WorkCover psychology services.
Treatment for employees with an accepted workers compensation claim for psychological injury. Sessions are invoiced directly to the insurer, with no out-of-pocket cost.
Workers compensation schemes in Australia fund the treatment of work-related psychological injuries. Each state operates its own scheme: in NSW, claims are managed through icare and the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA); in Victoria through WorkSafe; in Queensland through WorkCover Queensland; and similar bodies in other jurisdictions. Telehealth psychology consultations are accepted under most schemes.
For an accepted claim, the consultation fee is invoiced directly to the workers compensation insurer. There is no out-of-pocket cost to the employee for the duration of the approved treatment plan.
Work-related psychological injuries.
- Work-related anxiety, including panic and acute stress responses
- Work-related depression and persistent low mood
- Post-traumatic stress following workplace incidents
- Adjustment disorder in response to workplace events
- Psychological injury following bullying, harassment, or discrimination
- Secondary psychological injury arising from a physical workplace injury
From injury to treatment.
1. Report the injury to your employer
Notify your employer as soon as practical. Employers are required to assist with the claims process under workplace law.
2. See your GP for a Certificate of Capacity
Your GP will assess the injury and complete a Certificate of Capacity. This document is required for lodging a workers compensation claim and forms the clinical basis for the insurer's assessment.
3. Lodge the claim with the insurer
The claim is lodged with the workers compensation insurer nominated by your employer. The insurer assesses the claim and communicates the decision (accepted, denied, or further information requested).
4. Approval for psychological treatment
Once the claim is accepted, the insurer typically pre-approves an initial allocation of psychology sessions. Further sessions are authorised on the basis of a treatment plan submitted by the treating psychologist.
5. Commencing treatment
Treatment can begin once the insurer has approved the initial sessions. The first appointment includes a clinical assessment and the establishment of an individualised treatment plan.
Evidence-based clinical care.
Treatment under WorkCover follows the same evidence-based approach as Medicare-funded sessions: comprehensive clinical assessment, shared formulation, and an individualised treatment plan drawing on established protocols (CBT, ACT, the Unified Protocol, and trauma-focused approaches where indicated).
Progress is monitored throughout treatment using standardised measures (GAD-7, PHQ-9, K-10). Treatment plans and progress reports are provided to the insurer and nominated treating doctor as required by the relevant scheme.
No out-of-pocket cost for accepted claims.
For accepted workers compensation claims, the consultation fee is invoiced directly to the workers compensation insurer at the rate set by the relevant scheme. The employee is not required to pay any portion of the consultation fee out of pocket for sessions covered under the approved treatment plan.
Cancellations made inside the 48-hour notice window are not claimable through the workers compensation scheme; the standard cancellation policy applies.
Discuss your situation.
A brief 15-minute introductory call is available to discuss whether treatment under your current workers compensation claim is appropriate.
Book an introductory call