What Therapy Under WorkCover Involves: A Complete Guide for Injured Workers in Australia
- Tele Psych
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 19
What Therapy Under WorkCover Involves: A Complete Guide for Injured Workers in Australia
Workplace injuries don’t just affect your body — they can impact your emotional wellbeing, confidence, and ability to return to work. Many Australians experience psychological injuries after difficult or traumatic events at work, and accessing therapy through WorkCover is often an important part of recovery.
If you’ve recently been approved for WorkCover-funded psychology sessions, you might be wondering what to expect. This guide breaks down exactly how the process works, what therapy involves, and how Tele-Psychs supports you throughout your claim.
What Is a Psychological Injury Under WorkCover?
A psychological injury can occur when workplace events impact your mental health. This can include:
Bullying or harassment
Exposure to traumatic or distressing incidents
Work-related stress
Assaults or threats
Chronic workplace conflict
Accidents or injuries
Common diagnoses include PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress-related disorders.
WorkCover recognises how significantly these injuries can impact daily functioning and often funds psychological therapy as part of your recovery and return-to-work plan.
How to Access WorkCover Psychology Sessions
To begin therapy under WorkCover, you will usually need:
A valid WorkCover claim number. Please contact your worker compensation insurer to start a claim.
A referral from your GP or psychiatrist
Approval from your claims manager for therapy sessions
Once approval is confirmed, Tele-Psychs arranges your first appointment and liaises directly with your claims manager so you can focus on your wellbeing.
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
WorkCover therapy sessions are confidential and supportive. Your psychologist will:
Explore the workplace incident and its impact
Identify symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, hypervigilance, sleep issues, or trauma responses
Assess your current coping strategies
Discuss your goals for therapy and recovery
Begin forming a tailored treatment plan
The first session is also a chance to build rapport and ask questions about your therapy journey.
The Types of Therapy Used in WorkCover Treatment
Psychologists use evidence-based approaches proven to support recovery from workplace trauma. These may include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours contributing to anxiety, stress, or depression.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Used when incidents have caused psychological trauma, ensuring sessions are handled safely, respectfully, and without re-traumatisation.
Exposure Therapy (when appropriate)
Supports clients in gradually reducing avoidance behaviours caused by fear or traumatic memories.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Focuses on resilience, coping skills, and building a values-driven life even when symptoms persist.
Stress Management & Coping Skills Training
Helps improve emotional regulation, sleep, confidence, and daily functioning.
Psychoeducation
Understanding your diagnosis and symptoms is an important part of healing.
Every person’s treatment plan is different, and your psychologist will adjust your therapy as your recovery progresses.
How Many Sessions Are Covered by WorkCover?
Each state manages approvals differently, but WorkCover commonly authorises sessions in blocks (for example, 6 to 8 sessions at a time). Your psychologist regularly provides progress updates to your claims manager to ensure sessions continue to be funded.
Progress Reports Required by WorkCover
Your psychologist may need to complete forms such as:
NSW SIRA - Allies Health Treatment Request (AHTR)
WorkCover QLD - Provider Management Plan (PMP)
WorkSafe VIC - Progress Report
These reports outline your progress, current symptoms, and treatment goals. They do not include the private details discussed in your sessions.
Your Role in WorkCover Therapy
Recovery is a team effort. As a client, you can support your progress by:
Attending sessions consistently
Practicing strategies between appointments
Communicating openly about symptoms and challenges
Engaging in your return-to-work plan when appropriate
Staying in contact with your claims manager if circumstances change
Tele-Psychs will always guide you through your responsibilities so you’re never unsure of what’s required.
How Tele-Psychs Supports You Throughout Your Claim
At Tele-Psychs, we work closely with WorkCover clients across Australia and understand the unique challenges associated with workplace psychological injuries.
We provide:
Experienced psychologists trained in trauma and workplace injury
Telehealth appointments for convenience, privacy, and accessibility
Completion of all required WorkCover forms (AHTR, Provider Managment Plan (PMP), progress reports)
Collaboration with your GP, employer, and claims manager
Evidence-based therapy designed for recovery and return-to-work planning
Our goal is to support your mental health, rebuild confidence, and help you move toward a sustainable recovery.
Final Thoughts
Starting therapy after a workplace injury can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. WorkCover-funded psychology sessions provide a safe, structured, and effective pathway toward healing and returning to daily life with confidence.
If you need support with a WorkCover psychological injury or want to discuss upcoming availability, contact Tele-Psychs on 1300 820 031 or email reception@tele-psychs.com.au.
