Question 1

How can psychology assist my recovery from a physical injury?

Accepted Answer

Psychology can help you cope with pain-related psychological difficulties, work-related concerns, and other mental health challenges that occur as a result of a work-related injury or illness. This can include:Pain-related distress and fear avoidanceAdjustment to injury, role loss, or identity changeAnxiety and depression impacting your recovery or work capacityDifficulties with sleep, motivation, or confidenceCoping with uncertainty around your claim or recovery process
Psychology involves techniques that can help you become more aware of  - and change - unhelpful thoughts and behaviour patterns, while also offering practical strategies to manage symptoms and support your engagement in recovery and, where relevant, your return to work.

Question 2

Am I eligible for psychology services if I have sustained a work-related injury or mental health condition?

Accepted Answer

If you have an accepted psychological injury claim, you're eligible for a program of psychological treatment tailored to your diagnosis and recovery needs, as recommended by your treating doctor, claims manager, or treating practitioner.If you have an accepted physical injury claim and are experiencing stress, low mood, difficulty adjusting, or other mental health symptoms, you don't need a separate lodged or accepted psychological injury claim to get support - you'll be eligible for our Early Wellbeing Support program instead. This provides up to 9 insurer-approved sessions with a psychologist, counsellor, or mental health social worker, focused on practical, short-term strategies to help you cope, build resilience, and return to optimal functioning - without requiring a formal psychological diagnosis.Your treating doctor, claims manager, or treating practitioner can refer you to whichever pathway best suits your situation.

Question 3

I have a physical injury, but now I'm struggling with my mental health. What happens now?

Accepted Answer

It is possible for someone to develop secondary or consequential conditions that arise as a result of the circumstances of the injury.

Even if your injury is physical, your GP and insurer commonly will be able to provide mental health support to you for a short period of time to assist with adjusting to your injury, managing pain and providing general coping skills including creating positive health, wellness and recovery routines.

Common factors affecting your mental health following a physical injury:Chronic painDisconnection from the workplaceConflict during the claims management processLoss of function, routine, identity, motivation and purposeImpact on family and relationships.
When it becomes apparent that a secondary condition might have occurred, your case manager will investigate further and make a decision whether or not psychology services can be provided.

Question 4

How will my claim be regarded when I am known to have a previous mental health condition?

Accepted Answer

Our Early Wellbeing Support service is available to injured workers, regardless of claim type. The service provides coaching and support to assist you to respond as best as possible to the circumstances and impacts of your injury claim . This service is voluntary, with no obligation to participate. The service is also available for both undetermined and accepted claims. Your claims manager will discuss this service with you and coordinate the referral.

Activ8 Mind’s Early Wellbeing Support Service is available to people who are:presenting with mild or moderate anxiety, depression or stress symptoms, andnot actively engaged with a psychologist or psychiatrist on a regular basis.

Question 5

Why do I need a work capacity certificate from my doctor?

Accepted Answer

This document is used by claims managers to determine return to work activities and manage your claim.

It can be used to:Reinforce realistic perceptions of injury severity and set expectations about recovery timeframesDescribe your functional abilities – what you can do, what you cannot do, what you can do with limitations or care.Certify work capacity to enable your employer and claims manager to look for and offer you work duties that fit your functional abilities Share information with other external treatment providers, to encourage shared goals that will provide clarity for you.

Question 6

Who chooses my workers' compensation psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Injured workers have the right to select their own healthcare team and treatment providers - this includes your psychologist. Often your doctor or claims manager may suggest a provider, but the choice is entirely yours.A referral is then issued by your treating doctor or claims manager to your chosen provider.Choosing a psychologist experienced in compensable schemes (such as RTWSA, COMCARE, or CTP claims) can make a measurable difference to your engagement, outcomes, and claim progression, as they understand the intersection of your physical health, mental health, recovery, and claims process.

Question 7

When is the best or most appropriate time to change the return to work goal from same employer to new employer?

Accepted Answer

The primary goal of every workers' compensation scheme is to support an injured worker's return to their pre-injury employer and pre-injury role, wherever this is safe and achievable. All treatment, psychological support, and workplace planning is directed toward this outcome first.A change in RTW goal - to a new employer - is only considered once it becomes apparent to the stakeholders on the claim that return to the same employer is unlikely. This is not tied to a specific point in the claim; rather, it happens when the parties involved recognise and agree that a change in goal is appropriate.Any change of this kind requires the endorsement of both the worker's GP and the insurer/claims manager, alongside consultation with the worker, employer, and treating team. This ensures the decision is clinically appropriate and consistent with the scheme's intent, not made prematurely or in isolation.Once a new-employer RTW goal has been confirmed and endorsed, the claims service provider can take over wage payments to the worker.

Question 8

What is the cost of accessing workers' compensation psychology services?

Accepted Answer

Services are provided and funded in accordance with the approved workers' compensation fee schedule. Unless a claim is rejected, the services are invoiced and paid for by the relevant insurer so no payment is required by you.

Question 9

Is my travel to a psychology appointment covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, reasonable travel expenses to and from health appointments are covered. Ask your claims manager for their travel reimbursement form and ensure that you complete this and/ or keep your own written record noting the date, purpose of travel, and distance. Travel to appointments will need to be co-signed by your psychologist or our administration team.

Question 10

What is a case conference?

Accepted Answer

A case conference is a group meeting designed to achieve collaboration and communication between yourself, your employer (where relevant), your insurer and key treating practitioners. A case conference is a beneficial way to support the establishment of suitable health/wellness goals, create an appropriate schedule of activities and better design your return to work.

Question 11

Who will my psychologist liaise and work with my treatment team to support my recovery?

Accepted Answer

Your psychologist is responsible for maintaining your confidentiality at all times.Within the claims process, your claims manager will receive relevant information regarding your progress, recommendations, and the supports required to plan your return to work. These details will always be discussed with you first; you won't be caught by surprise.With your approval, your psychologist may also be included in the case conference process, giving them the opportunity to liaise directly with your wider treating team (such as your GP, specialists, or rehabilitation provider). This coordinated approach is a highly valuable part of supporting your recovery.

Question 12

What information does my psychologist share with my claims manager?

Accepted Answer

Your psychologist provides claims managers with information relevant to your claim - such as attendance, general progress, functional recommendations, and barriers to return to work. Session content and personal disclosures remain confidential and are not shared in detail; reports focus on what's clinically relevant to your recovery and RTW planning, not a transcript of your sessions.

Question 13

Will my employer see what I discuss in my sessions?

Accepted Answer

No. Your employer does not have access to your session content. With your consent, general updates relevant to safe RTW planning (such as suitable duties or workplace supports) may be shared through your claims manager, but your personal disclosures remain between you and your psychologist.

Question 14

What is typically included in a psychologist's report?

Accepted Answer

Reports are generally decision-focused rather than a clinical narrative, covering engagement, progress against goals, functional capacity, barriers to recovery or RTW, and recommendations. They do not include a detailed account of everything discussed in session.

Question 15

How is confidentiality different for an independent assessment (e.g. PCE or PS780 report) compared to ongoing treatment?

Accepted Answer

Independent assessments are commissioned specifically to produce a report answering the referrer's questions, and there is no ongoing therapeutic relationship or confidentiality in the same sense as treatment. The full report goes to whoever requested and is funding the assessment (e.g. insurer, lawyer), with your awareness at referral stage.

Question 16

What if I don't consent to information being shared?

Accepted Answer

You can decline to have certain information shared, though this may affect your claims manager's or insurer's ability to make informed decisions about your claim, treatment funding, or RTW planning. Your psychologist will discuss the implications with you before any decision.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION PSYCHOLOGY & counselling

in-person sessions in adelaide or via telehealth (australia-wide)

A thoughtful, impactful, and proactive service with a focus on improving function