WorkCover Psychology Fees in Victoria: What You'll Pay (and What WorkSafe Covers)
For most approved WorkCover claimants, psychology sessions cost nothing. WorkSafe Victoria's insurer pays your psychologist directly at the published fee schedule rate — no gap fee applies at The Talk Shop.
One of the biggest questions people have when accessing psychology through WorkCover is: what will it cost me? The short answer for most approved claimants is nothing — but the details matter. This article breaks down exactly how WorkSafe Victoria funds psychology sessions, what the current fee schedule looks like, and what to do if your claim hasn’t been approved yet.
How WorkCover Psychology Funding Works
When your WorkCover claim is accepted by WorkSafe Victoria’s insurer, psychology sessions are funded directly by the insurer at the WorkSafe-published fee schedule rate. Your psychologist bills the insurer — not you — which means in most cases there is no out-of-pocket cost for the session itself.
This is different from Medicare’s Better Access program, where there is typically a gap fee between the Medicare rebate and the psychologist’s full fee. Under WorkCover, the insurer is liable for the full scheduled fee, and most registered WorkCover providers accept this as complete payment.
Current WorkSafe Victoria Psychology Fee Schedule (2025–26)
WorkSafe Victoria publishes an annual fee schedule for allied health providers, including psychologists. The rates below apply to registered psychologists billing under the WorkSafe scheme:
| Session Type | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Individual therapy | ≤30 minutes | $104.36 |
| Individual therapy | 30–60 minutes | $208.70 |
| Individual therapy | >60 minutes | $313.05 |
| Group therapy (per person) | 60–90 minutes | $52.37 |
| Report writing (per hour) | — | $208.70 |
Rates are subject to annual indexation. Always verify current rates at worksafe.vic.gov.au before relying on these figures.
Will I Pay Any Gap Fee?
In most cases, no. Unlike private psychology where the gap between the Medicare rebate and the psychologist’s full fee can range from $50 to $180 per session, WorkCover-registered providers are expected to accept the WorkSafe schedule fee as full payment.
However, there are situations where out-of-pocket costs can arise:
- Provider charges above the schedule: Some providers charge above the WorkSafe rate. If you choose a provider who does this, the difference is your responsibility. Always confirm fees before your first appointment.
- Services not covered by the scheme: Certain services (e.g. some specialised assessments or reports not required by the insurer) may not be covered. Ask your psychologist and case manager before proceeding with any service beyond standard therapy.
- Travel or related costs: Psychology session fees are covered, but associated travel costs are generally not — unless specifically approved.
How Does This Compare to Medicare Psychology?
It’s worth understanding how WorkCover compares to Medicare’s Better Access program — particularly if your claim is delayed or disputed.
| Factor | WorkCover Victoria | Medicare Better Access |
|---|---|---|
| Session cap | No fixed cap (clinical need) | 10 sessions/year |
| Out-of-pocket cost | Usually $0 | Gap fee (varies by clinic) |
| GP referral required | Yes (Certificate of Capacity) | Yes (Mental Health Care Plan) |
| Approval required | Yes (claim must be accepted) | No (automatic with MHCP) |
| Telehealth covered | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Work-related psychological injury | General mental health support |
If your claim is still being assessed, or if it’s rejected, Medicare’s Better Access program is the most accessible alternative. See our bulk billed psychologist Melbourne guide for how to access affordable psychology while you navigate the claims process.
What If My WorkCover Claim Is Still Being Assessed?
WorkSafe Victoria’s insurers have up to 28 days to decide on most claims. During this time, they may make provisional liability payments — which means they can fund reasonable treatment costs for mental injury claims while the claim is being assessed.
Under provisional liability:
- Provisional payments apply to mental injury claims while the claim is being assessed — you do not need to wait for formal acceptance to start treatment
- If the claim is rejected, provisional payments continue for up to 13 weeks after the rejection determination
- Your treating GP and psychologist should communicate directly with the insurer during this period
If your insurer is not making provisional payments and your claim is still outstanding, contact WorkSafe Victoria on 1800 136 089 to understand your options.
What If My Claim Is Rejected?
If your claim is rejected, you still have options:
- Dispute the decision through WorkSafe Victoria’s conciliation process (this is free and available to all claimants)
- Seek legal advice from a workplace injury lawyer
- Access Medicare psychology in the interim — with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you can access up to 10 subsidised sessions per calendar year
- If cost is a concern, our provisional psychologist sessions offer reduced fees while maintaining evidence-based care
WorkCover Psychology at The Talk Shop
The Talk Shop is a registered WorkCover psychology provider across four Melbourne locations. Our psychologists bill WorkSafe Victoria’s insurer directly at the schedule rate — there is no gap fee for approved WorkCover clients.
We accept WorkCover referrals for a broad range of work-related psychological injuries, including workplace trauma, burnout, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Visit our WorkCover page to find out how to refer or book.
Book a WorkCover Psychology Session
The Talk Shop bills WorkSafe Victoria directly at the published schedule rate. No gap fee for approved WorkCover clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay a gap fee for WorkCover psychology sessions?
In most cases, no. Registered WorkCover providers accept the WorkSafe fee schedule as full payment. Confirm with your specific provider before your first appointment to be certain.
How often can I see my WorkCover psychologist?
Session frequency is determined by your treatment plan. Typically sessions occur weekly or fortnightly. As your recovery progresses, frequency may decrease. Your psychologist submits treatment plans to the insurer in blocks, which are approved based on clinical progress.
Are telehealth WorkCover psychology sessions covered?
Yes. WorkSafe Victoria covers telehealth sessions at the same fee schedule rates as face-to-face sessions. This is particularly useful for clients who find travel difficult during recovery.
Can I see a clinical psychologist under WorkCover, or only a registered psychologist?
Both registered psychologists and clinical psychologists can provide WorkCover psychology services, provided they hold a WorkSafe Victoria provider number. Clinical psychologists may be preferred for more complex presentations — discuss this with your GP when getting your referral.
What if I've already used my Medicare sessions for the year?
If your WorkCover claim is accepted, you switch to billing through WorkCover — Medicare session limits are irrelevant. WorkCover has no annual session cap; sessions continue as long as they remain clinically necessary and are supported by your treatment plan.