A functional capacity assessment is a psychological evaluation that helps determine an individual's ability to understand, manage, and perform everyday activities. These include financial decision-making, personal care, medical understanding, and participation in community life. At Wholesome Psychology, we offer capacity assessments that are thoughtful, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practice to support individuals, families, and professionals across Edmonton and St. Albert.
What Is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A functional capacity assessment is a comprehensive psychological evaluation designed to examine cognitive, emotional, and behavioral abilities in real-world contexts. These assessments are often required when someone is experiencing challenges in making independent decisions or is seeking supports such as:
- Trusteeship or guardianship applications
- Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) services
- Medical legal evaluations
- Return-to-work planning
- Independent living assessments
Each capacity assessment is customized to the client’s specific needs and is conducted by a registered psychologist experienced in functional evaluations. These assessments rely on standardized tools, clinical interviews, and collateral information to offer an objective picture of the individual’s capabilities and limitations.
Who Might Need a Capacity Assessment?
There are many reasons someone might require a psychological assessment of their functional capacity. Some individuals may be aging and experiencing memory or decision-making difficulties. Others may live with developmental, psychiatric, or neurological conditions that impact their ability to manage their own affairs. In all cases, our team treats clients with dignity, respect, and care. We assess only what is relevant, and we do so with the utmost sensitivity.
Our psychologists offer capacity assessments for:
- Adults with cognitive impairments due to injury, illness, or age
- Young adults with developmental disabilities transitioning to adult services
- People seeking support for AISH or PDD applications
- Families navigating legal processes such as trusteeship or guardianship
How Capacity Assessments Are Used in Alberta
Trusteeship and Guardianship Applications
In Alberta, an individual may need a guardianship or trusteeship assessment when they are unable to make responsible decisions about personal care or finances. These are legal processes governed by the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.
Our psychologists follow the legal guidelines set by the province and conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine whether the person understands the consequences of their decisions. The final report includes a professional opinion regarding capacity and is formatted to meet court and agency standards. These assessments are often essential in court hearings related to guardianship or trusteeship appointments.
AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped)
AISH supports Albertans with permanent medical conditions that substantially limit their ability to earn a living. While medical documentation is central to the application, a functional capacity assessment can strengthen the case by offering a detailed evaluation of mental health, cognitive function, and behavioral limitations.
We work with clients, families, and medical professionals to assess and document how psychological challenges impact the applicant’s ability to sustain employment or manage daily life. Our reports are written in clear, professional language and meet the documentation requirements outlined by the Government of Alberta AISH program.
Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
The PDD program provides services to adults with significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Eligibility often requires psychological documentation showing that the individual’s intellectual disability began before age 18 and continues to impact daily life. Our assessments include standardized testing of intellectual ability and adaptive functioning, often using tools like the WAIS-IV and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.
If you are applying for PDD supports, we can help determine whether you or your loved one meets the criteria and provide the necessary psychological report. To learn more about this program, visit the PDD program website.
What to Expect During the Assessment Process
Our capacity assessments typically include the following components:
- Initial intake meeting (in-person or virtual) to gather background information
- One or more assessment sessions using validated psychometric tools
- Optional interviews with family members or care teams (with consent)
- A comprehensive psychological report, including recommendations
- A feedback session to review findings and next steps
Depending on the referral question, the assessment may focus more on cognitive functioning (e.g., memory, reasoning, decision-making) or adaptive functioning (e.g., daily living skills, safety awareness). Our goal is to provide an honest, respectful, and clinically accurate representation of the individual’s capacity to function independently.
Why Choose Wholesome Psychology?
We understand that seeking a capacity assessment can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s part of a legal or funding application. At Wholesome Psychology, we strive to create a safe, supportive space where every client feels heard and understood. Our approach reflects our values of compassion, professionalism, and ethical care.
Here’s why clients across Edmonton and St. Albert choose us:
- Assessments are conducted by experienced, licensed psychologists
- Reports meet Alberta legal and funding standards
- Client-centered approach with clear communication throughout
- Convenient locations serving Edmonton and St. Albert
- Responsive intake support and flexible scheduling
We also work closely with families, social workers, physicians, and legal professionals to ensure our assessments support coordinated care and informed decision-making.
Related Services
We offer a range of assessments in addition to capacity evaluations. Learn more about our:
Book a Functional Capacity Assessment Today
If you or someone you care about may benefit from a psychological assessment of capacity, we invite you to get in touch with us. Our intake team is ready to guide you through the process, offer a quote, and answer your questions.
Whether you're navigating a legal application, applying for support programs, or simply seeking greater clarity, we’re here to help. At Wholesome Psychology, we believe in assessments that are not only clinically accurate—but also grounded in empathy and respect for your lived experience.
