Workers Compensation Psychologist
Psychological treatment under the NSW workers compensation (SIRA) scheme
Work has become something you dread. Maybe you are burnt out and exhausted, being bullied or harassed, or still shaken by something that happened at work. This page is for people who want psychological support for an injury like that and want to understand how workers compensation fits in.
With an approved claim, the insurer usually pays for approved sessions, so there might be no out‑of‑pocket cost. If you do not have a claim yet, you can start privately or under Medicare. To claim the Medicare rebate, ask your usual GP (or your MyMedicare practice) for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral before your first session.
Our SIRA‑approved psychologists provide evidence‑based therapy for injured workers, focused on helping you recover, feel heard, and, where appropriate, return to work safely. To learn more about the system, see Workers compensation, SIRA and the guide for injured workers.
Table of Contents
- Who we help under SIRA / Workers Comp
- How the workers compensation psychology process works
- What the insurer receives
- What to expect in therapy under workers compensation
- Why choose a SIRA‑approved workers compensation psychologist?
- Funding and insurers
- Frequently asked questions
- Take the next step in your workers compensation recovery
Who we help under SIRA / Workers Comp
We offer therapy for adults with an accepted NSW workers compensation claim for a psychological injury, including:
- Work‑related stress, burnout, and exhaustion
- Anxiety or depression linked to work
- Trauma (including PTSD) after a workplace incident or accident
- Bullying, harassment, or workplace conflict
- Psychological conditions that develop after a physical work injury
If anxiety reaches beyond work, we also offer anxiety counselling. Police, paramedics, and other emergency workers may also want to read about our first responder psychologists.
Psychological injury claims can be more complex than purely physical claims, so having a clinician who understands insurer processes can make a real difference to your recovery experience.
How the workers compensation psychology process works
This is the typical pathway for psychological treatment under the NSW workers compensation scheme:
1. Injury and claim approval (Insurer approves claim)
After a work‑related injury or illness, your employer is required to notify their workers compensation insurer, and you can make a claim for workers compensation.
Once the insurer accepts liability for your claim, including any psychological injury, they are responsible for funding reasonably necessary treatment, such as sessions with a SIRA‑approved psychologist.
2. GP referral to a Workers Comp psychologist
You see your GP (nominated treating doctor), who:
- Assesses your injury (physical, psychological, or both)
- Completes a NSW Workers Compensation Certificate of Capacity
- May recommend psychological treatment as part of your injury management plan
- Provides a written referral to a psychologist, including your diagnosis and treatment goals
3. Insurer approval for psychological treatment under SIRA
Your insurer then decides whether to approve psychological treatment based on:
- Your GP’s referral and Certificate of Capacity
- Whether treatment is considered reasonably necessary for your work‑related injury
Often, the insurer will initially approve a set number of sessions and request progress reports or Allied Health Recovery Requests (AHRRs) from your psychologist to extend treatment.
4. See a SIRA‑approved workers compensation psychologist
Once treatment is approved:
- We confirm your claim number, insurer details, and approved sessions before your first appointment
- You attend sessions with a SIRA‑approved psychologist who understands workers compensation and recovery‑at‑work principles
- We usually bill the insurer directly, in line with SIRA’s psychology fee and practice requirements, so there might be no out‑of‑pocket cost for approved services
You can also check that your psychologist is SIRA‑approved via the SIRA “Allied health practitioner search” tool.
What the insurer receives
With your consent, the insurer receives the information it needs to assess and extend your claim, such as treatment plans and progress reports. We discuss what will be shared with you first.
What to expect in therapy under workers compensation
Your workers compensation psychologist will:
- Provide a safe, confidential space to talk about your injury, work situation, and symptoms
- Complete a structured assessment of your psychological injury and its impact on work, home, and daily life
- Develop a collaborative treatment plan that fits your return‑to‑work or recovery goals
- Use evidence‑based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), trauma‑focused therapies, and other structured interventions
- Liaise (with your consent) with your GP, insurer, and rehabilitation provider to keep treatment coordinated and focused on your recovery at (or away from) work
SIRA’s Standard of Practice for managing psychological injury claims emphasises early treatment, empathy, collaboration, and a focus on recovery and return to safe work, all of which guide how we structure your therapy.
Why choose a SIRA‑approved workers compensation psychologist?
Fully SIRA‑approved and compliant
Our psychologists are SIRA‑approved allied health practitioners, meaning we meet the qualifications, training, and practice requirements set out in SIRA’s guidelines for the approval of treating allied health practitioners. This ensures treatment is delivered in line with NSW workers compensation legislation and SIRA procedures.
Experienced in psychological injury and complex claims
We understand the added stress of navigating insurers, employers, and legal processes. Our team is experienced in trauma and PTSD from workplace incidents, chronic stress, burnout, adjustment after workplace conflict, and anxiety and depression linked to work or return‑to‑work concerns.
Recovery and return‑to‑work focus
SIRA expects workers compensation treatment to support recovery at work, where safe and feasible, not just symptom reduction.
In practice, this means we help you:
- Build coping skills and resilience
- Gradually re‑engage with valued activities, including work where appropriate
- Develop practical strategies for managing work‑related triggers, communication with employers, and pacing your return to duties
Funding and insurers
Who pays for sessions?
For accepted NSW workers compensation claims where psychological treatment has been approved, your workers compensation insurer usually pays for psychological sessions in line with SIRA’s psychology fee schedules.
We confirm approval and billing details directly with you and your insurer, so you know what is covered before you start.
What if my claim is still pending?
This page is designed for people with approved claims, but if your claim is pending you may still:
- Attend self‑funded sessions while you wait, or
- Use Medicare with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP (if appropriate)
We can explain these options over the phone, so you can decide what works best for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an approved workers compensation claim before I see you?
To have your sessions paid under the workers compensation scheme, your claim typically needs to be accepted by the insurer or specifically approved for psychological assessment and treatment.
You can still see a psychologist before this using self‑funding or Medicare; if your claim is later accepted, the insurer may then fund ongoing treatment.
Are you SIRA‑approved workers compensation psychologists?
Yes. Our treating psychologists are SIRA‑approved practitioners under the NSW workers compensation scheme, as required for psychologists providing treatment to injured workers.
You can verify SIRA approval using the SIRA allied health practitioner search.
Will you talk to my insurer or employer?
With your consent, we communicate with your insurer, GP, and workplace rehabilitation provider, and when appropriate your employer, to support a safe and sustainable recovery at work.
We always discuss what will be shared so you stay in control of your information.
Do I have to go back to my pre‑injury job?
Not necessarily. SIRA and insurers focus on recovery and suitable employment; if you cannot return to your pre‑injury role, your injury management and return‑to‑work plans should consider alternative duties or different employment.
Your psychologist can support you emotionally through this process and help you manage the changes and uncertainties involved.
Take the next step in your workers compensation recovery
If you have an approved workers compensation claim and are looking for a SIRA‑approved psychologist, we are here to help you navigate both your recovery and the system around it.
- We understand the NSW workers compensation and SIRA requirements
- We work directly with insurers and GPs to streamline your treatment
- We provide compassionate, structured therapy focused on your recovery and life beyond the claim
Ready to start?
Email us about your approved claim and we’ll get back to you.
Email about workers compensation therapy
