Disability · Occupational · Medico-Legal
Accepting new referrals
Clear, objective psychological opinions for disability, workplace, insurance and legal matters.
Independent assessments answer a defined psychological question for a disability, workplace, insurance or legal decision.
They differ from clinical assessments, which are primarily intended for diagnosis, treatment planning, learning needs or routine accommodations.
If you are unsure which pathway fits, start with the referral question and we will direct you appropriately.
Independent assessment of psychological functioning when a disability or benefits decision requires a professional opinion.
Questions may involve diagnosis where relevant, functional impact, ability to work, restrictions and limitations, or prognosis.
Benefit entitlement remains with the insurer, administrator or other decision-maker.
Assessment of psychological functioning in relation to work.
Questions may involve return-to-work readiness, barriers to a sustainable return, current work functioning, or appropriate restrictions and accommodations.
Fitness-for-work opinions are considered where psychological assessment can appropriately address the referral question.
Independent psychological opinions for appropriate civil litigation matters, including plaintiff and defence referrals.
The work may involve direct assessment, records review or both. Rule 33 examinations may also be considered where applicable.
Opinions are limited to questions that can reasonably be answered from the evidence and within the psychologist’s expertise.
Independence is fundamental to this work.
The psychologist considers the available records, assessment findings and other relevant information before forming an opinion. Conclusions follow the evidence, not the position of the referring party, and material limitations or uncertainty are identified in the report.
The psychologist’s role is to evaluate the evidence, not advocate for a party. For civil proceedings, the applicable duty to provide fair, objective and non-partisan opinion evidence within the expert’s area of expertise is followed.
Evidence explained
The referral identifies what needs to be addressed. It does not establish the answer.
Question → evidence → analysis → opinion
This is a reasoning model, not a fixed sequence of tests. An opinion follows the evidence and identifies limits that matter.
BrainLab explanatory synthesis based on APA Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, 2013; APA occupational evaluation guidelines, 2017.
We work with insurers and disability administrators, plaintiff and defence counsel, employers and occupational-health teams, disability-management and rehabilitation professionals, healthcare providers, and other organizations requiring an independent psychological opinion.
You can also request an independent assessment for an existing disability, workplace, insurance or legal matter.
If an organization will rely on the report, we may need to confirm its requirements during case review.
Tell us the referral question, the nature of the matter and any relevant deadline.
The initial request is non-identifying. Do not include the assessed person’s name, clinical records or other personal health information.
We review psychologist fit, potential conflicts, scope, timing, reporting requirements and fees, then contact you about the next steps.
After case acceptance, identifying information and records are exchanged securely.
Before assessment begins, we confirm report recipients, consent, limits of confidentiality and other arrangements.
The psychologist assesses the agreed referral questions and prepares a report setting out the findings, opinions and material limitations.
You do not need to determine the exact assessment format before contacting us.
Send a brief, non-identifying description of the matter and the question to be answered. We will review it and guide you through the next step.
