Workers Compensation Psychologist

Specialist psychological treatment under the NSW workers compensation (SIRA) scheme

If you have an accepted workers compensation claim for a psychological injury, you are entitled to support that understands both your mental health and the NSW workers compensation system. Under the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) scheme, psychological treatment can be funded by your workers compensation insurer when it is reasonably necessary for your recovery under the NSW workers compensation scheme.

Our SIRA‑approved psychologists provide evidence‑based therapy for injured workers, focused on helping you recover, feel heard, and, where appropriate, safely return to work.

Who we help under SIRA / Workers Comp

We support adults with an accepted NSW workers compensation claim for a psychological injury, including:

Psychological injury claims are increasingly common and can be more complex than purely physical claims, so having a clinician who understands SIRA expectations and 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.

  • General information: “Guidelines for claiming workers compensation” (insurer guides often reference SIRA forms and processes)

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

SIRA expects that insurers and treatment providers work closely with your GP to support early, evidence‑based treatment and recovery.

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:

You can also check that your psychologist is SIRA‑approved via the SIRA “Allied health practitioner search” tool.

What to expect in therapy under workers compensation

Your workers compensation psychologist will:

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 the “Workers compensation guidelines for the approval of treating allied health practitioners”.

This ensures treatment is delivered in line with NSW workers compensation legislation, SIRA procedures and the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services.

Experienced in psychological injury and complex claims

We understand the added stress of navigating insurers, employers and legal processes, especially for psychological injury claims, which SIRA notes are often more complex and costly than purely physical injuries.

Our team is experienced in Trauma and PTSD from workplace incidents, chronic stress, burnout and adjustment after workplace conflict, 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

Fees, funding and insurers

Who pays for sessions?

For accepted NSW workers compensation claims where psychological treatment has been approved, your workers compensation insurer might 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

Next step? Emails us!

EMAIL ABOUT WORKERS COMPENSATION THERAPY