Workers Compensation

Yes. We provide psychological treatment under: 

• NSW Workers Compensation
• NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP)
• Comcare (eligible Commonwealth employees)

Ideally yes. 

We require written approval from your insurer before commencing treatment under Workers Compensation.

If you're unsure where your claim is up to, contact our administration team and we'll discuss your options.

Yes. 

You'll usually need a referral from your Nominated Treating Doctor (typically your GP).

No. 

Approved Workers Compensation psychological treatment has no out-of-pocket cost.

Your psychologist invoices the insurer directly.

No. 

SIRA guidelines prevent psychologists from charging cancellation fees to Workers Compensation clients.

We do ask for at least two business days' notice wherever possible so we can offer the appointment to another client.

Yes. 

Telehealth is available throughout NSW.

Some treatments, particularly EMDR, may be more effective when delivered face-to-face depending on your individual circumstances.

Travel and accommodation may be reimbursed, but approval must come from your insurer. 

Where clinically appropriate, your psychologist can provide a report supporting the need to travel for specialised treatment such as EMDR.

Yes. 

Many of our psychologists are EMDR trained.

Additional insurer approval may sometimes be required before EMDR treatment begins.

Yes—but the primary focus of treatment is your work-related psychological injury. 

Because all aspects of life influence mental health, non-work issues may be discussed where they are relevant to your recovery and treatment goals.

Not automatically. 

However, insurers may request clinical records when determining liability or ongoing treatment.

If this occurs, your psychologist will discuss the request with you before deciding the most appropriate way to respond.

Yes. 

Your psychologist can provide reports to:

• your Case Manager
• your GP
• Independent Medical Examiners
• your solicitor (when appropriate)

We do not prepare expert witness reports for court proceedings. Those are generally best completed by forensic psychologists.

No. 

While we provide ADHD, autism and learning disorder assessments, these assessments are self-funded and cannot usually be billed through Workers' Compensation.

Many clients are reimbursed for medication related to their accepted psychological injury. 

Approval is determined by your insurer, so you should discuss this with your Case Manager.

Yes. You can generally change psychologists if you feel another clinician may be a better fit for your needs. A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful treatment. 

If you would like to transfer your care to The Psych Collective, we can discuss the process with you. Depending on your circumstances, you may need an updated referral from your Nominated Treating Doctor (usually your GP) and approval from your insurer or Case Manager.

If your claim has been declined, your insurer is generally not responsible for funding psychological treatment. 

You may still be able to access treatment through:

• Medicare (with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP)
• Private health insurance (if your policy includes psychology)
• Self-funded appointments

If your claim is under review or you are disputing the insurer's decision, speak with your Case Manager, solicitor or treating doctor about your options. Our administration team can also discuss alternative funding pathways while your claim is being resolved.

Yes, however the funding arrangements may differ. 

If your insurer has not yet accepted liability or provided written approval for psychological treatment, appointments cannot usually be billed to Workers Compensation. You may choose to attend appointments as a self-funded client or access Medicare rebates (if eligible) while waiting for your claim to be determined.

Once liability has been accepted, your insurer may advise whether any previously incurred treatment costs can be reimbursed. This decision is made by the insurer, not by your psychologist.

There is no standard number of sessions that applies to everyone. 

The duration of treatment depends on factors including:

• the nature and severity of your psychological injury
• your progress in treatment
• your treatment goals
• recommendations from your treating psychologist
• approval from your insurer

Your psychologist will regularly review your progress and, where required, provide reports to your insurer recommending whether ongoing treatment is clinically appropriate.

Your consultations with your psychologist are confidential. 

Your employer does not receive copies of your clinical notes or details of what is discussed during your appointments unless you provide consent or disclosure is otherwise required by law.

Your insurer may request reports about your treatment or progress to help determine ongoing funding or return-to-work planning. If information is requested, your psychologist will discuss the request with you and ensure only clinically relevant information is shared.

Sometimes. 

With your knowledge and consent, your psychologist may communicate with your Case Manager to:

• discuss treatment progress
• request approval for additional treatment
• recommend specific therapies such as EMDR
• support return-to-work planning
• clarify administrative matters

These discussions help ensure your treatment continues smoothly and that your insurer has the information required to make funding decisions.

If your psychologist believes further treatment is clinically necessary, they can prepare a progress report outlining: 

• your current symptoms
• the progress you've made
• your remaining treatment goals
• why additional sessions are recommended

Your insurer will review this information before deciding whether to approve further treatment.

In most cases, yes. 

You are generally able to choose the psychologist you would like to see, provided they are appropriately qualified and approved to provide services under the relevant Workers Compensation scheme.

If you're unsure which clinician would best suit your needs, our administration team can help match you with a psychologist based on your presentation, treatment goals and preferences.

You may still be eligible for psychological treatment, even if your workplace injury occurred months or years ago. 

Eligibility depends on factors such as the status of your Workers' Compensation claim, your insurer's approval and whether ongoing treatment is considered clinically appropriate. If you're unsure, contact our team, and we can help you understand what information you'll need before booking.