disability, including self-care, non-turbulence, social contact, communication, and responsibility.
Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)
A brief, validated measure of psychological distress that provides a snapshot of symptom severity and is commonly referenced in NDIS documentation to contextualise functional capacity findings.
Structured clinical interview
A systematic clinical conversation exploring the nature, history, and functional impact of the mental health condition across all relevant life domains, the cornerstone of any valid psychosocial assessment.
Medical and treatment history review
A review of relevant treating clinician notes, prior assessment reports, and mental health treatment history to contextualise current functioning and establish the chronicity of the condition.
Collateral information
Where appropriate and with consent, information from a carer, family member, Support Coordinator, or treating professional provides an external perspective on the person’s day-to-day functioning.
A Clinician Who Walks Alongside You
When you come to Integro Health for an NDIS Psychosocial Assessment, you are in the hands of a clinician who genuinely cares about your whole experience, not just the paperwork at the end of it.
Our assessor brings a warm, grounded approach to every assessment session. You can expect a safe, non-judgemental space where you are heard, where things are explained clearly, and where you never feel reduced to a functional rating or a funding category.
Our whole-person philosophy shapes the way assessments are conducted here. We recognise that your mental, emotional, social, and physical experience all intersect, and that understanding informs every step of the process, from your first conversation through to the final report.
You are welcome to bring questions, a carer or support person, or simply a sense of uncertainty about what lies ahead. We will meet you where you are.
Cost and funding
NDIS Psychosocial Assessments at Integro Health can be accessed through several funding pathways. We don't publish specific fees, as costs can vary depending on the complexity of your assessment, we're always upfront about pricing before you begin. We encourage you to contact us or speak with your Support Coordinator to determine which option best fits your situation.
NDIS plan funding (Improved Daily Living)
If you are an NDIS participant, a Psychosocial Assessment is typically funded under the Improved Daily Living (IDL) budget within your plan, the most common pathway for existing participants. Your Support Coordinator or plan manager can confirm availability.
Medicare (via a Mental Health Treatment Plan)
In some circumstances, psychology sessions that form part of the assessment may attract a Medicare rebate if your GP has referred you under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Private health insurance
Some private health funds include psychology services in their extras cover. It’s worth checking with your insurer before your appointment.
Self-funded
You are welcome to access the assessment without a referral or plan funding on a self-funded basis. Please contact us to discuss current fees.
Common misconceptions about NDIS Psychosocial Assessments
Not necessarily. While a formal mental health diagnosis is relevant context, the NDIS focuses on functional impact rather than diagnosis alone, what matters is how your condition affects your life, and that’s exactly what the assessment explores. If you don’t yet have a formal diagnosis, we can discuss whether an additional assessment pathway is warranted.
No. A psychosocial assessment isn’t about exaggerating difficulties, it’s about accurately documenting how your condition affects your functioning, including on the harder days that don’t always show up in a brief appointment. A thorough, honest assessment is more useful to you than an understated one.
Not necessarily. Many people who present as capable of managing also carry an exhausting load of compensating, withdrawing, or relying on others in ways that aren’t sustainable. The assessment considers not just whether you can do something, but at what cost and with what consistency, coping strategies can mask genuine functional impairment the NDIS is designed to address.
No. A mental health assessment focuses on diagnosis and treatment. A psychosocial assessment focuses on functional capacity, how your mental health condition affects your participation in life. The two may be conducted by the same clinician, but they produce different documents for different purposes.
Possibly. Your needs can change over time, and NDIS plans are reviewed regularly. If your condition worsens, your supports decrease, or you move into a new life phase, an updated psychosocial assessment can be important evidence for a plan review. Our team can advise on whether an updated report is likely to strengthen your case.
How this differs from a Job Capacity Assessment
People sometimes wonder whether they need an NDIS Psychosocial Assessment, a Job Capacity Assessment, or both. An NDIS Psychosocial Assessment focuses on the functional impact of a psychosocial disability across the broad domains of daily life, self-care, social participation, community access, and independent living, providing evidence for NDIS access or planning.
A Job Capacity Assessment, by contrast, is specifically focused on your capacity for work, and is typically used in the context of Centrelink, the Department of Employment, or workers compensation systems. The two can overlap, and information from one may be relevant to the other, though they’re produced for different purposes and receiving bodies. It’s also distinct from a Workers Compensation Assessment, which focuses on a psychological injury sustained in the workplace, see our Assessments page for a full overview.
Medically Reviewed By
General Practitioner · MBBS Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery FRACGP Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
The clinical information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr Paul King, a General Practitioner at Integro Health. It is general information, and not a substitute for personal medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
No. A Psychosocial Assessment is often part of the process of applying to the NDIS for the first time, it provides the functional capacity evidence the NDIA needs to consider your access request. You can also have an assessment if you are already a participant and your plan is coming up for review. Our team can help you understand which situation applies to you when you make initial contact.
A mental health assessment focuses on understanding and diagnosing a mental health condition and forming a treatment plan. An NDIS Psychosocial Assessment focuses on the functional impact of that condition, how it affects your ability to manage daily life, maintain relationships, access the community, and care for yourself. The two may be conducted by the same clinician, but they produce different reports for different purposes.
Yes, in most cases. If you are an existing NDIS participant, the assessment can typically be funded under the Improved Daily Living (IDL) budget within your plan. Your Support Coordinator or plan manager can confirm whether this is available and help you initiate the referral. If you are applying to the NDIS for the first time, the assessment may need to be self-funded or accessed via Medicare, as you won’t yet have an active plan.
An NDIS Psychosocial Assessment typically involves at least two clinical sessions, one or more for the clinical interview and history gathering, and a feedback session where findings are discussed. The scope may vary depending on the complexity of your situation and the requirements of the NDIA or your plan manager. We will give you a clear picture of what to expect before the assessment begins.
There is no definitive list of qualifying diagnoses. What matters under the NDIS is whether the condition produces a disability that is permanent or likely to be permanent, and that substantially reduces your functional capacity across life domains. Conditions that commonly underpin psychosocial disability include Complex PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, severe anxiety disorders, OCD, and personality disorders. The assessment considers both the diagnosis and the functional impact together.
Yes. Clinical interviews and feedback sessions can be conducted via telehealth for clients who cannot attend in person. This makes the assessment accessible for people across South West WA, including those in more regional areas beyond Bunbury and Eaton. Some aspects of the assessment are more suited to in-person delivery, and we’ll discuss the best approach for your situation when you enquire.
A thorough assessment is still valuable even when the outcome is that NDIS access is not supported at this point in time. The process of exploring your functioning often surfaces other pathways, Medicare-funded therapy, community mental health services, or other support programmes, that may be more appropriate. We will discuss findings honestly with you in the feedback session, regardless of the outcome.
Yes, absolutely. You are welcome to bring a carer, family member, or support person to any part of the assessment process. Some people find it helpful to have someone present during the clinical interview, both for comfort and to contribute their own observations about your daily functioning, which can strengthen the report. Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring someone, so we can plan the session accordingly.
