How to Claim Psychological Services Through iCare Workers Compensation in NSW

Dealing with a psychological injury can be an incredibly challenging experience, both emotionally and mentally. The toll it takes can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of your life. This makes it all the more crucial to seek the support and treatment you need.

Fortunately, if you're in New South Wales and have suffered a psychological injury in the workplace, you're not alone, as mental health claims make up a significant percentage of all workers' compensation claims.

The iCare workers compensation scheme is specifically designed to provide you with the necessary medical and financial support during this difficult period. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of claiming psychological services through iCare.

Step 1: Recognise the Signs

Firstly, it's crucial to identify and acknowledge the psychological symptoms you're experiencing. These symptoms can range from ongoing feelings of stress and anxiety to more severe conditions like PTSD.

Step 2: Consult Your GP

The first official step in making a claim is to consult your General Practitioner (GP). Your GP will provide a diagnosis and may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.

Step 3: Notify Your Employer

You're required to inform your employer about your psychological injury within 30 days of becoming aware of it. This should initiate the claims process with iCare. Complete a Worker's Injury Claim Form detailing the nature and circumstances of your injury.

Step 4: Submit Medical Evidence

Once your GP has diagnosed you, you'll need to submit any medical reports or records supporting your claim. This usually includes an initial diagnosis from your GP and may also involve subsequent assessments by specialists.

Step 5: iCare Assessment

After submitting your documents, iCare will evaluate your claim. This may involve additional medical assessments, interviews, and a review of your employment history and work responsibilities.

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Mental health claims make up a significant percentage of all workers' compensation claims.

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Step 6: Await the Outcome

Once assessed, iCare will make a decision on your claim. If approved, they will cover costs related to your psychological treatment, including consultations with a psychologist, medications, and other related expenses.

Step 7: Finding a Psychologist

If your claim is successful, you can now find a psychologist who can help with your injury and get back on track. Thankfully we've made the workers compensation process straight forward, allowing you to connect with a suitable psychologist or counsellor in just a few easy clicks.

All our therapists are registered, qualified and experienced in getting you back on track. To ensure you find the right therapist for your workers compensation claim, you can book free trial sessions to see how they will work with you over the life of your claim.

Dispute Resolution

Should your claim be denied, you have the option to dispute the decision. This usually involves submitting additional evidence and perhaps undergoing further medical evaluations. In such cases, it's highly advisable to consult a legal expert who specialises in workers compensation claims.

Conclusion

Claiming psychological services through iCare in NSW involves several crucial steps. From recognising your symptoms and consulting healthcare providers to fulfilling iCare's requirements for documentation and assessment, understanding these steps can help make the process more manageable.

Not claiming iCare but are instead based in Queensland? Read more about how to access funded workers' compensation for psychology in our comprehensive WorkCover Queensland psychology guide alternatively, get started with your WorkCover Queensland claim.