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Psychological Functional Capacity Evaluation
Revamp Psychology provides independent Psychological Functional Capacity Evaluations, also known as Psychological Functional Capacity Assessments, for insurers, employers, rehabilitation providers, solicitors and treating doctors.
What Is a Psychological Functional Capacity Evaluation
A Psychological Functional Capacity Evaluation is a structured assessment of a person's psychological and cognitive functioning in relation to work capacity and occupational demands. It combines a clinical interview with standardised psychometric testing to assess factors such as concentration, memory, emotional regulation and stress tolerance, then translates those findings into an opinion on work capacity.
Where reduced or no current capacity is identified, the report may also include practical recommendations on next steps, such as further treatment, rehabilitation support or workplace adjustments.
The assessment is conducted by a registered psychologist and is intended to support decision making by the professionals managing a person's recovery or return to work.
When a Psychological FCE Is Requested
- Recovery has stalled or a return-to-work plan has not progressed as expected
- Psychological symptoms are affecting, or appear likely to affect, a person's capacity to safely perform their role
- A treating team or case manager needs clarity on functional restrictions before finalising a rehabilitation or return-to-work plan
- A baseline assessment of psychological functioning is required, including ahead of an Independent Medical Examination
- There is uncertainty about whether current or proposed duties are appropriate given a person's psychological presentation
The Assessment Process
The evaluation combines a structured clinical interview with standardised psychometric testing, and typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.
The interview covers relevant background, current symptoms and stressors, and protective factors supporting recovery. Testing assesses cognitive functioning, including attention, memory and reasoning, alongside emotional regulation and stress tolerance. Findings are then considered against the specific demands of the person's role or proposed role.
The assessment is conducted at the person's own pace, in a calm and supportive manner, with breaks provided as needed. It is a thorough process, but not designed to be intensive or stressful.
Assessments are conducted by telehealth.
What the Report Includes
- A clear opinion on capacity for current or proposed duties
- Identification of any functional restrictions or limitations
- Consideration of suitable duties and workplace adjustments
- Recommendations on next steps, where reduced or no current capacity is identified
- A summary written for use by the referring party and, where appropriate, the wider treating team
Who This Assessment Supports
Use the assessment to support claims decisions, clarify complex presentations, and inform rehabilitation planning with an independent clinical opinion.
Gain a clear, practical basis for decisions about duties, hours and workplace adjustments, reducing the risk of a premature or unsuitable return to work.
Receive an assessment that can be considered alongside existing treatment and used to guide next steps in a person's recovery.
Obtain an independent psychological opinion on work capacity to support case preparation.
About the Assessing Psychologist
Psychological Functional Capacity Evaluations are conducted by Matt Semsar, a Registered Psychologist (AHPRA) and SIRA-approved provider in New South Wales. Matt's background combines clinical psychology with over a decade of experience in occupational rehabilitation, including a postgraduate qualification in occupational health and safety, and he conducts a substantial volume of psychological FCEs each year.
This combination of clinical training and practical experience within the compensation system means assessments are grounded in a working understanding of return-to-work planning, workplace demands and the requirements of referring professionals, not only clinical presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Psychological FCE is a one-off assessment focused on producing an opinion on work capacity. It is not treatment, and the psychologist conducting the assessment does not take on a treating role for the person assessed.
This page explains what a Psychological FCE involves. The assessment is conducted at your own pace in a supportive manner, so there is no need to feel anxious about it. Any questions about your specific appointment are best directed to the professional who referred you, whether that is an insurer, employer, solicitor or treating doctor.
Yes. The two terms are used interchangeably across the industry. Some referrers and reports use "evaluation," others use "assessment," they describe the same process.
A Fitness for Duty assessment typically considers whether a person can perform a specific task at a point in time. A Psychological FCE is broader, examining underlying psychological and cognitive functioning and how it relates to work capacity more generally.
In many cases, yes, where the assessment is requested or supported by the insurer, treating doctor or rehabilitation provider. Funding is confirmed prior to booking.
Yes. Assessments are conducted by telehealth.
The report is typically provided within 5 to 7 working days of the assessment.
Make a Professional Referral
Psychological Functional Capacity Evaluations are available by referral from insurers, employers, rehabilitation providers, solicitors and treating doctors. Fees are available on request. Referrals are considered subject to suitability and the purpose of the assessment.
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