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SIRA-Approved Psychologists in NSW: What Approval Means, How to Verify, and Telehealth

Last reviewed: June 2026 • Sources: SIRA NSW, AHPRA, Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW)

If you are navigating a NSW workers compensation claim and have been told you need a "SIRA-approved psychologist", you may be wondering what that actually means—and how it is different from just seeing any registered psychologist. This guide explains the SIRA approval system, why it matters for whether your insurer will fund your sessions, how to verify a provider's approval status, and how telehealth fits into the scheme.

What does SIRA approval mean for a psychologist?

SIRA (the State Insurance Regulatory Authority) is the NSW Government body responsible for regulating the workers compensation scheme. Part of SIRA's role is to maintain a register of approved health providers—including psychologists—who are eligible to provide services under NSW workers compensation claims.

A SIRA-approved psychologist has applied to SIRA, demonstrated they meet the required professional standards, and been issued a SIRA provider number. This provider number is what allows them to:

• Bill sessions directly to an insurer (icare, or a self-insurer) using SIRA billing items
• Submit Allied Health Treatment Requests (AHTRs) and have them considered for funding
• Legally claim payment under the SIRA fee schedule for treating workers with approved claims

Without SIRA approval, a psychologist cannot bill your workers compensation insurer. If you see a psychologist who is not SIRA-approved, any sessions will not be covered by your claim—you may be liable for the full fee, which is typically $200–$300 per session.

SIRA approval vs AHPRA registration: two separate requirements

These are frequently confused. Here is the difference:

Every SIRA-approved psychologist holds current AHPRA registration, but not every AHPRA-registered psychologist is SIRA-approved. This is why you cannot simply book with any psychologist and assume your claim will be funded.

How to check if a psychologist is SIRA-approved

There are two reliable ways to verify SIRA approval:

1. Search the SIRA health provider register

SIRA maintains a publicly searchable register of approved health providers at:

sira.nsw.gov.au/information-search/health-care-providers

You can search by:

• Practitioner name
• Provider number (if you already have it)
• Practice name or suburb
• Profession (select "Psychologist")

The register shows the provider's current approval status, provider number, and practice location. A current status (not lapsed or cancelled) confirms the provider is approved to treat workers compensation claimants.

2. Ask the psychologist directly

Any psychologist who regularly treats workers compensation claimants will know their SIRA provider number immediately. Before committing to start treatment, ask: "Are you SIRA-approved for workers compensation psychology, and what is your SIRA provider number?" A current provider number (confirmed on the register) is the authoritative check.

What does a psychologist need to do to get SIRA approval?

Psychologists applying for SIRA provider approval must meet requirements set by SIRA, which currently include:

• Current AHPRA registration (Psychology Board of Australia)
• General insurance registration (held by most practicing psychologists)
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Agreement to abide by the SIRA Clinical Framework for the delivery of health services, which sets evidence-based principles for workers compensation treatment
• Completing required SIRA orientation/induction (which covers the SIRA Clinical Framework, return-to-work principles, and AHTR requirements)

The SIRA approval process is separate from, and additional to, any Medicare provider number. A SIRA-approved psychologist will typically hold both AHPRA registration and a Medicare provider number, as well as their SIRA provider number.

Note that SIRA approval requirements may change. For current requirements, see sira.nsw.gov.au.

Telehealth under the SIRA scheme: how it works

Telehealth psychology is a full-status option under NSW workers compensation. SIRA created dedicated billing items for telehealth to reflect the shift in how psychology is delivered, and telehealth sessions are funded at the same gazetted rate as equivalent in-person sessions.

The telehealth billing items

SIRA psychology telehealth billing items as of 1 February 2026:

Does the psychologist need to note telehealth in the AHTR?

Yes. When submitting the Allied Health Treatment Request, your treating psychologist should specify that sessions will be delivered via telehealth. This is not a barrier—telehealth is a routine delivery mode—but it does need to be documented. Some insurers may request a brief clinical justification for telehealth (for example: the patient has difficulty travelling due to the nature of the injury, or telehealth is clinically appropriate given the patient's presentation). In practice, this is rarely an obstacle.

Why telehealth expands your options under SIRA

One of the practical advantages of SIRA-funded telehealth is that you are not limited to SIRA-approved psychologists within easy commuting distance of your home or workplace. A SIRA-approved psychologist practising anywhere in NSW can treat you via telehealth. This matters because the number of SIRA-approved psychologists who specifically specialise in workers compensation presentations (and understand the AHTR process, SIRA Clinical Framework, return-to-work goals, and IME reporting) is not large. Telehealth means you can access the best-suited practitioner for your claim rather than the nearest one.

See our directory of SIRA-approved psychologists in Sydney—all listed practitioners offer telehealth.

What to ask a SIRA-approved psychologist before starting

Once you have confirmed a practitioner is SIRA-approved, consider asking:

• "How many workers compensation clients do you currently treat?"—experience with the SIRA system matters. A psychologist who does this regularly will understand the AHTR process, the SIRA Clinical Framework, and return-to-work planning.
• "Are you familiar with writing AHTRs and IMR reports?"—the AHTR is what gets your sessions funded. If a psychologist is unfamiliar with the process, there may be delays or denials.
• "Have you worked with presentations like mine before?"—workers comp psychological injuries range from adjustment disorders to complex PTSD, bullying/harassment, and traumatic injury. Not all SIRA-approved psychologists have equal experience across these presentations.
• "How do you structure your return-to-work planning?"—the SIRA Clinical Framework requires treating providers to actively facilitate recovery and return to work where appropriate. A practitioner experienced in workers comp will have a clear approach to this.

For a full guide to choosing the right psychologist for your claim, see our choosing guide.

Frequently asked questions