Psychological ServicesGet to the heart of the matter with a Psychological Capacity Evaluation.
Clarity over the underlying return-to-work barriers and the employee's current capacity for work — delivered by a KINNECT Registered Psychologist.
The short version
A Psychological Capacity Evaluation (PCE) is a structured assessment delivered by a KINNECT registered psychologist that measures an employee's current psychological symptoms, cognitive function, and capacity for work. It is used by employers, insurers and treating teams when a worker is recovering from a psychological injury — or from a physical injury with psychological barriers — and clear, objective evidence is needed to guide return-to-work decisions. The core evaluation runs for about 1.5–2 hours and is followed by a detailed written report.
What is a Psychological Capacity Evaluation?
A Psychological Capacity Evaluation (PCE) determines whether an individual’s psychological health may impact their ability to safely carry out their duties at work, and assesses their capacity to perform the psychological and cognitive tasks the role requires.
Conducted by a KINNECT Registered Psychologist, the assessment offers a baseline measurement of an employee’s current symptoms and fitness for work — and gives employers, insurers and treating teams the objective evidence they need to plan the next step.
The interacting biological, psychological and social barriers
- Physical and mental capacity, activity level and work demands
- Personal perceptions, beliefs and behaviour relating to work
- Workplace relationships with management and co-workers
- Supportive conditions at work and attitudes towards health and disability
- Ongoing symptoms of the underlying illness or injury
When a PCE adds the most value.
Engage a Psychological Capacity Evaluation when the picture is unclear and you need objective, defensible evidence to move forward.
Treatment needs more clarity
When medical professionals or treatment providers need clearer evidence to guide treatment and rehabilitation planning.
Return to work is stalled
When an employee remains unfit for extended periods, or their return-to-work progression has plateaued or gone backwards.
Symptoms aren’t improving
When psychological symptoms worsen, fluctuate, or do not improve over time despite ongoing care.
Before an IME
Ahead of an Independent Medical Evaluation, to provide stronger objective evidence and a clearer baseline.
From referral to report — what to expect.
A standardised, evidence-based process designed to give you a clear, objective picture of your worker’s current capacity.
- 01
Referral and scoping
Request a PCE through our team — share the worker’s role demands, history and any relevant medical context.
- 02
Core assessment (1.5–2 hrs)
Your worker meets with a KINNECT Registered Psychologist. We use evidence-based psychometric tests that are highly valid and reliable.
- 03
Detailed written report
Our psychologist prepares a comprehensive report (typically ~4 hours of work) covering results, opinion on capacity, and recommended next steps.
- 04
Clear next steps
You receive an objective view of current function, recommendations for treatment, and guidance on suitable duties for a safe return to work.
What we measure
- Severity of current psychological symptoms
- Ability to think clearly, concentrate and plan tasks
- Ability to interact with colleagues effectively
What the report contains
- The assessment results, in plain language.
- The psychologist’s opinion on the worker’s capacity to return to work, weighing any existing medical advice.
- Recommended next steps including treatment and changes to suitable duties.
Experienced, registered, return-to-work focused.
Psychological Capacity Evaluations are performed by KINNECT’s provisionally and fully Registered Psychologists, all with extensive experience in workplace rehabilitation, injury management and psychological injury counselling.
Because our psychologists work across the broader KINNECT rehab team every day, every PCE is grounded in the realities of getting people back to safe, sustainable work — not just a clinical snapshot in isolation.
What employers and insurers ask us.
When should a Psychological Capacity Evaluation be completed?
A PCE is most useful when medical or treating providers need more clarity to guide treatment and rehabilitation, when an employee remains unfit for extended periods, when their return-to-work progression has stalled, when psychological symptoms are worsening or not improving, or prior to an Independent Medical Evaluation to provide stronger objective evidence.
What is covered in the Psychological Capacity Report?
The report is highly detailed. It covers presentation of the issue, psychological history, current treatment and symptoms, stressors and precipitating factors, relieving factors, social support and relationships, upcoming medical appointments, return-to-work considerations, and the results of valid evidence-based psychometric testing chosen for the case.
Who completes a Psychological Capacity Evaluation?
A PCE is delivered by one of KINNECT’s provisionally or fully Registered Psychologists. Each has extensive experience in workplace rehabilitation, injury management and psychological injury counselling.
How long does the assessment take?
The core assessment portion usually runs for 1.5 to 2 hours with the worker. The psychologist then spends approximately 4 hours preparing the detailed written report.
Other psychological services from KINNECT.
The PCE sits inside a wider set of psychological services — from early intervention through to dispute resolution.
Psychological Injury Management
Helping injured workers overcome the psychological barriers delaying their return to work.
Learn moreAdjustment to Injury Counselling
Support for workers adjusting to traumatic stress, psychological or physical injury.
Learn moreWorkplace Counselling
Early intervention that mitigates psychosocial risk before it becomes a claim.
Learn moreFacilitated Discussion
Alternate dispute resolution where workplace relationships are blocking recovery.
Learn more
Need clarity on a worker’s capacity?
Request a Psychological Capacity Evaluation and one of our team will be in touch to scope the referral and arrange an appointment with a KINNECT Registered Psychologist.