Mental Capacity Assessment

“A mental capacity assessment is a process used to determine whether an individual can safely make specific decisions about their welfare. The evaluation may be carried out by using a structured interview or a series of structured interviews with the individual who is to be assessed. There would also be interviews and consultations with other individuals, including family members and professionals who know the individual who is to be assessed well.”

The MCA assessment may require an evaluation of social work records. It may be necessary also to use psychometric tests in a capacity assessment. Assessing capacity can be more complex where the individual’s capacity fluctuates or where there are major disputes between the family or professional and the individual involved whether or not they lack capacity.

What is Meant by Mental Capacity?

What is meant by mental capacity? What does mental capacity mean? The term mental capacity is most frequently used to describe someone lacking capacity.

“A person has capacity if the person being assessed can interpret and apply information necessary to make decisions that impact on their welfare.”

When carrying out an assessment of mental capacity for individuals who have mental health problems, our expert psychologists may use a range of instruments, including the Personality Assessment Inventory and the Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory.