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How Do I Get a Private Mental Capacity Assessment?

Updated: Sep 22, 2023



Understanding the legal process for getting a private mental capacity assessment is essential.


It's important to understand the legal process for getting a private mental capacity assessment if you're considering one for yourself or someone you care for.


A private mental capacity assessment can be carried out by a Social Worker, psychologist or other suitably qualified and experienced health and social care professional.


The assessment will usually involve an interview with the person being assessed and sometimes with other people who know them well. The assessor will also review any relevant medical and social care records


You should also be aware of the different types of mental capacity assessments that are available.


When getting a private mental capacity assessment, it is worthwhile to understand that mental capacity is decision specific; this means multiple assessments may be necessary depending on the decisions being made.


Assessments can be completed for legal purposes and requested by solicitors or the courts, as well as by families looking to support their loved ones in their decision-making.


When getting a private mental capacity assessment, it's important to make sure that the assessor is qualified, experienced and registered to carry out these types of assessments. It's also important to know what specific decision needs to be assessed.


Understanding the legal process and the different types of mental capacity assessments will make it easier to get the right assessment and ensure the best outcome.



You will need to engage a professional to conduct the assessment.


Once you have identified the specific decision that needs to be assessed, it is important to engage a qualified professional to carry out the assessment.


When looking for a practitioner, it's important to make sure they have professional qualifications and experience and that they are registered with the relevant professional bodies. For example, all our Social Workers at Nellie Supports are qualified and registered with Social Work England. It is also essential to ensure that the practitioner has a good working knowledge of mental capacity law.


The professional should provide you with written confirmation that they are qualified and experienced in conducting mental capacity assessments, as well as written confirmation that they have the relevant knowledge and understanding of mental capacity law.


Engaging the right professional for the assessment is vital to ensuring that the assessment is conducted correctly and that the outcome is in the best interests of the person being assessed.


The final report will be shared with you and your loved ones.


Once the assessment is completed, the practitioner will write up a full report on the findings, including their opinion and the opinion of any third parties involved in the assessment. The report will outline the results of the assessment.


The final report will then be shared with you and your loved one. It is important to read and understand the contents of the report carefully in order to understand the next steps for you and your loved one/


Once you have read and understood the mental capacity report, it is important to discuss any further questions or concerns that you have with the practitioner. They will be able to provide you with further guidance and how you can best move forward.


You should also keep a copy of the report for your records in case it is needed for future reference. It is important to be aware that anyone who is involved in the assessment has an obligation to keep the information disclosed during the assessment confidential and secure.


Mental Capacity, Care Assessment and Care Planning


Once you have received the private mental capacity assessment report, you can use it to make important decisions about the future. The report will contain the necessary information to help you to make informed decisions about the care of your loved one.


If you require additional support and guidance, our team are able to complete care needs assessments and care plans that will identify care needs and how best to meet these to ensure any desired outcomes are achieved. This could be anything from providing additional care, changing medication, or making any lifestyle changes that may help to improve the well-being of your loved one.


The report may also help you to understand the reasons why your loved one may require additional care or support and, in conjunction with a care assessment and care plan, identify the best way to provide them with the necessary support.



Getting a private mental capacity assessment can be a lengthy and costly process, but it is worth it to ensure that you and your loved ones are fully informed about your options.


Getting a private mental capacity assessment can be lengthy, and while there is a charge, at Nellie Supports, we aim to ensure our costs are affordable. It's important to ensure that you and your loved one are fully informed about your options before making any decisions. The assessment process may take some time as the practitioner will need to carefully review all relevant documents and interviews and will need to spend time with the individual being assessed in order to gain a full understanding of their mental state.


Once the report has been submitted, you can then use this to make an informed decision about the future. It's also important to understand that the assessment is not a static one but that further assessment may be necessary as the person's circumstances may change. The report may provide specific recommendations to be implemented, but you and your loved one should always discuss any questions or concerns with the practitioner.


The cost of a private mental capacity assessment may vary, but often it is the best course of action to ensure that your loved one is fully aware of their options and that their well-being is taken into account. It is in everyone's best interests to ensure that the right decision is being made and that the individual is receiving the care they need.


to organise your private mental capacity assessment today contact Nellie Supports


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