WorkCover Psychology NSW
Psychology support for eligible injured workers in New South Wales. No waitlist. Direct billing may be available for approved claims, and telehealth may be available where clinically suitable and accepted by your insurer.
Direct Billing for Approved Claims
For eligible approved sessions, we bill your insurer or scheme directly at approved rates.
Psychology Under NSW Workers Compensation
NSW workers compensation is regulated by SIRA. icare provides insurance and care services for many NSW workers, while some employers are self-insured or specialised insurers. If you have experienced a psychological injury at work — or a physical injury that has affected your mental health — you may be entitled to psychology sessions where your claim and treatment are approved.
The Talk Shop provides psychology via telehealth to workers across New South Wales where suitable. Sessions are with AHPRA-registered psychologists and, for eligible approved claims, billed directly to your insurer.
Important: What Changed on 1 July 2026
NSW workers compensation law was updated significantly on 1 July 2026. If your psychological injury arose on or after this date, new eligibility requirements apply.
What the new rules require
Under the updated legislation, a primary psychological injury must arise from one or more defined workplace circumstances — known as “relevant events”. These include being subjected to workplace bullying or harassment, witnessing or being involved in a traumatic workplace incident, experiencing an act of violence at work, or other defined workplace hazards. Employment must also be the main contributing factor to your injury.
If your injury occurred before 1 July 2026, the previous rules apply to your claim. If you are unsure which rules apply, we recommend speaking with a WorkCover lawyer before lodging.
Eligibility for a Psychological Injury Claim
To make a claim in NSW you generally need to show:
- You are a covered worker under the NSW scheme
- You have a diagnosed psychological condition — not just work-related stress
- Employment was the main contributing factor (for injuries from 1 July 2026) or a significant contributing factor (for injuries before that date)
- Your injury is not excluded by the reasonable management action provisions
Reasonable management action exclusion
If your psychological injury was caused wholly or predominantly by a reasonable employer action — such as a performance review, disciplinary process, or dismissal — carried out in a reasonable manner, your claim may not be accepted. Both the nature and the conduct of the action must be reasonable for the exclusion to apply.
How to Access Psychology Under icare
- See your GP — obtain a Certificate of Capacity or relevant medical certification
- Lodge your claim — your employer or insurer starts the workers compensation process
- Insurer assesses your claim — ask whether psychology treatment is approved or provisionally funded
- Book with The Talk Shop — telehealth may be available where suitable and accepted by the insurer
- Billing is confirmed before treatment — for eligible approved sessions, we bill the insurer directly at the relevant approved rate
Your Rights as an Injured Worker in NSW
- You have the right to choose your own treating psychologist
- Your employer cannot access your clinical records without your consent
- If your claim is rejected, you can dispute through the Personal Injury Commission of NSW
- 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
Do I need a GP referral to access WorkCover psychology in NSW?
Yes. Your GP provides a Certificate of Capacity confirming your psychological injury, which is required to lodge your claim and access funded psychology sessions.
How many sessions does icare cover?
There is no fixed session limit. Your insurer funds sessions as long as they are clinically necessary and approved within your treatment plan.
Can I access sessions via telehealth under icare NSW?
Yes. Telehealth psychology is covered at the same SIRA-approved rates as face-to-face sessions.
What if my WorkCover claim is rejected in NSW?
You have the right to dispute the decision through the Personal Injury Commission of NSW. We recommend seeking advice from a workers compensation lawyer promptly after a rejection.
Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW). NSW Parliamentary Counsel. https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1987-070
icare NSW. (2024). Making a workers compensation claim. Insurance and Care NSW. https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/workers/injured-at-work/making-a-claim/
icare NSW. (2024). Psychological and psychiatric injuries. Insurance and Care NSW. https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/workers/injured-at-work/types-of-injury/psychological-and-psychiatric-injuries/
Safe Work Australia. (2024). Guide to managing risks of psychosocial hazards at work. Safe Work Australia. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
Ready to Access WorkCover Psychology in NSW?
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