WorkCover Psychology Western Australia
WorkCover WA funds psychology sessions for injured workers under WA’s modernised 2024 scheme. No waitlist. Direct billing may be available for eligible approved claims. Telehealth statewide.
Direct Billing for Approved Claims
For eligible approved sessions, we bill your insurer or scheme directly at approved rates.
Psychology Under WorkCover WA
Western Australia’s workers compensation scheme is governed by the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023, which came into operation on 1 July 2024 — bringing significant improvements to how psychological injuries are managed. Claims are handled by licensed private insurers regulated by WorkCover WA.
The Talk Shop provides WorkCover-funded psychology via telehealth to workers across Western Australia. We are AHPRA-registered and bill your insurer directly.
Eligibility for a Psychological Injury Claim in WA
Under the 2023 Act, a psychological or psychiatric condition is compensable if employment contributed to a significant degree to the condition. You need to show:
- You are a covered worker under the WA scheme
- You have sustained a diagnosable psychiatric condition
- Employment contributed to a significant degree to your injury
- Your injury is not excluded by the reasonable formal administrative action provisions
Reasonable administrative action exclusion
The exclusion applies where a psychological injury arose wholly or predominantly from a defined employer administrative action — such as a performance appraisal, disciplinary action, suspension, demotion, or dismissal — carried out in a reasonable manner. The exclusion does not apply where the employer’s conduct involved bullying, harassment, or was carried out unreasonably.
Provisional Payments: Treatment While Your Claim Is Assessed
You don’t have to wait for a full liability decision
- Your insurer must issue a liability decision or deferred notice within 14 days of receiving your claim
- If a deferred decision is issued, provisional payments covering medical treatment (including psychology) commence from day 28
- If no decision is made within 120 days, liability is deemed accepted
This may allow some workers to access funded psychology while a claim is being assessed, but approval depends on the claim and insurer decision.
How to Access Psychology Under WorkCover WA
- See your GP — obtain medical certification confirming your psychological injury
- Lodge your claim — with your employer’s insurer
- Confirm liability or provisional payments — ask the insurer whether psychology treatment is approved
- 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 insurer
Your Rights as an Injured Worker in WA
- You have a statutory right to choose your own treating psychologist
- All AHPRA-registered psychologists are accepted providers (expanded in 2024)
- Your employer and insurer cannot access clinical records without consent
- If your claim is rejected, you can dispute through the Workers Compensation Conciliation Service
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 for WorkCover psychology in WA?
Yes. Your GP or treating medical practitioner provides initial certification and a referral to a psychologist as part of the claims process.
How many psychology sessions does WorkCover WA cover?
There is no fixed session limit. Your first sessions can proceed without a formal treatment plan, and ongoing sessions are funded based on clinically justified treatment plans approved by your insurer.
Can I access psychology via telehealth under WorkCover WA?
Yes. Telehealth is covered at the same approved rates as face-to-face sessions.
What changed under WA's new Workers Compensation Act?
The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023, which took effect 1 July 2024, introduced stronger worker protections — including a clearer provisional payment system, all AHPRA-registered psychologists now accepted as providers, and higher medical expense caps. Workers who lodged claims before 1 July 2024 may remain on the previous scheme.
Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA). State Law Publisher WA. https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/law_a147517.html
WorkCover WA. (2024). Workers compensation: a guide for workers. WorkCover Western Australia. https://www.workcover.wa.gov.au/workers/
WorkCover WA. (2024). Provisional payments. WorkCover Western Australia. https://www.workcover.wa.gov.au/workers/claiming-compensation/provisional-payments/
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 Western 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