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SIRA Psychology Claim Pocket Guide
NSW Workers Compensation -- 5-step process for accessing funded psychology sessions under SIRA/icare
Who this is for: Workers in NSW who have, or are considering, a psychological injury claim under workers compensation (SIRA/icare). This is a general reference guide, not legal or clinical advice. Information current as at July 2026.
The 5-Step SIRA Psychology Claim Process
| Step | What happens | Who is responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Injury or diagnosis You experience a work-related psychological injury (anxiety, PTSD, depression, or similar) connected to your employment. Report the injury to your employer as soon as practicable. Early reporting protects your claim rights. | You (the worker) Notify your employer in writing where possible. Your employer must record the injury and cannot disadvantage you for making a claim. |
| 2 | GP issues Workers Compensation Medical Certificate (WCMC) Visit your GP as soon as possible after the injury. Your GP issues a Workers Compensation Medical Certificate confirming the diagnosis and its connection to your work. | Your GP The certificate must state: diagnosis, that the condition is work-related, and your capacity for work. Keep a copy for your records. |
| 3 | Claim lodged with insurer or icare Your employer or you lodge a claim with the workers compensation insurer (usually icare for NSW private-sector workers). The insurer must make a provisional liability decision within 7 calendar days and a full liability decision within 21 calendar days. | You or your employer; icare/insurer decides During the provisional period the insurer must fund reasonable and necessary treatment even before the formal decision. If no decision is made within 21 days, the claim is generally treated as accepted. |
| 4 | SIRA-registered psychologist approved as your provider Once liability is accepted (or provisionally accepted), your treating registered psychologist submits an Approved Health Treatment Request (AHTR) to the insurer. The insurer has 21 business days to approve or decline. If no response within 21 business days, treatment is generally taken as approved by default. | Your registered psychologist (treating); insurer decides Your psychologist must hold a SIRA provider number. You have the right to choose your own SIRA-registered psychologist. Fees are set by the SIRA fee schedule (sira.nsw.gov.au) -- no gap fee for approved sessions under direct billing. |
| 5 | Treatment begins Your registered psychologist provides sessions under the approved treatment plan. Sessions are billed directly to the insurer at the SIRA gazetted rate. No out-of-pocket cost for you for approved sessions. Your psychologist submits further AHTRs as sessions continue -- there is no fixed session cap under NSW workers compensation. | Your registered psychologist (delivering care); insurer (funding) Sessions can be in-person or via telehealth (PSY301/PSY302 items). Your insurer, SIRA case manager, and registered psychologist all receive progress reporting. |
Key SIRA Contact Points
Find a SIRA-registered psychologist in Sydney
Browse our directory of registered psychologists who accept workers compensation funding (SIRA/icare). Telehealth available. No gap fee for approved claims.
Tip -- provisional liability: Under the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW), your employer's insurer must accept or dispute liability within 7 calendar days (s267). During that provisional liability period, you can often see a psychologist before formal AHTR approval -- confirm with your psychologist before attending.
Related guides
Find a SIRA-registered psychologist in Sydney
Browse our directory of psychologists who accept workers compensation funding (SIRA/icare). Telehealth available. No gap fee for approved claims.
Browse the directoryFree to use. We are a directory, not a clinical service.