Comcare Psychology ACT
If you work for the ACT Government, a Commonwealth agency or another Comcare-covered employer, psychology may be funded for accepted or approved compensation claims. Some treatment may proceed without specific prior approval under Comcare rules, but claim and billing details should be confirmed first. No waitlist.
Direct Billing for Approved Claims
For eligible approved sessions, we bill your insurer or scheme directly at approved rates.
Not sure which scheme covers you?
This page covers the Comcare scheme for ACT Government and Commonwealth workers. If you work for a private sector employer in the ACT, see our WorkSafe ACT page.
Psychology Under Comcare
Many workers in the ACT are covered by the federal Comcare scheme under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth). This includes ACT Government employees (managed by EML under the SRC Act), Commonwealth public servants, Australian Federal Police, and employees of self-insured corporations.
The Talk Shop provides Comcare-funded psychology via telehealth. We are AHPRA-registered and bill Comcare directly.
Eligibility for a Psychological Injury Claim Under Comcare
To make a claim under the SRC Act for a psychological injury, you need to show:
- You are a covered employee (Commonwealth or ACT Government worker)
- You have a diagnosable mental health condition
- Employment contributed to a significant degree to your condition, or materially aggravated a pre-existing condition
- Your injury is not excluded by the reasonable administrative action provisions
Reasonable administrative action exclusion
The exclusion applies where a psychological injury arose from a reasonable administrative action taken in a reasonable manner — such as a performance appraisal, misconduct investigation, disciplinary action, counselling, or dismissal. If any contributing cause of your injury falls under this exclusion, your claim may not succeed. The reasonableness of both the action and its conduct are assessed objectively.
Comcare Psychology Approval and Treatment Planning
Start treatment quickly
Comcare guidance allows some psychology or counselling treatment to proceed without specific prior approval in limited circumstances. Ongoing treatment depends on clinical need, claim status and Comcare or claims manager approval. Comcare also requires prior approval where psychology consultations have reasonable justification to exceed 60 minutes.
How to Access Psychology Under Comcare
- See your GP or treating doctor — obtain certification of your injury
- Lodge your claim — with Comcare or your agency’s claims team
- Confirm treatment approval — check whether initial sessions can proceed and when a treatment plan is required
- Book with The Talk Shop — telehealth may be available where clinically suitable and accepted
- Billing is confirmed before treatment — eligible approved sessions can be billed directly to Comcare or the claims manager
Your Rights Under Comcare
- You have the right to choose your own treating psychologist
- Comcare cannot direct you to attend at a provider of their choosing for treatment
- Your employer cannot access your clinical records without consent
- If your claim is rejected, you can seek review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
- You are protected from adverse action for making a genuine claim
Why Choose The Talk Shop?
Direct Billing for Approved Claims
For eligible approved sessions, we bill your insurer or scheme directly at approved rates.
No Waitlist
Available now via telehealth across Australia. No weeks of waiting to begin.
We Help Confirm Billing
Bring your claim number, insurer or claims manager details, referral or certificate, and any approval information. We can help confirm billing before your first appointment.
AHPRA-Registered
Our psychologists are registered with AHPRA and experienced with workers compensation billing; scheme and insurer requirements vary.
Multiple Languages
Sessions available in Arabic, Mandarin, Farsi, Vietnamese, and more. Ask our team when booking.
Telehealth Where Approved
Telehealth is available by secure video or phone where clinically suitable and accepted by your insurer or scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I covered by Comcare or WorkSafe ACT?
If you work for the ACT Government, a Commonwealth agency, the AFP, or a self-insured employer, you are likely covered by Comcare. If you work for a private sector employer in the ACT, you are covered by WorkSafe ACT. If you are unsure, check with your employer’s HR team.
How many sessions does Comcare cover?
There is no fixed limit. The first 5 sessions proceed without specific prior approval. From session 6, a Psychology and Counselling Treatment Notification Plan is required. Sessions continue as long as clinically necessary and approved.
Can I access Comcare psychology via telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth sessions are covered at equivalent approved rates to face-to-face sessions.
What if my Comcare claim is rejected?
You can apply for reconsideration by Comcare and, if unsuccessful, seek review through the Administrative Review Tribunal. We recommend seeking legal advice promptly after a rejection.
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth). Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2022C00204
Comcare. (2024). Lodging a claim. Australian Government Comcare. https://www.comcare.gov.au/claims-and-support/making-a-claim/
Comcare. (2024). Psychology and counselling services. Australian Government Comcare. https://www.comcare.gov.au/claims-and-support/approved-services/psychology/
Administrative Review Tribunal. (2024). Applying for review. Australian Government. https://www.art.gov.au/
Ready to Access WorkCover Psychology in the ACT?
No waitlist. Direct billing may be available for eligible approved claims. Bring your claim number, insurer or claims manager details, referral or certificate, and any approval information so we can confirm billing before your first appointment.
Telehealth where approved • AHPRA-registered psychologists • direct billing for eligible approved claims