WorkCover Psychologist NSW: How to Access Psychological Support for Your Workplace Injury Claim
Looking for a WorkCover-approved psychologist in NSW? Learn how workers compensation covers psychological treatment, what it costs, and how to get started with a claim.
If you've been searching for a WorkCover psychologist near me or trying to understand whether workers compensation covers psychological treatment in NSW, you're not alone. Every year, thousands of workers across NSW seek psychological support after a workplace injury — whether the injury itself was physical and the mental health impact followed, or the injury was psychological from the start (for example, from bullying, harassment, or a traumatic workplace incident).
This guide answers the most common questions people ask when looking for psychological treatment under workers compensation in NSW.
Is Psychology Covered Under WorkCover?
Yes. In NSW, psychological treatment is a recognised and compensable medical expense under the workers compensation scheme, provided your treatment is delivered by a psychologist approved by SIRA (the State Insurance Regulatory Authority). This applies whether your psychological injury is:
Primary — the injury itself is psychological (e.g. work-related anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by a workplace event)
Secondary — psychological symptoms that developed as a consequence of a physical workplace injury
How Do I Find a WorkCover-Approved Psychologist?
Not every psychologist can treat workers compensation clients. To bill an insurer directly, a psychologist must hold a SIRA provider number. When searching for a workers compensation psychologist in Sydney or NSW, it's worth confirming this approval status upfront. Connection Point Psychology is SIRA-approved and experienced in supporting clients through the claims process from day one.
Do I Need Insurer Approval Before Starting Treatment?
Not always. Under current SIRA guidelines, you may be able to start treatment without insurer pre-approval in several situations — for example, if this is the first time you've seen a psychologist or counsellor for this injury and treatment begins within three months of the injury occurring (up to eight sessions). This means you often don't have to wait for the approval process before getting support.
What Does a WorkCover Psychology Session Cost?
Workers compensation psychology fees in NSW are set by SIRA and capped under the Workers Compensation (Psychology and Counselling Fees) Order. As of the current fee schedule, a psychologist can charge up to roughly $284 per hour for an initial consultation and around $238 per hour for subsequent sessions (exact amounts are pro-rated by time, up to 60 minutes). Importantly, you as the worker are not liable for these costs — your employer's insurer pays directly, and you can't be charged a gap fee.
What Happens During Treatment?
A typical course of WorkCover psychological treatment may include:
An initial assessment to understand your injury, history, and recovery goals
Evidence-based treatment (such as CBT) tailored to your presentation
Regular reassessment of your progress and return-to-work capacity
Communication with your insurer, employer, and GP to support a coordinated recovery plan
Recent Changes to Be Aware Of
NSW workers compensation reforms took effect throughout 2026, tightening eligibility criteria for some new primary psychological injury claims and adjusting long-term entitlements. If your injury occurred before the relevant reform dates, your existing claim and entitlements are generally unaffected. If you're unsure how the changes apply to your situation, it's worth discussing this with your treating psychologist or seeking advice from a union or lawyer.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're navigating a workplace injury and searching for a WorkCover psychologist in NSW, I can help. I’m SIRA-approved and am committed to supporting your recovery and return to work.
Contact me today to book an appointment or ask a question about your claim.
