WorkSafe ACT Psychology
If you work for a private sector employer in the ACT, psychology may be funded under the WorkSafe ACT workers compensation scheme where your claim and treatment are approved. 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 WorkSafe ACT scheme for private sector workers. If you work for the ACT Government or a Commonwealth agency, see our Comcare ACT page.
Psychology Under WorkSafe ACT
Private sector workers in the ACT are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act 1951 (ACT), with WorkSafe ACT as the scheme regulator. Claims are handled by licensed private insurers.
The Talk Shop provides workers compensation-funded psychology via telehealth to injured workers in the ACT. We are AHPRA-registered and work directly with your insurer.
Eligibility for a Psychological Injury Claim Under WorkSafe ACT
To make a claim under the ACT WCA for a psychological injury, you need to show:
- You are a private sector worker covered under the ACT scheme
- You have a diagnosable psychological condition
- Employment contributed to your condition
- Your injury is not excluded by the reasonable management action provisions
Reasonable management action exclusion
The exclusion applies where a psychological injury was caused completely or mostly by a reasonable employer action — such as a transfer, demotion, performance appraisal, discipline, retrenchment, or dismissal — carried out in a reasonable manner.
Important: no lump-sum for psychological impairment
Under the ACT WCA, there is no lump-sum compensation available for permanent psychological impairment. This makes early access to treatment and a strong return-to-work outcome particularly important.
How to Access Psychology Under WorkSafe ACT
- See your GP — Obtain a Certificate of Capacity and referral to a psychologist
- Lodge your claim — With your employer’s workers compensation insurer
- Your insurer assesses liability and authorises treatment
- Book with The Talk Shop — Telehealth available across the ACT
- We bill your insurer directly — eligible approved sessions can be billed directly to the insurer or scheme
Your Rights as an Injured ACT Worker
- You have the right to choose your own treating psychologist
- Your employer cannot access your clinical records without consent
- If your claim is rejected, you can seek review through the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT)
- You are protected from adverse action for making a genuine workers compensation 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 WorkSafe ACT or Comcare?
If you work for a private sector employer in the ACT, you are covered by WorkSafe ACT. If you work for the ACT Government or a Commonwealth agency, you are covered by Comcare.
How many sessions does WorkSafe ACT cover?
There is no fixed session limit. Sessions continue as long as they are clinically necessary and authorised by your insurer as part of your treatment plan.
Can I access psychology via telehealth under WorkSafe ACT?
Yes. Telehealth sessions are covered under the scheme.
What if my WorkSafe ACT claim is rejected?
You can seek review through the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT). We recommend seeking legal advice promptly after a rejection.
Workers Compensation Act 1951 (ACT). ACT Parliamentary Counsel. https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/db_sch1/
WorkSafe ACT. (2024). Workers compensation. ACT Government. https://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/workers-and-employers/workers-compensation
WorkSafe ACT. (2024). Mental health at work. ACT Government. https://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/hazards-and-safety/hazards/psychological-hazards
Safe Work Australia. (2024). Psychological health and safety: a guide for workers. Safe Work Australia. https://www.safeworkaustralia.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