What Is a Psychological Injury Under WorkCover?

Psychological injuries in the workplace are more common than many people realise. In Australia, WorkCover schemes across each state recognise that mental health injuries can occur as a direct result of work — just like physical or psychological injuries.

If you are experiencing ongoing psychological distress due to your job, you may be eligible to receive WorkCover-funded psychology treatment.

This article explains what a psychological injury is under WorkCover, what conditions may be covered, and how psychological treatment can support your recovery.

What Is a Psychological Injury?

A psychological injury is a mental health condition that develops because of, or in the course of, employment.

Under WorkCover, psychological injuries may arise from:

• a single traumatic workplace event, or

• prolonged exposure to stressors over time.

These injuries can significantly affect a person’s ability to function at work and in daily life, often impacting concentration, sleep, emotional regulation, confidence, and relationships.

Common Psychological Injuries Covered by WorkCover

While each state has its own WorkCover legislation, most Australian schemes recognise the following conditions when they are work-related:

✔️ Anxiety disorders

✔️ Depression

✔️ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

✔️ Acute stress disorder

✔️ Adjustment disorder

✔️ Work-related trauma

✔️ Burnout and chronic workplace stress

✔️ Psychological injury following workplace assault or aggression

Coverage depends on the connection between employment and the development of symptoms, rather than the diagnosis alone.

What Causes Psychological Injuries at Work?

Psychological injuries may develop from many different workplace experiences, including:

• Workplace bullying or harassment

• Excessive workload or unreasonable demands

• Exposure to traumatic events

• Workplace violence or threats

• Lack of managerial support

• Organisational change or restructuring

• Conflict with supervisors or colleagues

• Unsafe or hostile work environments

  
  

In many cases, there is no single incident — symptoms can develop gradually over time.

Are All Mental Health Conditions Covered by WorkCover?

Not all mental health conditions automatically qualify for WorkCover.

Generally, WorkCover requires that:

• Employment was a substantial contributing factor to the injury, and

• The condition did not arise solely from reasonable management action carried out appropriately (such as performance reviews or disciplinary processes).

  
  

A GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist can help assess whether symptoms are consistent with a work-related psychological injury.

How Is a Psychological Injury Diagnosed?

A diagnosis is typically made by a medical professional, such as:

• a General Practitioner

• a psychologist

• a psychiatrist

  
  

Assessment may involve:

• Clinical interviews

• Symptom questionnaires

• Review of workplace stressors

• Discussion of how symptoms affect work capacity and daily functioning

Your GP usually initiates the WorkCover claim by issuing a Certificate of Capacity.

What Treatment Does WorkCover Cover for Psychological Injuries?

If your claim is accepted, WorkCover may fund:

• psychology therapy sessions

• psychological assessments

• treatment planning and progress reviews

• telehealth (online) psychology appointments

• Access to a rehab consultant or other Allied Health Professions

Most claims initially approve 6–8 psychology sessions, with additional sessions able to be requested based on clinical need and treatment progress.

Can You Access Psychology via Telehealth Under WorkCover?

Yes! Many WorkCover schemes across Australia allow telehealth psychology appointments, provided they are clinically appropriate.

Telehealth can be especially helpful if you:

• Live in a regional or rural area

• Have mobility or transport difficulties

• Experience anxiety leaving the home

• Prefer attending sessions from a private environment

Telehealth sessions are conducted securely and are treated the same as in-person appointments for WorkCover billing purposes.

What If My Psychological Injury Is Affecting My Ability to Work?

Psychological injuries can impact:

• Concentration and memory

• Emotional regulation

• Sleep and energy levels

• Attendance and performance

• Ability to cope with workplace demands

  
  

Your treating psychologist can work collaboratively with your GP, employer, and insurer to support:

• Gradual return-to-work planning

• Workplace capacity recommendations

• Identification of barriers to recovery

• Strategies to improve functional outcomes

Getting Support Early Matters

Research consistently shows that early psychological intervention improves recovery outcomes in WorkCover claims.

Early support can help:

• Reduce symptom severity

• Prevent long-term psychological injury

• Improve confidence returning to work

• Reduce overall claim duration

If you are struggling, seeking support early is strongly encouraged.

How Tele-Psychs Can Help

Tele-Psychs provides Australia-wide WorkCover-approved psychology therapy via secure telehealth.

We support individuals experiencing:

• Work-related stress

• Anxiety and depression

• Trauma and PTSD

• Adjustment difficulties

• Workplace bullying or conflict

Our psychologists work collaboratively with GPs, insurers, and rehabilitation providers to support recovery and return-to-work goals.

Approved WorkCover and Insurance Providers We Work With

Tele-Psychs provides psychology therapy for clients with accepted workers compensation and insurance claims across Australia.

Our psychologists regularly work with referrals funded by the following insurers and schemes:

• WorkCover Queensland (QLD)

• SIRA – State Insurance Regulatory Authority (NSW)

• ReturnToWorkSA (South Australia)

• WorkSafe Victoria (VIC)

• Allianz Insurance

• EML (Employers Mutual Limited)

• And all other insurer schemes across Australia

We collaborate with claims managers, rehabilitation providers, and treating GPs to ensure therapy aligns with insurer requirements, treatment guidelines, and return-to-work goals.

Need Support With a WorkCover Psychological Injury?

If you believe your mental health has been impacted by your work, support is available. Please call or email us to learn more about services;

Call: 1300 820 031

Email: reception@tele-psychs.com.au

Website: www.tele-psychs.com.au