Workcover Funded Psychological Services

What are WorkSafe Funded Psychological Services

If an individual experiences psychological harm due to a work-related injury or stressful working conditions, they may be eligible for psychological services funded by WorkSafe Victoria. These services can include:

• Counselling: Funding for therapy to address mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD that arise from workplace incidents or long-term workplace stress.
• Psychiatric Treatment: Coverage for more specialised treatment for individuals who suffer severe psychological harm, such as those with diagnosed psychiatric conditions.
• Rehabilitation Services: Psychological services designed to help individuals return to work and regain their mental health after an injury.

WorkSafe Accessibility

WorkSafe-funded psychological services are accessible through:

• A WorkCover claim initiated by the individual or their employer following a work-related psychological injury.
• Approval of a treatment plan by a GP or psychologist may include specific sessions or therapies covered by WorkSafe.

WorkCover-funded psychological services in Victoria, Australia, are provided to employees who have experienced mental health issues or psychological injuries due to work-related incidents. 

These services are part of the WorkSafe Victoria workers' compensation scheme, which offers financial support to cover treatment and rehabilitation costs for physical and psychological injuries sustained at work.

Eligibility for WorkCover-Funded Psychological Services

Employees are eligible for WorkCover-funded psychological services if they experience psychological harm or a mental health condition that is directly related to their work. This can include conditions such as:

• Work-related stress.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Psychological trauma from witnessing or being involved in a workplace incident.
• Bullying and harassment.
• Burnout or chronic fatigue resulting from work demands.

To access these services, the employee must lodge a WorkCover claim, which needs to be approved by WorkSafe Victoria or the employer's insurer.

Types of Psychological Services Covered by WorkCover

Once a WorkCover claim for psychological injury is approved, the employee can access a range of psychological services to support their recovery, including:

• Psychological Assessment: An initial assessment by a registered psychologist to determine the nature and extent of the psychological injury. This assessment helps form the basis of the treatment plan.
• Individual Counselling: Ongoing one-on-one therapy sessions with a psychologist to address the mental health issues caused by the workplace injury. Therapy may involve:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To help the individual change negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Trauma-Focused Therapy: For individuals who have experienced traumatic events at work, such as accidents or violence.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: To manage stress and anxiety through relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
• Psychiatric Services: In some cases, the worker may require psychiatric care, including medication management, to address severe mental health conditions. Psychiatrists may work alongside psychologists to provide comprehensive care.
• Group Therapy: For individuals with work-related stress or trauma, group therapy sessions may be recommended as part of the rehabilitation plan.
• Return-to-Work Support: Psychological services often include counselling and strategies to help employees transition back to work. This can involve:
• Workplace Adjustments: Recommendations for changes to the work environment to reduce stress and support mental well-being.
• Return-to-Work Plans: Develop a structured, gradual return-to-work plan considering the employee’s mental health recovery.
• Telehealth Services: WorkSafe Victoria may also cover telehealth psychological services, allowing individuals to access therapy via phone or video if in-person sessions are not possible or preferred.

How to Access WorkCover-Funded Psychological Services

To access psychological services funded by WorkSafe Victoria, employees must follow these steps:

• Report the Psychological Injury: The first step is to report the psychological injury to your employer. The employee must document the injury, including any incidents or ongoing issues contributing to the mental health condition.
• Visit a GP: Employees must visit their general practitioner (GP) to discuss their psychological condition. The GP will assess the employee’s mental health and provide a medical certificate or report that supports the WorkCover claim.
• Lodge a WorkCover Claim: The next step is to submit a WorkCover claim for psychological injury. This claim includes details of the injury and supporting medical documentation from the GP. The claim is submitted to the employer’s insurer, which may be WorkSafe Victoria or another approved WorkCover insurance provider.
• Approval of the Claim: Once the claim is lodged, the insurer will review the documentation and decide whether to approve or deny it. If approved, the employee can start receiving treatment and therapy under the WorkCover scheme.
• Referral to a Psychologist: The GP may refer the employee to a psychologist or mental health professional for treatment. Sometimes, the insurer may also suggest specific psychologists or therapy providers who work within the WorkSafe system.

Psychological Treatment Plan

Once referred, the psychologist will conduct an initial assessment and develop a Psychological Treatment Plan tailored to the employee’s needs. This plan typically outlines:

• The specific mental health issues or injuries being addressed (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression).
• The recommended treatment (e.g., CBT, trauma-focused therapy).
• The frequency and duration of therapy sessions.
• Goals for recovery include symptom reduction or improved ability to return to work.

The insurer must approve the treatment plan for the sessions to be covered under the WorkCover scheme.

WorkSafe Fee Schedule and Rebates

WorkSafe Victoria sets a fee schedule outlining how much psychological services will be charged. The employee does not have to pay for therapy or services upfront, as the psychologist bills the insurer directly. The fees covered typically include:

• Initial assessments and consultations.
• Ongoing therapy sessions.
• Telehealth services (if applicable).
• Psychiatric evaluations (if required).

The difference may be charged to the individual if the psychologist charges more than the WorkSafe-approved rate, although this is not common.

Return to Work (RTW) Plans and Psychological Support

A significant part of the recovery process for work-related psychological injuries involves Return to Work (RTW) support. This process may involve:

• Workplace modifications: Recommendations for adjusting the work environment, tasks, or hours to make the employee's return to work more manageable.
• RTW Coordinators: A designated RTW coordinator may work with the employee, employer, and psychologist to ensure a smooth transition back to the workplace.
• Psychological support during RTW: The psychologist may continue providing therapy throughout the employee’s return to work, ensuring they have the support needed to manage work-related stressors and prevent relapse.

Disputes and Denials

If a WorkCover claim is denied or the employee disagrees with the insurer’s decision regarding the psychological services provided, they have the right to dispute it. Common reasons for denial include:

• Lack of evidence connecting the mental health condition to the workplace.
• Disputes over the severity of the psychological injury.

Employees can appeal the decision through WorkSafe’s dispute resolution process, which may involve mediation or legal advice.