ReturnToWork Psychology South Australia
ReturnToWorkSA funds psychology sessions for eligible injured workers. No waitlist. Direct billing may be available for eligible approved claims. Telehealth available across South Australia.
Direct Billing for Approved Claims
For eligible approved sessions, we bill your insurer or scheme directly at approved rates.
Psychology Under ReturnToWorkSA
South Australia’s workers compensation scheme is managed by ReturnToWorkSA and administered through approved claims agents including Gallagher Bassett and EML. If you have experienced a psychological injury at work, you may be entitled to funded psychology sessions where your claim and treatment are approved.
The Talk Shop provides ReturnToWork-funded psychology via telehealth to workers across South Australia. We are AHPRA-registered and bill your claims agent directly.
Eligibility for a Psychological Injury Claim in SA
To make a claim under the Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) for a psychological injury, you need to show:
- You are a worker covered under the SA scheme
- You have a diagnosed psychiatric condition recognised under DSM or ICD — work-related stress alone is not sufficient
- Employment was the significant contributing cause of your injury — meaning it must have been the most significant cause when weighed against all other factors
- Your injury is not excluded by the reasonable management action provisions
SA causation test
The “significant contributing cause” test in SA is one of the more demanding in Australia — employment must be the most significant cause of your injury when compared to all other contributing factors. If you are uncertain whether your circumstances meet this threshold, we recommend speaking with a ReturnToWork lawyer before lodging.
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, demotion, or dismissal — carried out in a reasonable manner, your claim may not be accepted.
Accessing Psychology Under ReturnToWorkSA
- See your GP — obtain a Work Capacity Certificate and referral to a psychologist where required
- Lodge your claim — your employer notifies their claims agent
- Confirm treatment approval — ask your claims agent whether psychology is approved or provisionally funded
- 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 the claims agent
- Ongoing treatment — your psychologist may provide a Psychology Management Plan at the request of the claims manager, or after every 6 treatments where it supports review
Cost of Psychology Under ReturnToWorkSA
ReturnToWorkSA funds psychology sessions at approved scheme rates. eligible approved sessions can be billed directly to the insurer or scheme — your claims agent is billed directly. If you are unsure whether your claim has been approved or treatment has been authorised, contact your claims agent before your first appointment.
Your Rights as an Injured Worker in SA
- 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 have the right to dispute through the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET)
- 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 psychology under ReturnToWorkSA?
Yes. Your GP will provide a Work Capacity Certificate and a referral to a psychologist as part of the claims process.
How many sessions does ReturnToWorkSA cover?
There is no simple fixed session limit for every claim. Sessions continue where they are clinically necessary and approved by the claims agent. A Psychology Management Plan may be requested by the claims manager, or initiated after every 6 treatments where it supports review.
Can I access sessions via telehealth in South Australia?
Yes. Telehealth psychology sessions are available and covered under the ReturnToWorkSA scheme.
What if my SA claim is disputed or rejected?
You can dispute a liability decision through the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET). We recommend seeking advice from a ReturnToWork lawyer promptly.
Return to Work Act 2014 (SA). South Australian Parliament. https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz/c/a/return%20to%20work%20act%202014.aspx
ReturnToWorkSA. (2024). Making a claim: mental injuries. ReturnToWorkSA. https://www.rtwsa.com/claims/making-a-claim
ReturnToWorkSA. (2024). Treating psychology providers. ReturnToWorkSA. https://www.rtwsa.com/service-providers/psychology
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 South Australia?
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