The short answer
WorkCover and psychological injury
If your work caused a mental health condition, you may be able to claim workers' compensation. See a doctor for a certificate of capacity, tell your employer and lodge a claim. Once it's accepted, or early support is approved, the insurer pays your psychologist directly. Rules changed recently in Victoria (2024) and NSW (2026). MeHelp provides WorkCover psychology in every state, by phone or video.
A look inside
From the guide
Making a claim
Four steps
The details vary by state, but most claims follow the same path.
See a doctor
Your GP assesses you and completes a certificate of capacity. In most schemes this must come from a medical practitioner, not a psychologist.
Tell your employer
Report the injury as soon as you can. Your employer notifies their insurer.
Lodge the claim form
Complete your scheme's claim form and attach the certificate. Keep copies of everything.
Start treatment with MeHelp
Ask your insurer to approve psychology with MeHelp. Once approved, send us your claim number and we bill the insurer directly.
The main causes of claims
Common questions
What people ask
Can I claim for stress or burnout?
It depends on your state and the cause. Victoria and NSW now exclude many claims for general work stress, while bullying, harassment and trauma are generally still covered. Check your scheme's rules.
Do I need to pay for psychology while my claim is assessed?
Not always. Several schemes fund early or provisional treatment. Ask your employer's insurer what applies.
Will WorkCover use my Medicare sessions?
No. Approved sessions are paid by the insurer, so your Medicare sessions stay available.
Can I choose my own psychologist?
Usually, yes. Tell your insurer or case manager you'd like to see MeHelp. Once sessions are approved, we bill the insurer directly, so there's nothing for you to pay.
Evidence
Sources we checked
- Key WHS statistics Australia 2026, Safe Work Australia
- Psychological injuries, SIRA NSW
- Workers compensation reform FAQs, icare
- Mental injury eligibility, WorkSafe Victoria
- Provisional payments, WorkSafe Victoria
- Mental injuries, WorkCover Queensland
- Making a claim, WorkCover WA
- Claim FAQs, ReturnToWorkSA
- Medical evidence, Comcare
Last reviewed 21 October 2026 by Phillipa Brown, registered psychologist and founder of MeHelp. This page is general information, not individual advice.
