Understand your rights, the claims process, and how to access psychology support for a work-related mental health injury in Victoria.
If your mental health has been affected by your work — whether through stress, bullying, trauma, or a cumulative series of incidents — you may be eligible to make a WorkCover mental health claim in Victoria.
This guide walks you through the eligibility criteria, the claims process, and what psychology support looks like under a WorkCover claim.
For mental injuries that occurred on or after 31 March 2024, WorkSafe says a compensable mental injury must:
Different definitions or exceptions may apply to injuries before 31 March 2024.
Work-related anxiety, depression, PTSD, adjustment disorder or other diagnosed mental injuries may be eligible where WorkSafeu2019s criteria are met.
Stress or burnout claims need careful assessment because WorkSafe excludes some claims where the injury is largely from usual or typical work stressors. The exclusion does not apply in the same way to traumatic events.
A mental injury may be excluded if it is caused wholly or predominantly by reasonable management action taken on reasonable grounds and in a reasonable manner. Examples can include performance management, disciplinary action, demotion or redundancy decisions, depending on the facts. If you are unsure whether this applies to your situation, speak with a WorkSafe agent or legal adviser.
Once your claim is accepted, or you are eligible for provisional payments, your WorkSafe agent can confirm psychology treatment approval. For approved WorkCover sessions at The Talk Shop, we bill the WorkSafe agent directly at approved fee schedule rates, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible approved sessions.
WorkSafe-funded psychology must be provided by a WorkSafe-approved psychologist with general AHPRA registration. WorkSafe does not fund services delivered by provisional psychologists.
Rates effective 1 July 2026 per the WorkSafe Victoria fee schedule.
WorkSafe psychology requires a medical practitioner referral before treatment begins, and your WorkSafe agent must confirm your claim, provisional payments or treatment approval. We can help with WorkSafe billing paperwork once we have your claim number, agent details and referral.
The Talk Shop provides telehealth psychology to eligible workers under workers compensation schemes in every state and territory. Select your state or territory below for scheme-specific information.
We accept WorkCover-referred clients across our Melbourne locations. Please bring your claim number, WorkSafe agent details and medical practitioner referral so we can confirm eligibility and billing before your first appointment.
Locations: Melbourne CBD • Reservoir • Wheelers Hill / Brandon Park • Mooroolbark • Telehealth
