No gap fees for approved claims. Under NSW workers compensation, psychology sessions with a SIRA-approved psychologist are billed directly to your insurer (icare or self-insurer). For insurer-approved sessions, there is typically no out-of-pocket cost to you. Full explanation →

WorkCover and workers compensation: same system. Many people still search for "WorkCover psychologist" when looking for help after a workplace injury. In NSW, WorkCover was replaced in 2015 by icare (the insurer) and SIRA (the regulator). The scheme is now formally called workers compensation, but the underlying support (including funded psychology sessions) works the same way. If you are looking for a WorkCover psychologist in Sydney, you are in the right place. More on WorkCover vs workers compensation →

How the Pathway Works

If you have a workplace injury claim in NSW, here is how you access psychology support, including via telehealth:

  1. Report your injury and see your GP

    Report the injury to your employer (in writing if possible). See your regular GP as soon as you can. Your GP will issue a workers compensation certificate of capacity and can refer you to a psychologist.

  2. Get a psychology referral from your GP

    Ask your GP specifically for a referral to a SIRA-approved psychologist. Note: this is a workers compensation referral, not a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan. It works differently.

  3. Contact a SIRA-approved psychologist

    You do not need insurer pre-approval for your first session in most cases. You can book directly with a SIRA-approved psychologist (including via telehealth) and they will guide you through the rest.

  4. Your psychologist submits a treatment request (AHTR)

    After your initial assessment, your psychologist will submit an Application for Health Treatment Request (AHTR) to your insurer, outlining the recommended treatment and number of sessions.

  5. Sessions approved and funded

    Once the AHTR is approved, sessions are billed directly to your insurer at the SIRA gazetted rate. You pay nothing for approved sessions. Telehealth sessions are billed at the same rate as in-person sessions (PSY301/PSY302).

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Is Telehealth Available Under Workers Comp?

Yes. Telehealth psychology sessions are available under NSW workers compensation. SIRA billing items PSY301 (initial telehealth) and PSY302 (subsequent telehealth) are equivalent to in-person sessions and are billed at the same gazetted rates.

Telehealth is particularly valuable for workers whose physical injury makes travel difficult, or for those in Greater Sydney suburbs where face-to-face availability is limited.

Note: Telehealth under workers comp requires insurer consent and, in some cases, explicit pre-approval for ongoing telehealth delivery. Your psychologist will handle this as part of the AHTR process. More on telehealth under workers comp →

What Is the Cost?

Session type Who pays Worker's cost
Insurer-approved sessions (AHTR approved) Insurer (icare / self-insurer) $0 (no gap fee)
First session (before AHTR approval) Typically insurer; confirm with your psychologist before attending Usually $0; varies by practice
Sessions not covered by approved claim Worker directly or Medicare (if MHTP obtained) Standard fee or Medicare rebate applies

SIRA gazetted rates effective 1 February 2026 (indexed 4.57%). Source: SIRA NSW.

What Is a SIRA-Approved Psychologist?

To provide psychology services under NSW workers compensation, a practitioner must hold:

  • General registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
  • A SIRA provider number, issued by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority

Not every psychologist is SIRA-approved. This directory only lists psychologists who hold a current SIRA provider number and are accepting workers compensation clients via telehealth in Sydney. You can search SIRA's provider register directly to verify a practitioner's approval.

Common Questions

Do I need a GP referral to see a psychologist under workers comp?

Yes. Your GP needs to issue a workers compensation certificate of capacity and a referral to psychology services. This is separate from a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan. See your usual GP or any GP.

Can I see a psychologist before my claim is approved?

In many cases, yes. The initial session can proceed before formal AHTR approval, as the psychologist submits the treatment request after the assessment. Confirm with your chosen psychologist, as practices vary.

How many psychology sessions am I entitled to?

Session limits depend on your diagnosis and recovery plan, and are determined by your insurer based on your psychologist's recommendations. Typical guidance: 8 to 16 sessions for adjustment disorders, 16 to 24 for trauma/PTSD, with further sessions possible for complex presentations. There is no hard cap equivalent to Medicare's 10-session limit. More detail →

What if I want to see a specific psychologist who is not SIRA-approved?

They would need to apply for a SIRA provider number before billing your workers comp insurer. Alternatively, you may be able to see them privately and claim through Medicare (if you also have a MHTP) or your private health fund, subject to your insurer's position.

Is this the same as finding a "WorkCover psychologist" in Sydney?

Yes. "WorkCover" was the name of the NSW workers compensation authority until 2015, when it was replaced by icare (the insurer) and SIRA (the regulator). The scheme is now called NSW workers compensation, but the everyday term "WorkCover" is still widely used to mean the same thing. A WorkCover psychologist in NSW is a SIRA-approved psychologist who accepts workers compensation claims. More detail on the WorkCover/workers comp terminology →

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