1. I start with a thorough clinical interview to understand current difficulties and put it the context with your past experiences - birth, early years, family life, education, health history, etc.

2. Next, I conduct structured assessments of current symptoms or features to establish the nature of your presentation, how severe it is, and what impact it has in everyday life. I may ask to also review past reports and speak to key people in your life to understand more.

3. Next, a report is prepared based on how you want to use that report. I also discuss the findings of the assessment with you and discuss next steps in terms of support recommendations.

Getting a diagnosis or functional assessment, does not guarantee acceptance by the NDIS or Centrelink for funding and support.

This is because having a mental illness or cognitive challenges, though disruptive and challenging, and even debilitating at times, may not necessarily reach the threshold set out for a disability. See here (for NDIS) and here (for Disability Support Pension) information.

This is understandably disappointing for clients and the process of organising formal supports can feel long and tiring.

As psychologists we anchor our assessment and recommendations on best practice guidelines for diagnosis and disability support.

I focus on the following:

1. Conduct clinical assessments with neutrality and an open mind. I also recognise that sometimes, diagnoses may not be clear-cut and further input from other health professionals may be needed.

2. I approach each person with empathy for their unique issues and challenges.

3. I base conclusions on best practice guidelines and the needs of the clients.

4. I encourage you to discuss any distress or concerns that may come up during assessment or when discussing report conclusions, including the disappointment of not meeting the threshold for a disability. I also provide other support recommendations and avenues to pursue to obtain greater support.

The NDIS and Centrelink set out disability criteria against which the information and evidence you provide is evaluated. Unfortunately, this means that despite getting a diagnosis and a report demonstrating the nature of functional challenges, your application could still be rejected.