Our WorkCover psychologists have availability now for immediate and ongoing support.
Eligibility for WorkCover Psychology Services
At True North Psychology, our practitioners use trauma informed and evidence based practice to support workers recovering from workplace injury, trauma or work-related mental health concerns. Our team work with WorkCover Queensland, GPs and case managers to help you access treatment, develop a structured recovery plan and support a safe and sustainable return to work.
We welcome WorkCover referrals and tailor all treatment to your individual recovery goals, work context and personal circumstance.
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Once you have your Work Capacity Certificate and have lodged a claim with WorkCover Qld, they will confirm with you how many sessions you are able to receive while your claim is being assessed or pending.
What is a psychological injury?
A work-related psychological injury is a condition that affects your thoughts, mood or behaviour as a result of your job or your work environment.
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Psychological injuries can develop suddenly after a single incident, or gradually over time due to cumulative stress. These injuries may arise from:
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Exposure to a traumatic event in the workplace;
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Witnessing a distressing incident at work;
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Ongoing workplace stressors (such as high job demands); or
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Bullying, harassment or interpersonal conflict.
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See here for more information from WorkCover Qld about mental injuries in the workplace.
Our evidence-based treatment
WorkCover supports treatment for a range of psychological injuries and conditions, and our psychologists can support you with the following:
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
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Anxiety disorders;
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Depression;
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Adjustment disorders;
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Workplace trauma; and
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Psychological injury related to workplace conflict or bullying.
How do I access early support for my mental injury?
Thinking about making a WorkCover claim?
How do I access psychology services using my WorkCover Qld claim?
Accessing psychology services through WorkCover Qld is a straightforward process, and typically involves the following steps:
1. Lodge a WorkCover Claim
You will need to submit a claim with WorkCover Queensland following your injury. To do so, you will typically need:
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A Work Capacity Certificate completed by your GP; and
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Details about your workplace injury or experience.
Once your claim has been accepted, or is being assessed and is pending, WorkCover Queensland will approve an initial number of sessions.
2. Contact Our Clinic:
Once you have a WorkCover claim number, contact our reception team to arrange an appointment with one of our WorkCover psychologists. We will help match you with a psychologist best suited to support you.
3. Confirm Your Details
To get started, our reception team may ask you for:
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Your WorkCover claim number;
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Your case manager’s contact details;
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A copy of your Work Capacity Certificate; and
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Your consent for us to communicate with your case manager to support your care.
4. Begin Your Treatment
At your initial session, your psychologist will:
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Conduct a comprehensive initial assessment;
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Understand your workplace experience and current concerns;
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Collaborate with you to set meaningful recovery goals; and
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Develop a structured, evidence based treatment plan.
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Where appropriate, we also support:
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Safe return to work planning;
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Communication with your GP and case manager; and
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Ongoing review reports as required by WorkCover.
How to Refer a Patient (for GP's)
We welcome referrals from GPs for patients with work related psychological injuries. To refer a patient:
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Complete a Work Capacity Certificate indicating a psychological injury;
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Encourage the patient to lodge a WorkCover Queensland claim;
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Include relevant clinical information to support the claim; and
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Recommend psychological treatment as part of the recovery plan.
Once the claim is lodged, patients (or practices) can contact us directly to arrange an appointment. With the patient’s consent, we are happy to:
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Provide progress updates;
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Collaborate on safe return to work planning; and
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Supply reports required by WorkCover Queensland.
Completing a Work Capacity Certificate
According to WorkCover Qld, a work capacity certificate helps WorkCover Queensland (or a self-insurer) decide and manage workers' compensation claims and can be submitted online by a medical practitioner on behalf of an injured worker.
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GP's are able to access the certificate template and lodge the form online. You can do this here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my psychology sessions be covered?
If your claim is accepted, WorkCover Queensland typically covers the cost of psychological treatment, meaning there is typically no out-of-pocket expense.
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP is typically involved in completing your Work Capacity Certificate when lodging your claim. Your GP or case manager may also recommend a psychologist.
Can I start therapy while my claim is being assessed?
Yes. In many cases, early intervention is supported, and provisional approval for treatment may be provided while your claim is under review.
How many sessions will I receive?
WorkCover typically approves an initial block of up to 6 sessions. If further treatment is clinically required, your psychologist will submit a request for additional sessions.
Can I choose my own WorkCover psychologist?
Yes. In most cases, you can absolutely choose your preferred psychologist, provided they are registered with WorkCover. You are not required to see a psychologist chosen by your employer.
How long does a WorkCover psychological injury claim take to be approved?
Timeframes can vary depending on the complexity of your claim and the information provided. In some cases, provisional approval for treatment may be granted while your claim is being assessed.
What if my WorkCover claim is rejected?
If your claim is not accepted, you are still able to access psychological support through other pathways, such as a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. You may also have the option to seek a review of the decision through WorkCover Queensland, and you will not have to pay back the sessions you have already attended.
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Does WorkCover pay for cancellations?
No, WorkCover Qld only pays for attended appointments. Please review our cancellation policy - if you cancel with less than 24hrs notice, you will be required to pay the full fee of the appointment and will be out of pocket.
Do I need a diagnosis to start a WorkCover claim?
A formal diagnosis is not required at the very beginning, but your GP will document your symptoms to complete a Work Capacity Certificate. A psychologist may later provide further assessment and diagnostic clarification as part of your treatment.
Can I see a psychologist before lodging a WorkCover claim?
Yes. You can absolutely seek support before lodging a claim. However, for sessions to be funding by WorkCover Queensland, you will need an approved claim or provisional approval.
What is a Work Capacity Certificate?
A Work Capacity Certificate is a document completed by your GP that outlines your injury, capacity for work and recommended treatment. It is a key part of the WorkCover Queensland claims process and is required to access funded treatment.
Will my employer be told about my injury?
Your employer will typically be notified that a WorkCover claim has been lodged, but medical details are handled with confidentiality. Only relevant information necessary for managing your claim and return to work is shared.
Can my psychologist communicate with my GP and WorkCover case manager?
Yes. With your consent, your psychologist can communicate with your GP and WorkCover case manager. This helps ensure your treatment, recovery plan and safe return to work are aligned with your goals.
What happens if I need more sessions?
If additional sessions are required, your psychologist will submit a request to WorkCover Queensland outlining your progress and ongoing treatment needs.
Can I return to work while seeing a psychologist?
Yes. In many cases, returning to work (even in a modified or gradual capacity) is part of recovery. Your psychologist will support you and your care team in planning a safe and sustainable return to work.
Are Telehealth sessions covered by WorkCover Queensland?
Yes. Telehealth sessions are covered by WorkCover Queensland. We have several clinicians who can assist you with support on a telehealth-only basis.
What should I expect from my first psychology session?
Your first session will focus on understanding you, your workplace experience, your current symptoms and your recovery goals. From there, your psychologist will support you in developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
