Not all work stress is covered by insurance—but if your mental health has been directly harmed by something that happened at work, you may be able to get support through WorkCover.
WorkCover is an insurance scheme that helps employees who get injured on the job. Most claims are for physical injuries, but in some cases, psychological injuries are also covered.
Let’s break down what that means—and what’s not included.
What Is a Psychological Injury?
A psychological injury is a diagnosed mental health condition caused directly by something that happened at work. Examples include:
- Adjustment Disorder after a traumatic event at work
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from a violent or distressing incident
- Major Depressive Disorder following bullying or harassment in the workplace
To qualify for WorkCover, your injury must be clearly linked to a specific work-related event. It can’t be caused by general work stress or common job pressures.
What’s Not Covered by WorkCover?
It’s important to know that WorkCover does not cover all mental health concerns. In fact, many claims are rejected when the issue is seen as part of the normal challenges of work life.
Here are some examples of what won’t be covered:
- Everyday stress, burnout, or anxiety not tied to a specific incident
- Mental health issues caused by reasonable management actions—such as being asked to attend a meeting, complete a task, or change teams
- Personal issues or external stressors unrelated to work
Conditions like stress or anxiety are sometimes considered secondary symptoms, not the main injury. Without a diagnosed condition—such as Adjustment Disorder—linked to a specific incident, WorkCover will not provide support.
When Can You Access Psychology Services Through WorkCover?
To access psychological treatment through WorkCover, you must:
- Experience a diagnosable condition that’s directly related to a workplace incident
- See your GP to assess your symptoms and complete a WorkCover certificate of capacity
- Lodge a claim through your employer or WorkSafe
- Receive approval from WorkCover for psychological treatment
Once your claim is accepted, your GP can refer you to a registered psychologist.
At MLA Psychology, we support WorkCover clients with accepted psychological injury claims. Our team uses evidence-based treatments to help you recover and return to work safely, when you’re ready.
What Support Might Be Included?
WorkCover may cover:
- Sessions with a registered psychologist
- A treatment plan for recovery
- Communication with your case manager, GP, or workplace rehabilitation provider
- Reports related to your progress and ability to return to work
Keep in mind: WorkCover is not a shortcut to general counselling. It’s there for people with a specific, diagnosed mental injury caused by their job.
How MLA Psychology Can Help
If your claim is approved, our psychologists can:
- Provide structured therapy sessions under WorkCover
- Help you develop coping skills and recovery strategies
- Work with your medical and return-to-work team
- Offer support with trauma, anxiety, or work-related distress
We approach every case with empathy, professionalism, and confidentiality.
What to Do If You’re Struggling
If your job has affected your mental health, here’s what to do:
- Talk to your GP about what you’re experiencing
- Describe the specific work incident that triggered your symptoms
- Ask if your symptoms may qualify as a WorkCover psychological injury
- If eligible, your GP will help lodge the claim and refer you to a psychologist
Need support after a workplace incident?
At MLA Psychology, we help people recover from psychological injuries linked to their work. If you have an accepted WorkCover claim, we can help you take the next step.
Visit our website or contact us to book an appointment today.
