Accessing Psychological Support via Work Cover NSW
Looking for WorkCover QLD info? Stay tuned, blog post coming soon.
Key Points
Notify your employer as soon as possible about your work-related injury.
Visit your GP for an assessment and a Certificate of Capacity, which may include a referral to a psychologist.
Complete and submit a Worker’s Injury Claim Form for your employer.
If approved, the insurer may cover up to 8 sessions of psychological treatment, with further sessions available upon request.
Rusanow Psychology can support your recovery via flexible telehealth sessions.
If you’ve been injured at work and are considering seeking support via WorkCover NSW, the process can feel overwhelming. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you understand how to access services with Rusanow Psychology under the workers’ compensation scheme in New South Wales.
1. Report Your Injury
In order to receive support via WorkCover NSW you must report your work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible, providing them with the date and time of the injury, how it occurred, and a description of the injury or illness.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Capacity
Following a work-related injury, visit your GP to discuss your injury, symptoms, and recovery. Your GP will assess your condition and provide a Certificate of Capacity, outlining your support needs and capacity for work - this may include a referral to see a Psychologist.
3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Complete and submit a Worker’s Injury Claim Form for your Employer, which can be accessed via the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) website here.
When submitting your Worker’s Injury Claim Form, you should include your Certificate of Capacity.
4. Seek Approval for Psychological Treatment
Once your Worker’s Injury Claim Form is lodged and received by the insurer, you should receive a claim number, your claim will be assessed, and you may also be assigned a case manager who can guide you through the process.
If approved, the insurer may confirm approval for psychological services (among other forms of support). Insurers will only approve up to 8 Psychology appointments at a time, with further sessions available upon request via an Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR).
NOTE: You may be eligible for pre-approved Psychology sessions if you meet any of the following criteria:
Up to 8 sessions if treatment starts within 3 months of your injury and no prior psychological care was provided for the injury.
Up to 3 sessions if treatment starts more than 3 months after the injury with no prior psychological care.
1 session with a new psychologist if prior care was provided by a different Psychologist.
5. Choose Your Psychologist
Select a psychologist who aligns with your needs and preferences. At Rusanow Psychology, I specialize in providing telehealth psychological services (phone or video) tailored to helping clients navigate work-related challenges. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
6. Book Your Initial Appointment
Once approval for treatment is secured, you can book your first session. Rusanow Psychology’s online booking system makes it easy to select a time that suits you. Intake forms will be provided to gather necessary information and ensure a smooth process from the start.
7. Attend Your Sessions
Sessions are conducted via a secure video platform or phone call. A link will be sent before the session, allowing you to join directly from your browser without additional software. Each session is designed to help you address workplace stressors, trauma, or other psychological concerns in a supportive and confidential environment.
8. Payment Process
Treatment costs are billed directly to the workers’ compensation insurer, meaning there’s no out-of-pocket expense for approved sessions. If further sessions are required, an Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR) will need to be completed with your Psychologist and then submitted to your insurer for approval.
9. Focusing on Your Recovery
The ultimate goal of psychological support through workers’ compensation is to help you recover and regain your mental well-being. Whether you require short-term assistance or ongoing therapy, I am here to support you during your recovery.
More Information about Workers Compensation
If you’d like to learn more about Workers Compensation in NSW, the following resources may be helpful: